Umu Restaurant

Two Michelin-starred Umu is tucked away on a quaint cobbled street in Mayfair behind a discreet wooden door. Inside, the decor is sleek, the atmosphere tranquil and the lighting low, prompting a long, leisurely lunch. After a nine-year stint in Japan at three-Michelin starred Kyoto Kitcho, Chef Yoshinori Ishii worked in Geneva and New York before becoming Executive Chef at Umu. Within six months of opening in 2004, Umu had achieved a Michelin star.

"Umu" is translated as "born of nature" with the restaurant using traditional Japanese produce, as well as locally sourced ingredients to create inventive Kyoto-influenced cuisine. Fresh fish is, of course, a key element in the menu and as Chef Ishii wasn't happy with the fish available from London suppliers, after careful research he decided to source his fish from Cornwall and Scotland. From the dish of thinly fresh sliced stone bass to the Chef's special selection of sashimi including Cornish squid, lobster, sea bream, mackerel and red mullet.

Crispy, lightly battered Japanese style 'fish and chips' served in a paper cone were a worthy complement to the sashimi. With a sake menu featuring over 100 to choose from. Highly recommend is sparkling sake from the Ichinokura Sake Brewery proved to be light, crisp and fruity. Not content with preparing exceptional food, Chef Ishii is also a skilled potter and calligrapher who has created lovely menus and ceramic tableware, including chopsticks.

Address: 14-16 Bruton Place, London, W1J 6LX

Website: https://www.umurestaurant.com/