With a rather mysterious, dark entrance, Aqua Kyoto most certainly intrigues, but it also absolutely succeeds in delighting with its fantastically fresh and dynamic Japanese cuisine.

The Venue
A doorman greets you as you enter the dimly lit reception area before pointing you in the direction of the lift, which gives only one option – 5th floor. Once landed, you're met by more greeters in another dark and moody reception area, and swiftly taken you to your table. As you walk through the restaurant you realise you're somewhere pretty chic and elaborate. The sushi bar sits below a great, lantern-inspired light feature where you can watch the experts at work preparing the hand-made delicacies. The dark velvet chairs and black wooden tables accompanied by hints of deep red lighting ensures that it's, well, rather dark, and it might feel a little odd when you're popping in from the light of day for an early meal. However, the beautifully elegant roof terrace gives great contrast if you’re in need of some light. Perfectly kept mini trees give the cream wash balcony some life, and with a bar outside, you could easily stay there all night.

The Atmosphere
Even at 7pm, the place is buzzing with all sorts of people, with business types, families, couples and groups of friends on a special night out. Up-tempo chill out house plays at the perfect volume to ensure your private conversation stays private, without the need to shout. The staff clearly know the menu and can easily recite what goes into each dish to help make decisions easier - they’re also very observant and constantly exchanging new plates for old – as the Asian dining culture insists.

Food
A little guidance with the menu is definitely appreciated as it has the potential to get confusing. The seared fatty tuna (£16.50) is a melt-in-the-mouth dish definitely worth trying, served with a wakame miso sauce to add a little extra oomph. The spinach rolls (£7.50) arrive perfectly formed and sitting on a sesame sauce, however your waiter will de-form the dish so the spinach really grips onto the creamy, nutty sauce. The baby squid tempura (£9.50) is the real deal, tentacles and all, and one not to be missed, served with crab miso sauce and delicious langoustine salt for dipping.

The Aqua Kyoto special, the miso black cod (£29.50) is simply beautiful - fantastic quality fish cooked to perfection, shown by the crisp skin and flaky flesh, flavoured with just a hint of sweetness. The twice cooked pork belly (£21) though slightly fatty – which adds to the flavour and texture – is wonderfully moreish. A good layer of crackling sits on layers of tender and very juicy meat, served with langoustines to add a lighter element. Try the wagyu beef sushi (£12) for an interesting change. Peppery and delicately seared with a strong spring onion flavour, it works beautifully.

The desserts don’t fall short either, with some refreshing takes on old favourites. The nashi pear tart (£7.50) has a light textured pastry with good chunks of sweet pears, served with sudachi ice cream. The white chocolate and coconut mousse (£7.50) is delectable – unbelievably silky and smooth with a perfect balance of the two flavours. It rests on a thin crunchy base and served with a surprisingly heavy chocolate Malibu sorbet.

The Drink
With a separate bar, you’ll definitely find something to your taste on the drinks menu. The cocktail list is very inventive - a best seller is Carrabbas (£10.50), a fruity rum concoction with a touch of cinnamon syrup. For a more refreshing option try the Rosemary and Thyme (£9.50), gin shaken with the herbs and homemade lemongrass sugar.

The Last Word
With a very clear concept, perfected food and swift table service allowing you to take it all in and relax, Aqua Kyoto is a restaurant everyone should experience at least once.

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