SUMI

SUMI is sushi master Endo Kazutoshi’s more casual follow-up to his Michelin-starred restaurant in White City. Swapping omakase for a la carte, this upmarket neighbourhood joint caters for sushi purists with a menu that upholds quality and authenticity to the highest standards.

The beautifully-ambient dining room is book-ended by the rhythmic workings of an open kitchen and bar. On one side, a calm but purposeful team of chefs crafts endless plates of raw fish. At the other, expert mixologists create signature cocktails against a backlit wall of Japanese whiskies. We can confidently say expert having tried one their inventive creations, a tequila-based cocktail which was the colour of chlorophyl and tasted like sweet, cucumber-tinted nectar. Its sake selection is second to none as well, and we recommend trying the Dewazakura Cherry Bouquet Ginjo, which is served warm and offers faint notes of melon.

The menu isn’t overly long or complicated and instead focuses on doing the basics well. True to Endo's style, the food makes a statement in its simplicity. You’ll find sashimi, nigiri, robata grills and ‘gohan’ hot pots here, but it’s the temaki rolls which are undoubtedly the star of the show. Elegant, hand-rolled sushi elevated by the freshest of ingredients, our favourite was one topped with diced scallop, shiso flowers and soy. While a selection of nigiri were comprised of little more than raw fish and rice, a power-duo that SUMI elevates to new heights.

There’s an excellent seaweed salad to start, slick with creamy tahini and doused in sesame seeds and almonds. The whole thing sings with richness and umami. While its luxurious seafood gohan, which is essentially a rice hot pot containing seven types of seafood, is mixed with dashi at our table, and made all the better by slightly crispy bits from where it’s caught at the bottom.

While your bank balance will undoubtedly bear the brunt of SUMI's dearly-priced menu, the level of quality, skill and flavour you receive in return is worthy of such a bill.

Only in a post-pandemic world could a Michelin-starred chef start offering his world-renowned sushi for home delivery. That’s exactly how SUMI, a Notting Hill restaurant from renowned sushi master Endo Kazutoshi, came to be, first debuting in December 2020 as a takeaway only joint.

Now that diners are allowed inside again, the restaurant has opened fully. SUMI (named after Endo’s mother) acts as a more casual sibling site to the Michelin-starred Endo at Rotunda in White City. The dining room is elegant and understated, featuring pale wood panelling, traditional white tiling and rattan accents, with soft hues of cream, white and beige throughout. Warmth is provided via gold lights, plants and Japanese script art, while there are a handful of alfresco tables available on the terrace for when the London weather is playing ball.

The kitchen here is headed up by chef Christian Onia who has experience working in some of London's top Japanese restaurants. The best seats in the house are at the chef’s table, which adjoins to the open kitchen at the restaurant’s heart and allows diners to watch the kitchen team in action. Fresh, high-quality ingredients are sourced from some of the UK’s top seafood suppliers, forming the base to a menu which takes in nigiri, sashimi and temaki style sushi.

For something more substantial, instead opt for the luxe likes of Japanese A4 Wagyu striploin served with charred puntarella and a yuzu onion sauce, or white fish steak served with seaweed and ponzu sauce. To finish up, tuck into a matcha mille crepe that is finished off with a dusting of matcha powder.

To drink, expect classic cocktails served alongside more unique offerings such as the Kawaii Ne mixed with sake, Portobello Gin, peach and lychee liqueur and yuzu juice. Japanese whiskies and sakes available too, alongside wines, beers and Champagne.