The Boka group's (Boka, GT Fish & Oyster and others) foray into Japanese fare is a reminder that the cuisine goes far beyond sushi. The sushi is excellent, though cooked dishes from Mark Hellyar consistently amaze—the namesake momotaro tartare melds dehydrated tomato, a spicy hit of Dijon and onion puree into a slightly sweet, savory spread, while roasted crab legs come to the table dripping in butter. A simple cedar-roasted sea bream, spritzed with lemon and drizzled with shiso dressing, is a testament to how clean and fresh Hellyar's flavors are. The West Town Japanese restaurant impresses with food from chefs Fred Despres and Nelson Vinansaca. The pair turn out pristine sushi and sashimi, along with noodle bowls like the accomplished, pork belly-laden Arami ramen and other well-composed dishes. While we usually go for beer with sushi, a smart cocktail list includes seaweed-infused Japanese whiskey with yuzu-pineapple bitters, a thoughtful way to start the evening. At the heart of Gene Kato's Japanese spot is a traditional charcoal grill, on which he cooks pitch-perfect skewers of protein such as juicy cubes of skirt steak, tender hunks of salmon, and craveable, miso-marinated lamb ribs.

Appetizers are really the same size as the skewers and offer the complexity of entrees (tiny squares of tuna topped with avocado and crispy shallots, a sweet and earthy shaved burdock root salad). Fried chicken, Japanese sliders and chocolate-filled doughnuts all make an appearance, and they're all robust and satisfying. But ultimately this is a place where subtle, quiet foods win. Brothers Melvin and Carlo Vizconde are masters of maki, and this 22-seat Humboldt Park gem is their domain. From simple fried tofu makimono through elaborate sushi twists like a scallop wrapped in salmon, these are the rolls you wish every neighborhood sushi spot were making. Omakase tasting menus (starting at $50) are our favorite way to cruise the menu, but whatever route you choose, just don’t show up on a weekend without a reservation. With just 22 seats, the only dilemma is not getting in. The best sushi in Chicago is at Juno, where BK Park serves masterful sushi and sashimi. The chef’s choice sashimi, perfectly sliced, spread over ice and adorned with shells and orchids, is $38 for 18 pieces of fish.

This is a steal, and while it's enough for a solo diner, there are more great things to eat, like the smoked hamachi, which arrives under a glass dome with two spoons cradling lightly smoked pieces of fish. how to eat sushi visualThe King Juno consists of two single bites of tuna wrapped around rice and topped with spicy crab—they're delicious. where to buy sushi rice san diegoEven the spicy tuna roll is elevated, with a thick piece of tuna and scallions, and a trace of sriracha and chili oil.brown sushi rice uk The small, unassuming West Rogers Park hideaway serves melt-in-your-mouth, superpremium yellowtail, bluefin, mackerel and fatty tuna. sakae sushi menu list

Beyond the raw, Katsu’s crew has skills on the grill, turning out a tasty marinated duck breast and a crispy yellowtail collar, great with a dab of shaved, pickled daikon, a sprinkle of sea salt and a squirt of lemon.healthiest order at sushi Matthias Merges' casual, yakitori-and-cocktails joint has expanded to Hyde Park and Las Vegas, bringing his Japanese street cuisine to a wider audience. how to sushi makiThe more people who can eat Yusho's juicy chicken wings, fried chicken steamed buns with Old Bay mayo and pork-miso ramen, the better. free online games sushi packDishes rotate, but never disappoint. Takashi Yagihashi’s foray into River North is the chef’s attempt to capture the taste of his noodle-slurping childhood in Japan.

Based on the highlights of the menu—hamachi tartare in delicate little taro-root tacos, tan tan men ramen weighted with herb-packed pork meatballs, fried ramen noodles you toss with a dollop of spicy mustard for a dish called Chiyan Pon, and joyful desserts like softball-sized cream puffs—Yagihashi may have had the best childhood ever.Japanese dishes have long been providing us Brits with a light and healthy alternative to the standard sandwich lunch. To point you towards the best maki on the market we've rounded up the capital's best sushi restaurants for your enjoyment. Carnaby Street's Kingly Court is making a big splash in Soho dining, hosting a range of exotic star-ups set to take over the capital. Oka Robata Bar & Grill serves up some of the best sushi we've tried in a long time, in a relaxed, casual environment. The jalapeño salmon rolls are a must, while the hot white chocolate cookie dough with vanilla ice cream sets a new standard for deserts. First floor, Kingly Court, W1B 5PW, okarestaurant.co.uk 2 |

As one would expect from the Hakkasan Group, this Japanese restaurant located in St James' successfully combines brilliant service with striking futuristic design (interior designed by esteemed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma). The pocket-friendly lunch plates swarm in the business crowd, and as for the drinks list, there's a noble selection of both saké and whisky. 22 Harcourt Street, W1, 020 7723 0666 dinings.co.uk Since first opening its doors in 1982, this echoing basement restaurant – located next to the Millennium Hotel Mayfair – has been offering first-class sushi and gracious hospitality to both locals and tourists alike. With historical Japanese artworks adorning the stone walls, this is one of the finest places to visit for a truly authentic experience. Adam's Row, W1K 2HP 020 7493 1255, millenniumhotels.co.uk A stone's throw from Regent Street, this modest joint is a popular lunchtime haunt for the media crowd. From classic salmon sushi to the more innovative unagi maki special (avocado and fresh crabmeat rolled inside out with flying fish roe and topped with braised eel) the chef's at Chisou pride themselves on creating the finest sushi.

They've also conveniently set up shop in Knightsbridge in a bid to spread great sushi across the capital. Sandwiched between a textile wholesaler and loan shop, this family-run fixture in Willesden Green is a hidden gem. Sit at the sushi bar and watch in awe as the chef demonstrates his impressive knife skills and slices the glossiest fatty tuna around. A cup of cold sake makes a great accompaniment. 33 Walm Lane, NW2 5SH, 020 8459 2971 For the best part of the last decade, Nobu alumni Masaki Sugisaki and Keiji Fuku have been serving up mouth-watering Japanese tapas and sushi in the heart of Marylebone. With distinctive Latin glamour, their wagyu beef nigiri topped with foie-gras and sweet soy is a real victory. Established in 1978 and employing only chefs trained in Japan, Kiku remains independent and family owned. Whether you're there for a classy business do or a romantic dinner, we recommend you indulge in glistening sushi and sashimi platters until you can no longer move.

17 Half Moon Street, W1J 7BE, 020 7499 4208 kikurestaurant.co.uk This chain is big in Copenhagen and you can see why – lively atmosphere but with enough space of your own to feel intimate, a nicely judged take on contemporary without being too stark and a well-designed menu that's easy to order from (there are nice pictures). The Covent Garden branch joins an existing neighbourhood favourite in Wimbledon Village. It's a huge high-ceilinged downstairs dining room with bare-brick feature wall, while downstairs there's a sushi and yakitori bar. Try The Man Food set menu for two which is made up of a selection of succulent skewered meats. And, trust us, don't forego the desserts. This site on St Martin's Lane has been cleverly converted into a homage to modern Japan – lush wood everywhere, subtle lighting and neatly-arranged planting (including a living feature wall). It's a big space but has been nicely divided into different areas, so offers a good bet for a pre-planned dinner or casual drop-in alike.