Sushi in the sky …. Heaven! If you’re looking for a hedonistic sushi party, then Sushi Samba is the place to dance the night away. Fancy a calm, tranquil getaway in the clouds? There’s no better place than Endo.
On a first date and wanting to spice it up with a theatre performance where the actors are…. Chefs? Benihana is the show, (sorry, restaurant), to attend. Have a *RICE* dinner and fingers crossed for finding your SOY-mate.
Now, all this sushi writing is MAKI-ng MISO hungry… Sorry, I’m on a ROLL with these puns. Anyway, scroll down for my bucket list, and let me know your sushi favourites! Japanese is my favourite cuisine, so I’d love to know your recommendations. Lots of love, Jo xoxo
ENDO at THE ROTUNDA, WHITE CITY [1 MICHELIN STAR]
Food critic Giles Coren has sung his praises: “The most perfect meal I have eaten in a restaurant in more than 20 years as a food critic.” Indeed, Endo has a golden Michelin star to its name.
Located in the former BBC TV centre, Endo will have you dining in the clouds. The elegant white cloud sculpture above the dining space creates a calming atmosphere. Unlike Sushi Samba, which his more of a hedonistic “sushi party in the clouds”, Endo is a calm and tranquil “sushi p ~ a ~ r ~ a ~ d ~ i ~ s ~ e in the clouds”.
THE ARAKI [3 MICHELIN STARS]
Dine front row and watch Chef Mitsuhiro Arak work his magic (or should I say maki-gic)? With only a 9 seat cover, you can be sure you will be treated like royalty at this elusive sushi hidden gem.
NOBU
Founded in NYC in 1994, and debuting it London in 1997, Nobu has become a world-renowned name in the foodie scene. Chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa and fellow co-founder Robert DeNiro’s honeypot has attracted the A list from Elton John to Kylie Jenner to Kanye to Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Nobu is The Place To Be Seen,
Nobu also now serve cute lunchtime bento boxes, which include their famous miso black cod. It’s the perfect mid-week lunch pick me up!
STICKS N SUSHI
With branches across London and the UK, Sticks’n’Sushi, or more colloquially “Sticks” brings fine sushi to the broader market. It’s the sushi-equivalent to The Ivy. Founded by brothers Kim and Jens in 1994 in Copenhagen, Sticks now has several outposts in Copenhagen and Germany. Also, aside, seems like 1994 was *the* turning point in sushi history (see Nobu, above).
BENIHANA
First date? Craving Japanese food but also want to keep it fun and not too formal? Benihana is your best bet. Each island has their personal chef preparing food before their eyes. Flinging prawns and flipping the tails into their pockets, this is as much of a theatrical performance as it is an insight into the ‘behind the scenes’ of what goes on in the restaurant’s kitchens.
Many open plan kitchen restaurant concepts give diners a “looking through a glass window” snoop into the kitchen, the chefs “oblivious” to guest’s peppering. Not at Benihana though. The chefs know they are on stage and take the limelight and they *will* milk it. It’s an experience for sure, and a must on everyone’s experiential dining bucket list.
SUSHI SAMBA
Located on the 38th and 39th floor of the Heron Tower, and boasting breathtaking views of the London skyline, Sushi Samba will send hearts racing. The high speed glass lift whisks you away high in the sky to an orange heaven,
Sushi Samba also have another branch in Covent Garden.. And, if you’re escaping the cold winter weather and heading to Dubai later this year, then no fear, Sushi Samba’s Dubai branch is as equally as stunning.
ZUMA
Founded by chef Becker and businessman Waney in 2002, Zuma brings opulence and elegance to Knightsbridge in the form of world-renowned sushi and dining. Becker also consulted in Alan Yau’s Hakkasan, before opening his own, Zuma. With restaurants in Miami, New York, and Rome, Zuma has a strong presence globally.
ROKA
From Amal Clooney to Princess Beatrice to Russell Brand, Roka has welcomed the social set across the years… it really is the place to be seen. Upstairs in the Charlotte Street location you will find seating encircling a large open robata grill, inviting you to truly immerse yourself in the sushi experience. Founded by chef Becker, Roka’s sister restaurants include older sister Zuma and Oblix (in the Shard).
SEXY FISH
This glamorous Mayfair restaurant boasts an iconic interior, designed by Martin Brudnizki. The man behind Annabel’s, Selfridge’s Brasserie of Light, and The Ivy, you can be sure that the interior is just as exquisite. A shining silver crocodile sculpture adds opulence and grandeur. Be mesmerised by Damien Hirst’s bronze mermaids and also make sure to … Look Up! – and see a beautiful ceiling mural designed by Vanity Fair’s Michael Roberts!
DININGS SW3
Executive Chef Masaki Sugisaki has curated a Japanese menu with a European twist – enjoy hot tapas, cold tapas and extensive sashimi and sushi selection.
BUCKET LIST
A few more to add to your bucket list! Let me know what else I should add.
- Chisou
- Bright, light and airy and with a menu boasting more than 40 types of Sake
- Sumi, Notting Hill
- Takahashi, Wimbledon
- Run by husband and wife duo, who gained extensive sushi experience working at Nobu, Takahasi has a Mediterranean twist – think sushi TAPAS!
- SushiAtelier, Fitzrovia
- Sister restaurant to Chisou, but has more of a relaxed ambiance
