Umu

In Japanese, Umu means ‘born of nature’, which admittedly there’s not much of in central London. That is, not until you’ve slipped into this uber-sleek, Michelin-starred restaurant (located on a quiet side street and accessible via a door that operates with a swishy sensor) and sampled the astonishingly fresh array of seafood, veggies and sushi on offer. For dinner, choose from the kaiseki tasting menu or the exhaustive a la carte options; the former won’t be the most affordable meal you’ve had in your life, but it will be one of the most special. The emphasis is on Kyoto cuisine – think thinly sliced sea bass and courgette delicately arranged in the shape of a flower – and the atmosphere is serene, reflective and a million miles from the city outside.

Time Out tip

Umu has one of the most extensive sake lists in Europe, as well as some of the friendliest and most knowledgeable sommeliers. A match made in Heaven!

Order this

The charamisu Mayfair garden – a tiramisu paired with matcha and ginjo sake – is paradise on a plate.

RECOMMENDED: London’s best sushi restaurants.