Inamo @ Covent Garden

Inamo was chosen as something novel, different and a little more cost-effective, and the interactive iPad tables certainly delivered on the first two promises. On a scorching summer evening, the casual dress code felt oddly confusing, while the downstairs bar was initially unattended until a little negotiation secured drinks there first. The bartender was funny and excellent, and the frozen slushed Kirin beer became an early highlight. Upstairs, the tables offered multiplayer ping pong, memory games, a chef cam and sketching. It felt more like a family market than fine dining, which is exactly what made it different.

The iPad ordering system brought its own chaos, including one diner who ordered his entire meal at once. Still, the food was consistently good. Sushi came on a slate, prawn tempura and chicken satays were enjoyable, and the mango pork belly, Korean wings, spicy aubergine and yakitori all found supporters. Yakitori and sushi were the favourites. Three portions of duck with pancakes were tasty, though not the crispest, and the disappointing wine list made pairing less exciting. Mains were more chaotic: pork chop with yakiniku sauce drew rave reviews, while bavette, hot-stone fillets that cooled too quickly, black cod and Singapore noodles landed with varying success.

Service became poor as the restaurant emptied, but chocolate popping-candy dipping sticks with strawberries, brownies and marshmallows were a sweet winner. Inamo is not trying to be a Michelin-starred alternative, and judging it as one would be unfair. At 34, it is a fun choice for families and a genuinely novel one for diners who want a meal with games, technology and a little disorder built in.