Review on The Araki
World renowned Japanese sushi master chef Mitsuhiro Araki whose previous restaurant in Ginza, Tokyo was the holder of three Michelin stars has set up shop in London's New Burlington Street, part of Regent Street's major new W4 development. The diminutive space seats just nine at the sleek wood counter made from a 200 year old Japanese cypress, a gift from world famous musician Ryuichi Sakamoto, as well as six seats in a private dining room. Designers Takenaka have created a simple design with a relaxed ambience, there's just three paintings adorning the walls, one featuring Araki's hands holding a dragon.
In 2019 Araki handed the reins over to his Head Chef Marty Lau as he returned to Japan. The kitchen showcases a omokase set menu in two sittings a night, when they serve traditional Edo-style sushi whose origins date back to between the 17th and 19th century. To experience such high quality delicacies as this does not come cheap at £300 per head, without drinks. Impeccable produce is sourced from the coasts of Ireland and Spain, as well as being imported direct from Japan, with rice coming from a farm in Saitama run by Araki's father-in-law.
Dishes are served in beautiful kakiemon and eiraku ceramics, some over 100 years old, while others have been crafted by some of Japan's leading artists. Menus have a European influence with the use of ingredients such as foie gras, caviar and truffle. The carte changes frequently, but some of the offerings that diners can enjoy are steamed French abalone with caviar, Sprat with dried flaked snapper, Sea bream sashimi, Sake cured roasted Irish oyster and Tuna tartare.
Master Sommelier Gearoid Devaney has devised the short wine list or there's three types of sake available, personally chosen by Mitsuhiro Araki.
The Araki is also featured in: Michelin Guide, Hardens
Rate this RestaurantCuisine
Japanese/Sushi
Chef
Marty Lau
Restaurant Opening Times
Dinner: 6.00pm 1st Sitting & 8.30pm 2nd Stting Tue-Sun
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card, American Express