'I tried the London sushi restaurant with just 10 seats and it felt like a trip to Japan'

Japan has always captivated visitors with its rich culture, from philosophy to food. If authentic sushi is what you’re looking for, Sushi Kyu delivers a true taste of Japan right to your plate.

Sushi Kyu, in Soho, is one of the tiniest sushi bars in the capital, with just 10 seats facing the chef as they prepare each dish. This setup creates a personal, immersive experience that makes every diner feel special.

The staff are all Japanese, and are incredibly polite and attentive, adding to the authentic atmosphere. Even the drinks stay true to Japanese culture - opt for the sweet plum wine or sparkling sake.

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The Omakase menu is the most popular choice at Sushi Kyu, where you let the chef choose your food for you. It includes a starter, seven pieces of beautifully garnished Nigiri, one hand roll, and dessert.

The meal kicks off with a Hamachi Yuzu Ponzu, a zesty yellowtail dish with a hint of chilli for that spicy kick. This flavour-packed starter sets the tone for the fresh, high-quality fish to come.

You get a taste of all kinds of fish, from classics like salmon and sea brim, to scallop and squid. The highlight for me were the four cuts of tuna I got to try, each with an unexpected unique taste.

The fatty tuna was my favourite - it melts in your mouth; I had never had such tender fish! The final hand roll, featuring that same fatty tuna, is shaped like a cylinder rather than the typical cone. It’s simple, delicate, and absolutely unforgettable.

Fun fact: Tuna, not salmon, is the most commonly used fish in Japanese sushi. A meal at Sushi Kyu is not just delicious but also an opportunity to learn something new.

The garnishes elevate the experience, with ingredients like wasabi, yuzu, caviar, and fish roe adding bursts of flavour and texture. Each bite is an explosion of taste!

For dessert, you’ll enjoy a scoop of gelato or sorbet, sourced locally by an Italian producer. Standouts include the unique Black Sesame gelato and the refreshing apple sorbet.

This experience gets a bit expensive at dinner, but lunch is just £51, which I think is totally worth it for the quality you get. This cosy sushi bar will leave you dreaming of Japan and craving your next visit.

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