When the first Yo! Sushi was opened in London a decade ago, raw fish was considered a novelty. How does the Farringdon branch fare now that sushi is on the shelves of every supermarket?

The Venue
Situated on Farringdon Road, this restaurant is ideally suited for people working in Clerkenwell or visitors to the nearby Barbican Centre. The trademark conveyor belt snakes around the interior with plenty of booths for an extended meal or bar-type stools if you are popping in for a quick bite. Floor-to-ceiling windows add to the modern and open layout.

The Atmosphere
The laid back ambience in the restaurant helps attract both sushi virgins looking to try a Californian roll for the first time, and seasoned enthusiasts tempted in by the prospect of more exotic items such as ikura gunkan and hamachi sashimi.

The Food
The setup at Yo! is that the price colour-coded dishes, taken by the customer as they pass on the conveyor belt, are supplemented by food to order off the menu. This means you can complement some noodles off the menu with whatever takes your fancy passing on the belt - although if you see something you like pass by it is best to grab it quick as other hungry diners may have their eye on it too.

Particular highlights from the vast menu included the miso black cod (£5), pan-fried Alaskan black cod in miso mirin sauce that’s both succulent and flavoursome. The miso soup, a light soy bean broth with seaweed, tofu and spring onion, offers unlimited refills for £1.75 and the chicken dumpling udon (£3.20), steamed chicken dumplings in dashi with Asian vegetables and udon noodles, is cooked to perfection. Off the belt octopus with a nori band is predictably chewy and the mini eel and cucumber ISO (an inside out roll with the rice on the outside) mixed opposing flavours. The coriander tuna (£3.70), five slices of seared tuna loin crusted with coriander, is very good value for a premium cut of fish. One thing to note is that the strong flavours involved with eating sushi means one should plan to eat items in ascending order of strength in order not to overload the taste buds early on.

The Drink
Japanese green tea is available for £1.25, which entitles you to unlimited refills, and soft fizzy drinks and juices priced at £1.50 and £1.70 respectively. The wine list is limited to two types of white, one red and one rose priced around £13 for a bottle or £4.50 per 250ml glass. For those feeling flush bottles of Laurent-Perrier Champagne are £28. Asahi, which is Japan’s most popular beer, is £3.20 for 330ml bottle. Hot or cold Sake can be ordered for £3.50 - £5.50 depending on amount.

The Last Word
Yo! Sushi offers a commendable modern dining experience where taste and health go hand in hand.

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