One of the most famous sushi restaurants in London serves up modern Japanese cuisine.

The Venue
Nobu, a stylish, modern Japanese restaurant, is located on the first floor of the very swish Metropolitan Hotel, Park Lane. The restaurant has its own entrance at 19 Park Lane and the smart setting tends to attract punters of the well-heeled variety - you may even spot the occasional celeb. Booking in advance is essential.

The Atmosphere
The decor is minimalist and stylish. Upon entering the main dining room, you are greeted by smartly uniformed staff who escort you to your table, with charming Japanese utterances of welcome. Several tables are positioned to overlook the Park and the large windows with electronically operated translucent blinds contribute to the light and airy atmosphere of the restaurant. The dining room is usually packed, with a concentration of punters gathering around the drinks bar and the popular sushi bar. Service is efficient and courteous - the waiting staff are very knowledgeable about the composition of every dish, but not so well informed, when it comes to the wine list.

The Food
The format of the menu focuses on lots of small dishes. The centrepiece is a selection of Nobu Special Dishes. Alternatively, you can opt for Chef’s Choice which consists of a multi-course set meal. The predominantly Oriental fare draws on Latin American influences to produce some truly amazing fusion dishes, resulting in a delicate balance of colours, textures and flavours. Elegant ceramic serving bowls and plates enhance the visual impact of each dish.

A selection of dishes might include salmon sashimi seared in olive and sesame oil, toro tartare with caviar, nasu miso (aubergine with sweet miso sauce, topped with toasted sesame seeds, anti-cucho (skewered chicken chilli marinated, Peruvian style), rock shrimp tempura in a creamy spicy sauce, black cod marinated in sweet miso sauce, tenderloin of beef with teriyaki sauce.

It is well worth leaving some space for interesting dessert dishes. Try the roasted pineapple soup with smokey vanilla and tea flavoured sorbet with herby biscuits, or the chocolate cake with green tea ice cream. The menu seems endless and any single visit will only just scratch the surface of the vast range of options. There is also, for instance, a long list of sushi and sashimi, or you may wish to put together your own selection of kushiyaki or tempura.

The Drink
A wine list, in keeping with the cuisine, offers sakés and cocktails along with a comprehensive list of quality wines from around the world. House wine costs from around £15.00 per bottle.

The Last Word
Nobu provides an imaginative fusion of top notch Japanese and South American cuisine in a swanky and stylish setting.

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