Latest news with #Omakase


Forbes
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
10 Of The Best Japanese Restaurants In London
London is a haven for Japanese food lovers, offering everything from Michelin-starred dining experiences to cozy izakayas and late-night noodle spots. Whether you're in Soho, Mayfair, or Knightsbridge, the city serves up a diverse range of Japanese restaurants that cater to every palate and budget. Scallops at Taku, an Omakase in Mayfair, London Taku A visit to Taku, a 16-seat Michelin star Omakase ('I'll leave it up to the chef') restaurant in Mayfair is a special experience. Brothers Geoff and Lucas Leong, who have been bringing East Asian cuisine to London for the past four decades, are behind this innovative gem. Successful ventures have proceeded Taku including Dumplings Legend in Chinatown and Koi Kensington. They're clearly doing something right at Taku having achieved a Michelin star in just four months after opening in 2023. The Head Chef Long Ng and Head Sushi Chef John Park trained under Chef Takuya (Taku) Watanabe, the founder and Chef Patron of Jin Paris, who made history by establishing the first Omakase restaurant in Paris to receive a Michelin star. The Omakase lunch at Taku is 17 courses (£180); dinner is 22 courses (£380). Wine pairing is available at an extra cost. Blue native lobster sushi and Smoked Mackerel with tomatoes and Sambaizu Jelly were highlights on recent menus. Rock Shrimp Tempura at Roka, London Rusne Draz Japanese robatayaki restaurant, Roka is celebrating 20 years since it first opened on Charlotte Street and it's no surprise that it's one of London's favorite Japanese restaurants. The presentation, service and food is indeed stellar. Deservedly popular dishes include: salmon tataki with shiso yuzu chilli dressing; yellowtail maki with chives and miso aioli; grilled pork belly with hoisin and pickled apple and for dessert, peanut, vanilla and chocolate sundae with poki sticks and banana tempura. Bar Des Prés, Mayfair Bar Des Prés Looking more like a chic Parisian bistro than a Japanese restaurant, Bar Des Prés is probably one of the best kept secrets in London for excellent sushi. As Chef Cyril Lignac's first venture outside of Paris, the restaurant has an eclectic French/Asian menu. Sushi choices are extensive and deliciouswith newly introduced seasonal crispy maki rolls. Chef Lignac is owner and chef of Le Quinzième (1 Michelin star), Le Chardenoux , a Parisian bistro located and two pastry shops. Jang in the Royal Exchange, the City, London Jang East Asian restaurant Jang has a 1920s glamor with a lavish interior and views over the stunning courtyard of the Royal Exchange. Each piece of delicate nigiri, maki and sashimi is meticulously prepared. The Head chef, Dana Choi is actually Korean so she has also introduced dishes from her home country. With extensive experience in both Michelin-star and renowned Korean restaurants in London, including her most recent roles at Jinjuu with Judy Joo and as Executive Chef at Seoul Bird, Chef Choi brings a wealth of expertise to her craft. Her creations offer a contemporary twist on traditional dishes, expertly balancing textures and flavors to evoke the essence of both Korean and Japanese cuisines. Mayfair Niju, Mayfair, London Niju One of 2024's top London openings, NIJŪ offers guests a decadent Japanese dining experience. Under the guidance of third-generation sushi master Chef Endo Kazutoshi, NIJŪ's skilled chefs offer Japanese home-cooked dining through its Katei Ryōri concept, creating traditional Japanese dishes with the finest ingredients. finest grade Sushi, Nigiri, Sashimi, and the best selection of Wagyu and Kobe beef prepared on the Konro grill. By Taku, Hampstead Ine, Hampstead, London Ine From the team behind Michelin-starred Taku Mayfair is the wonderful Ine Omakase restaurant in Hampstead. Ine, meaning rice in Japanese, offers premium sushi, a contemporary Japanese a la carte menu and a 15-course Omakase menu, with specialty sakes and wines. Highlights from the a la carte menu include: lobster with cauliflower and sudachi jelly; grilled Iberico pork; Wagyu beef katsu sando and grilled Yuan chicken. Available on both the omakase and a la carte menus is daily changing, fresh sashimi including Toro, Akami, Hamachi, Salmon and Saba. The chic, minimalist design complements the well-thought out menus. by Endo, OWO, Whitehall Kioku Restaurant Bar at OWO, London OWO Chef Endo Kazutoshi's takeover