Maru is the brainchild of Taiji Maruyama, a third-generation sushi chef who operates on the 'omotenashi' philosophy, which means to take after guests wholeheartedly. Taiji started his career in Tokyo, where he worked at Ginza, a three-Michelin-star restaurant, before moving to Barcelona and Norway.

Maru is a fantastic sushi restaurant that distinguishes out in a crowded field. It only has two eight-person seatings every night, one at 5 p.m. and the other at 7 p.m. The rules are clear: you will be turned away if you arrive late. Chef Maruyama oversees all aspects of the experience, from the menu and cooking to the interior design and tableware, which he handcrafted himself, to even designing the floral arrangements, Omotenashi will be the overarching theme of Maru. The chefs will be behind the counter, creating an intimate dining experience for their customers by serving all aspects of the meal, including the beverages, which will be treated with the same care.

Address: 18 Shepherds Market, Mayfair, W1J 7QH
Website: marulondon.com

Endo Kazutoshi is back, this time with Sumi, Endo's new sister restaurant at the Rotunda. While not as high-end as Endo at the Rotunda, the cuisine here still retains his signature style, but at a lower cost.

The menu is well-planned, with a combination of temaki, nigiri, and sashimi. It is, however, more related to real Japanese food than Westernized 'California rolls,' so if that is what you're searching for, this isn't the place for you. Sashimi is served either fully raw or 'aburi' style, which includes grilling the outside of the fish over an open fire while keeping a rich and creamy middle. Choose from traditional nigiri and sashimi as well as cone-shaped temaki created using the Kazutoshi family technique — try the akami with diced red tuna and the toru-taku with minced fatty tuna and smoked mooli radish. Sumi's décor are sleek and beautiful, in contrast to Westbourne Grove's enclave of brunch restaurants and farm shops, while the vibe is laidback. Sit at the pale wood bar and see cocktails like the sake and gin-based Kawaii Ne with peach, lychee, and yuzu being made, as well as the outstanding selection of Japanese whiskies on the menu.

Address: Sumi, 157 Westbourne Grove, London W11 2RS

Website: sushisumi.com

Sushi Atelier is the latest business from the owners of Chisou, a traditional Japanese restaurant with outlets in Mayfair and Knightsbridge. It aims to be more relaxed, with a warm oak bar dominating the décor and more modern cuisine.

Modern sushi is served by talented sushi chefs. Try ponzu jelly-topped nigiri and yellowtail-and-truffle-mayonnaise-filled rolls. Pick up quick bento boxes and mixed sushi sets with free-flowing miso soup and salad during the lunch hour. With imaginative dishes and unique flavor combinations, the menu is a showcase of the chef's creativity. Carpaccios, steamed dumplings, salads, and cervices are available in addition to sushi. Premium sake and wine, draft Japanese beer, shochu, and Japanese tea are among the beverages available. The inside of the restaurant is dominated by a large sushi bar from which you can observe the cooks preparing your meal. A large basement with cozy lighting and banquettes is also available for larger bookings and private parties.

Address: Sushi Atelier, 114 Great Portland Street, London
Website: sushiatelier.co.uk

Takahashi, a small sushi restaurant in the quiet surroundings of South Wimbledon, is run by another Nobu alumnus. Nobuhisa and Yuko Takahashi established this restaurant in South Wimbledon in the winter of 2015. The food is strongly influenced by Japanese traditions and the Mediterranean diet, combining hand-picked ingredients to provide you with natural and clean flavors in delectable meals. It emphasizes great dining with healthy values, with a focus on quality and seasonal items.

The Mediterranean influence was felt at Takahashi, with 'tapas' meals such as Cornish scallop carpaccio with yuzu salsa and free-range crispy pig belly with aubergine miso on the menu. Snow crab, pink shrimp, and eel are among the nigiri and sashimi options, while spicy tuna and crab avocado are among the maki options. Smoky toro taku and salmon are two traditional hosomaki toppings. It's owned by a husband-and-wife pair and the quality of the food is well beyond what you'd expect from a local restaurant.

Address: Takahashi, 228 Merton Road, London
Website: takahashi-restaurant.co.uk

YO! Sushi, a trendy Japanese restaurant in Newcastle's city center, is bringing some excitement to your dining experience. Fresh, flavorful, and authentic Japanese cuisine is the focus. It is famed for its sushi. However, it also provides a delicious variety of hot street food, ranging from traditional classics to innovative fusion dishes. Completely of the flavors are rich and aromatic, and the ingredients are all-natural.

