The sun is out, the sky is blue and Sushi Stu’s found the food for you! Read on to discover my top 10 sushi venues for this bank holiday
1. Sakushi, Sheffield If you’re stepping out for evening beverages in Sheffield, my advice is to begin with some truly unique Japanese flavours, courtesy of the stylish Sakushi on Campo Lane. Try: Salmon skin, spring onion, rice, seaweed and kabayaki sauce with mixed sesame seed topping.
http://www.sakushi.co.uk
Tel: 0114 2737399
2. Aqua Kyoto, London
Venture into Aqua Kyoto on Argyll Street, London, and from the moment you’re whisked out of the sexy lobby up to penthouse level you’re in another world – one where designer suits and high heels reign, and thrift is a dirty word!
Try: Freshwater eel and cucumber topped with avacado.
www.aqua-london.com
Tel: 020 7478 0540
3. Red Ginger, Barnsley
Think of great Japanese cuisine and the birthplace of Dickie Bird and the Miner’s strikes doesn’t automatically spring to mind. However, Barnsley’s Red Ginger offers a range of mouthwatering meals, from around The Orient.
Try: The Set For Two including Osingo Maki, Cucumber Maki, Nigiri,Tuna, Nigiri Salmon, Nigiri Octopus, Nigiri Surf, clam, Nigiri Sweet Shrimp.
www.redgingerrestaurants.co.uk
Tel: 01226 248888
4. Nobu Matsuhisa, Worldwide
Founded in 1987 by superstar chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Matsuhisa is arguably the most famous high-end Japanese restaurant chain in the world. With actor Robert De Niro as a business partner, Matsuhisa's empire extends to 19 restaurants worldwide.
Try: Finding Robert Deniro and asking him, “Are you talking to me Rob?”
www.nobumatsuhisa.com
5. Sapporo Teppyanaki, Manchester
Just a stone’s throw from ITV’s Granada studios, Sapporo is a big hit with adventurous members of the Corrie cast. Manchester footballer’s are also often seen there trying to impress wags.
Try: The Manchester Roll - Thin slices of smoked swordfish, Lancashire cheese, carrot and crabmeat, rolled in flying fish roe.
http://www.sapporo.co.uk
Tel: 0151 7053005
6. Ichiban, Glasgow
Originally established in 1998 at the very heart of Glasgow on Queen Street, a sister branch in the west-end opened shortly after in 2002.
Try: California Maki - Sushi rice roll filled with crabstick, cucumber and Japanese omelette, rolled in fish roe.
http://www.ichiban.co.uk
Tel: 0141 334 9666
6. Sake No Hana, London
Having worked at the revered gastro-temple, Kikunoi in Kyoto, chef Daisuke Haiyashi earned his chops at the top of one of the world’s most demanding culinary cultures.
Try: Crunchy Alaskan Snow Crab
http://www.sakenohana.com
Tel: 020 7925 8988
7. Nozomi, London
Offering drinking, dining and entertainment in the heart of Knightsbridge, Nozomi is an established restaurant and bar, renowned for its world class contemporary cuisine. In one word – funky.
Try: Prawn Tempura Roll – Warm fresh prawn tempura, bonito flakes, chives, yuzu koshu and unagi sauce.
http://www.nozomi.co.uk/
Tel: 020 78381500
8. Yo Yos, Bradford
The only Japanese restaurant in Bradford – ‘nuff said!
Try: Yo Yo Special Uramaki - Inside out matt roll with finely sliced seabass, tuna and salmon mixed with avocado, spring onion, sesame seeds with sweet miso and chilli mayo topped with Japanese crunchies, served with wasabi.
http://www.eatatyoyos.com/
Tel: 01274 599880
9. Woktastic, Birmingham
The Manga themed restaurant brings an authentic taste of the Far East to the heart of Birmingham,
Try: Aromatic Duck Biso – Crispy aromatic duck, mizuna, cucumber with dark miso sauce
http://www.woktastic.co.uk/
Tel: 0121 2363130
10. Sakura, Northampton
Northampton’s first Japanese restaurant is renowned for putting on a show for guests preparing food at your table.
Try: Tobiko – Flying Fish Roe
http://www.sakurauk.co.uk/
Tel: 01604 250688