of a corner of the former Old War Office (OWO), now a Raffles hotel, is one of the best aspects of this spectacular hotel. Kioku by Endo includes a cute sake bar that just launched a wonderful 'standing sushi' experience. Apparently this is a tradition that goes back to the Edo Period. The exquisite ten-course standing menu was created by Executive Chef George Gkoregias and Head Sushi Chef Shibata Takehito. Food is complemented by drinks from the Kioku Sake Bar, which has the largest sake list in the capital. Upstairs, Chef Kazutoshi's lovely restaurant serves a menu that includes the chef's signature Nigiri and Sashimi, alongside a selection of seasonal dishes like Ox cheek agnolotti, white crab, tagliolini, brown crab miso and shiso butter and a miso kasutādo French toast. The restaurant has a wonderful outdoor terrace with great views over London and a really special private dining room in one of the rooftop turrets. Kanesaka, Mayfair at 45 Park Lane 45 Park Lane Another Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant is Sushi Kanesaka at 45 Park Lane hotel. The intimate and traditional 13-seat Omakase restaurant by Chef, Shinji Kanesaka (of Tokyo's two Michelin starred Sushi Kanesaka) is one of London's hottest tickets so do book in advance. Accessed through a discrete doorway beside the bar this is Omakase dining at its finest. Soho Himi, Soho Himi At Himi, husband-and-wife chef duo Tamas and Tomoko offer their homage to the drinking and dining dens of Tokyo and Osaka. Menus change seasonally and feature classic Izakaya dishes recreated with local ingredients. Expect favorites like kara-age, tempura, salads and ochazuke. Food is served Izakaya-style—designed for sharing and enjoying with your dining companions. Mayfair Pirana, Mayfair, London Pirana This slick Mayfair establishment has a nightclub vibe, thanks to its opulent interiors and live DJs. The party atmosphere at Pirana is just a backdrop for the main act though, an excellent Japanese/Peruvian fusion (Nikkei) menu. Menu highlights include rock shrimp tempura; spicy tuna aji panca; and sashimi that includes salmon, seabass and yellowtail.


Vogue
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Vogue
One Sushi Park Trip, Two Pant Changes for Kendall Jenner
It's a long, hot summer, until it's not. And Kendall Jenner has a seasonal wardrobe she wants to make use of. The model was photographed arriving for dinner with friends at the West Hollywood strip mall sushi joint of celebrity choice, Sushi Park. (The spot has welcomed regulars from Selena Gomez to Hailey Bieber multiple times this summer—the $400 Omakase must be that good). On arrival, she wore a black bateau neck sleeveless top and a black sweater tied around her shoulders, white silk straight-leg pants, and black criss-cross open-toed mule sandals. As usual, she added an angular brown shoulder bag from The Row. She kept her hair in her usual middle part, loose and relaxed, with minimal makeup and jewelry save for a dainty gold bracelet. So far, so summer. Photo: Backgrid Later, Jenner was photographed again leaving the restaurant, toting a leftover bottle of wine. She had shed the sweater, but also seemed to have swapped her set of pants in favor of some black capris. Because what's a girl to do when you've more summer trends to tick off than you have nights out on the town? Or when you've dropped a piece of crab roll on your pants. Capris have loomed large this summer—usually worn Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina-esque with a boatneck top or flowing, breezy shirt, little mules or kitten heels that make a failsafe fit that's sleek and elegant, day or night. It's an outfit formula regularly employed by Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber. While the capri length can cause some division, the white pant is unarguably a timeless summer staple. Hitting both in one night? A straight 10. Photo: Backgrid AKGS Photo: Backgrid The Kendall Jenner summer school of style has steadily been banking the season's buzziest trends: Sheer dresses and polka dots on the beach, the Gen-X boot and jean tuck, the 'tomato girl' aesthetic of summer's yore even in the mix. Always, of course, with a piece from The Row: a Marlo tote, the Cecily top-handle, or the cult original Margaux bag—and sometimes, the flip-flop du jour. The days are already getting shorter, the nights chillier, but rest assured Kendall Jenner has all the summer looks on lock she'll make time for.