With low hanging lighting, tiled walls, and a stylish conveyor belt carrying colorful dishes around the room, this contemporary cafe radiates industrial chic, only a short hop away from St James Park. Take a seat in a luxurious booth or a stool near the open kitchen and see your cuisine being prepared right in front of your eyes. On the menu, you'll discover katsu curries, dragon rolls, hot pepper squid, and gyozas that are ideal for meat-eaters, vegetarians, and vegans. You may order and pay for your meal on your phone using YOdigital !'s choices.

Address: YO! Newcastle, 139-141, Grainger St, NE1 5AE

Website: https://yosushi.com/

The award-winning Peter Street Kitchen, located in the renowned Free Trade Hall, retains the sense of the building's past glory and atmosphere while also serving as a place for entertainment and celebration.

The menu explores outstanding modern Japanese cuisine paired with the heat and zing of a range of contemporary Mexican dishes, all of which are exquisitely presented and beautifully balanced. Diners may also reserve a Japanese Hibachi Experience, which includes a 12-seater table and a fire pit for a semi-private gathering. The restaurant's Riky Brunch, a social affair that includes Japanese cocktails and small plates, as well as optional free-flowing prosecco or Champagne, attracts the weekend crowd on Saturdays. With sweet and savory bento plates, this tea blends wine and frozen pornstar martinis.

Address: Free Trade Hall, Peter St, Manchester M2 5GP
Website: https://www.thekitchensrestaurants.co.uk/peter-street-kitchen

At KIBOU, Cheltenham's favorite Japanese restaurant, you can escape to the backstreets of Tokyo and enjoy all that Japan has to offer.

Their menu includes ramen, donburi, katsu curry, sushi, and many more authentic Japanese dishes and beverages. The Volcano Roll, which consists of salmon, avocado, and tobiko futomaki that has been tempura fried and topped with Kibou house sauce, is a must-try. To make a night of it, visit the bar and sample their extensive range of Japanese whisky and shochu, as well as Japanese-made beers, cocktails, and a sophisticated high ball menu.

Address: Kibou Cheltenham, Regent Street, Unit 36 Regent Arcade, GL50 1JZ

Website: chisourestaurant.com

For the past eight years, KIBOU has been serving award-winning Japanese cuisine in the heart of Cheltenham. It began as a little basement restaurant on Regent Street with around 20 seats. At KIBOU, Cheltenham's favorite Japanese restaurant, you can escape to the backstreets of Tokyo and enjoy all that Japan has to offer.

Its menu includes ramen, donburi, katsu curry, sushi, and many more authentic Japanese dishes and beverages. The Volcano Roll, which consists of salmon, avocado, and tobiko futomaki that has been tempura fried and topped with Kibou house sauce, is a must-try. To make a night of it, visit the bar and sample their extensive range of Japanese whisky and shochu, as well as Japanese-made beers, cocktails, and a sophisticated high ball menu.

Address: Kibou Cheltenham, Regent Street, Unit 36 Regent Arcade, GL50 1JZ
Website: http://kibou.co.uk/Cheltenham/

Issho-Ni means 'along with', and this is clearly a site to visit with a group of friends. Settle down for some izakaya — Japanese shared appetizers combined with bartender-made drinks. Seared butterfish with ponzu and truffle sauce, or soft-shell crab maki rolls, are two examples.

On weekends, a bottomless brunch with endless sashimi and maki rolls, as well as main courses like wagyu steak and chicken katsu curry, is a great deal. While many sushi restaurants are sterile and chilly, the atmosphere at Issho-Ni is warm and welcoming, with hanging filament lights, leather bar chairs, and copper pendant lighting, guaranteeing that Issho-Ni is Japanese by way of Shoreditch.

Address: Issho-Ni, 185 Bethnal Green Road, Bethnal Green, London
Website: issho-ni.com

Sunset by Australasia, which is located next to the exclusive Spinningfields restaurant, is a modern paradise in Manchester. From sushi and sashimi to tempura, Sunset by Australia offers easy-going Japanese food with afternoon tea bento boxes.

This cocktail bar and patio is instantly recognizable by its pink tones, which may be accessed by a secluded staircase within Australasia via its own private door. Outside, there's wooden sitting with comfortable cushions and heaters for those cooler months, while inside there's a sleek bar with plush seats and pastel colors. Drinks include prosecco sorbet mixes, spritzers, and frozé, as well as cocktails that are half-priced during happy hour. Tuna tartare, nigiri, and sashimi are among the menu's Japanese favorites, as is a bizarre afternoon tea that blends wine and ice pornstar martinis with sweet and savory bento boxes. "Offering masterfully blended Asian-fusion dishes and an exotic cocktail selection, Sunset by Australasia is an indulgent retreat in the heart of the city with a décor that transports you to faraway shores".

Address: 1 The Avenue, Manchester M3 3AP

Website: https://sunset.uk.com/