"Unlike some high-end sushi spots that prepare nigiri with truffle shavings in the shape of a starfish, or unveil smoke-filled domes to reveal a single piece of sashimi, Sumi lets the top-quality fish speak for itself. It’s the second restaurant from Endo Kazutoshi, whose triple-figure omakase spot in White City is one of the best restaurants in London. So even though this Notting Hill restaurant is more relaxed, it’s not surprising that the sushi here is special. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch The low-key spot on the corner of Westbourne Grove is minimalist, with a Muji aesthetic and an outdoor terrace that, when the sun’s out, says ‘let’s all pretend we’re on holiday’. It attracts a mixed crowd of polite first dates, friendly catch-ups where temaki interrupts juicy stories, and at least one person trying to convince their sceptical friend that London does indeed have great sushi. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch The single-sheet menu is mostly nigiri, sashimi, and hand rolls, with an excellent seaweed salad here, and a £65 wagyu steak there. But you should focus on the parts of the menu that revolve around the fish—from the soy-marinated red tuna, to the diced scallop with hana hojiso flowers, and the generously stuffed temaki that look (almost) too good to eat. Make sure you order some nigiri too. It has some sort of supernatural power that rewires the human brain to crave yellowtail three times a minute. Food Rundown Sesame Seaweed Salad Salty with nice nutty undertones. This salad should be on your table. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Sumi Garden Salad Green beans, radish, carrots, cauliflower, baby corn—this salad is crunchy, refreshing, and all-round lovely. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Mushroom Gohan This mushroom-heavy hot pot is earthy, wholesome, and a good way to ensure you leave this meal with a full stomach. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Hotate Nigiri Of all the nigiri, this is our favourite. The wasabi cuts nicely through the saltiness of the rice, and the scallop melts in your mouth. It’s the closest anyone will get to a sushi candy floss collaboration and you shouldn’t miss it. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Toro-Taku & Hotate Temaki So fresh. So good. We don’t know what else to say other than the sooner you get it in your mouth, the better. No seriously, eat it a.s.a.p. or the seaweed loses its crisp. Matcha Mille Crepe Soft, light, and matcha-y without being too strong. This is delicious. Ice Cream The soy ice cream is sweet with just a hint of salt. A great way to end your meal." - Rianne Shlebak