Tatler Asia
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Personalisation, exclusive experiences and the new role of cuisine in the hospitality industry
Oku: opening the senses Oku is the heart of Regent Phu Quoc's culinary vision, a sensorial journey where creativity is the secret ingredient and flavour is elevated to art. The concept presents a distinctive take on Vietnamese cuisine, drawing from the refinement of the French-style Salon de Boeuf and the precision of the Japanese Omakase Atelier . The result is an extraordinary fusion that invites diners to explore something entirely original. Above The space at Oku is perfect for savouring sashimi (photo: Regent Phu Quoc) Above Salon de Boeuf, where premium cuts are showcased and prepared to order (photo: Regent Phu Quoc) A modern interpretation of classic brasserie elegance, Oku's menu blends Japanese finesse with French indulgence, where refined ingredients and honest flavours come together in a rich culinary narrative. Under the skilled hands of its chefs, every dish is an emotional expression, rooted in experience and driven by passion. This summer, the restaurant is offering 20 per cent off its Omakase menu, à la carte dishes and non-alcoholic beverages (for bills from VND2,500,000), as part of the Sizzling Summer Perks programme. Above Under the skilled hands of its chefs, every dish is an emotional expression, rooted in experience and driven by passion (photo: Regent Phu Quoc) Above Under the skilled hands of its chefs, every dish is an emotional expression, rooted in experience and driven by passion (photo: Regent Phu Quoc) Ember & Sip: where aroma and taste meet When in Hoi An, gourmands are greeted by Ember & Sip with the lively flavours of a youthful, creative barbecue culture, set against the charm of the ancient town and the pulse of spontaneous music. Tucked on the ground floor of Wing 2 at Moire Hoi An Hotel, part of the Vignette Collection, Ember & Sip sits beside the pool, framed by a breezy, open-air setting. Here, guests can stretch out on vibrant beanbags by the water's edge, evoking the laid-back feel of a backyard barbecue in the heart of a coastal getaway. See also: Food fermentation in Asia: a culinary atlas of pickles, pastes and probiotics Above Consistently recognised by Wine Spectator and Asia's Luxury Steakhouse, Ember & Sip presents a variety of dining experiences this summer (photo: Ember & Sip) The food at Ember & Sip Hoi An is a spirited blend of American grilling techniques and bold Asian flavours, with a special nod to Korea. Signature dishes include smoky Cu Lao shrimp, tender pork ribs glazed with rich sauce, US Black Angus Tomahawk steak, and perfectly cooked Cua Dai squid, each one retaining its natural sweetness. Prepared fresh on-site, the dishes release an irresistible aroma. Expertly grilled, the meats are succulent, flavourful, and surprisingly light. For those seeking indulgence, the restaurant is offering a 'buy 1 get 1 free' Tomahawk Steak promotion for bills of US$400 or more. Above Smoky, subtly spicy, savoury and sweet, each slice becomes a harmonious composition of flavours (photo: Ember & Sip) Above Smoky, subtly spicy, savoury and sweet, each slice becomes a harmonious composition of flavours (photo: Ember & Sip) There's also a playful take on pizzas, fusing Asian and European inspiration. Bulgogi and Cu Lao seafood toppings offer a fresh twist, balancing freedom of expression with refined technique. Smoky, subtly spicy, savoury and sweet, each slice becomes a harmonious composition of flavours, capturing the distinctive essence of Ember & Sip in the heart of Hoi An. Stellar Steakhouse: the art of culinary sublimation In Hanoi, Stellar Steakhouse has become a benchmark for luxurious dining in the capital, a place where dry-aged beef, a carefully curated wine cellar and a refined lounge come together to create a contemporary European experience. Above Each cut is cooked to showcase its caramelised crust and tender, juicy centre (photo: Stellar Steakhouse) Above Each cut is cooked to showcase its caramelised crust and tender, juicy centre (photo: Stellar Steakhouse) At Stellar Steakhouse, fine food is just part of the experience. Guests can witness their ingredients prepared with precision in a sophisticated setting that promises an unforgettable culinary journey. From Wagyu tenderloin and Black Angus to Josper-grilled Tomahawk steak, each cut is cooked to showcase its caramelised crust and tender, juicy centre—flavours that linger long after the last