Restaurant of the Week: Sumi

2 years ago

Explore the delightful interiors and innovative cuisine of SUMI

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Nestled in the beautiful neighbourhood of Notting Hill lies a little gem called SUMI.

Restaurant of The Week: SUMI

SUMI, the casual little sister to the Michelin-starred Endo at the Rotunda, is a Notting Hill favourite – and we’re not surprised. With a raft of rave reviews since it first opened its doors, the restaurant has since doubled in size. With a new selection of dishes led by Head Chef, Christian Onia and guided by Sushi Master, Endo Kazutoshi, we were in for a delightful evening of the freshest sashimi and tantalising cocktails.

INTERIORS

The space embodies a modern Japanese minimalism with pale wood panelling, traditional white tiling and rattan accents set up against a soft cream, white and beige palette. Warm lighting, lush foliage and Japanese script art are the finishing touches that bring it all together. It’s elegant and the definition of aesthetic.

EAT

The carefully crafted menu features modern and innovative dishes, with roots in traditional Japanese cuisine. To start, we recommend trying the Mushroom Miso Soup and the Sesame Seaweed Salad. The Mushroom Miso Soup packs an umami punch that leaves you lingering for more. With impeccable ingredients and produce from the finest suppliers, the nigiri and temaki are a must. On the robata (charcoal grill), try the Iberico Secreto, a beautiful cut of meat from the outside of the pork shoulder with the consistency of a ribeye cap. It’s tender and melts beautifully in your mouth, there is nothing quite like it. Last but not least, our absolute favourite that felt like a hug in a bowl was the Seafood Gohan. It features an array of seafood such as scallops, octopus, tiger prawns, clams and trout roe, topped on a fluffy bowl of seasoned rice and cooked in a cast-iron pot. If we had to go back for just one dish, this would be it.

DRINK

When it comes to drinks, SUMI has an exciting list of Japanese-inspired cocktails that we’d highly recommend trying. If you like a little zing, go for the tequila and mezcal-based Yukarita with yuzu, lime, shiso and butterfly tea. SUMI also does playful twists on the classics like the Strawberry Negroni, made with gin, Campari, strawberry, rhubarb and vermouth. There is also a selection of fine wines and an extensive list of sakes for those who are keen.