bite. Above Stellar also delights with an elegant seafood menu (photo: Stellar Steakhouse) Above Stellar also delights with an elegant seafood menu (photo: Stellar Steakhouse) But the experience extends beyond steak. Stellar also delights with an elegant seafood menu: Atlantic scallops, French oysters, lobsters, Patagonian fish and Japanese abalone all bring depth and variety to the plate. One standout feature is the cheese and charcuterie room, where diners can handpick cured meats and aged cheeses such as Brie, Roquefort and Beaufort, paired with touches like onion jam, olive tapenade and toasted bread as a refined way to begin or round off a memorable evening. These dining destinations offer more than a meal: they celebrate the art of living. Every detail, from the lighting and music to the plating and palate, plays a part in awakening the senses. Above These dining destinations celebrate the art of living (photo: IHG) From now until the end of August 2025, IHG One Rewards members can enjoy complimentary drinks, 'buy 1 get 1 free' offers, and free meals for children under 12 at IHG restaurants across Vietnam and the region. With an enhanced mobile app, members can track benefits, earn points, make reservations and receive real-time, personalised offers tailored to each dining occasion.


Economist
03-07-2025
- Business
- Economist
Would you pay $19 for a strawberry?
SIX LARGE strawberries are neatly wrapped in what looks like a fancy chocolate box. The Omakase berries—a Japanese variety, grown by a company called Oishii in New Jersey—are softer and sweeter than those found in most supermarkets. You would hope so: they cost around $14 a box, roughly three times the price of a punnet at Walmart.


Time Out Dubai
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
You can now enjoy Sushi Art's limited-edition omakase menu at home
You don't have to dress up, book a table, or even leave the sofa. Sushi Art has made it possible to enjoy a top-notch omakase menu, curated by none other than the former chef of MICHELIN-starred Ossiano, Grégoire Berger, from the comfort of your home. That's right, the limited-edition eight-course Omakase menu is now available for delivery across Dubai and Abu Dhabi via and Deliveroo. Originally launched in April as a dine-in exclusive, this carefully curated experience is now available for delivery. Available for just Dhs149, it brings thoughtful fine-dining touches into your home, perfect for date night. Sushi Art's annual chef collaboration has always brought something fresh to the table, but this year marks a first: their partnering chef is based in the UAE. Chef Grégoire is no stranger to the UAE's culinary scene, having earned recognition from both the MICHELIN Guide and Gault&Millau during his time as Executive Chef at Ossiano, the renowned underwater fine dining restaurant. What's more, he's been a loyal patron of Sushi Art's JBR brand for over a decade. For the special menu, he has drawn inspiration from the brand itself – and even more intimately, from family and memory – to design a menu that's approachable but packed with detail. We'd suggest beginning with a nashi pear and cabbage coleslaw spring roll, topped with crunchy peanut butter balls and a drizzle of honey. Then, tuck into the crispy shiso tacos layered with salmon and kalamansi citrus, followed by the obsiblue roll, a vivid dish that brings together rare blue prawn, blue spirulina rice and tom kha paste that blends a creamy texture and a whisper of the sea. The tuna nigiri with kimchi no moto is a build-up of three layers of flavour, while the torched wagyu nigiri arrives smoky, sweet, and rich thanks to a cherry BBQ sauce and black pepper. And if you want to truly recreate the dine-in omakase experience, you can order a black sesame dynamite shrimp starter along with two small-but-mighty desserts à la carte. The crispy coating, laced with black sesame and a touch of charcoal powder, gives the black sesame dynamite shrimp a smoky edge, while sriracha, ponzu and sesame really wrap the dish in nice, comforting flavours. Both desserts are unmissable. One is a nostalgic bite of matcha ganache mochi with black tea crumble and milk yuzu lemongrass sauce. The other is a chocolate tart with vanilla and buckwheat, deepened with a dash of koji, a signature nod to fermentation. The omakase experience is now available across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, so if you're planning a special dinner at home, this is one to order. Order on Order on Deliveroo