The Araki
Sushi restaurant · Mayfair ·
Omakase sushi with prized ingredients & meticulous preparation
Omakase sushi with prized ingredients & meticulous preparation
"There is a saying in Japanese “Issho ni ichido” which broadly translates to ‘once-in-a-lifetime experience.’ It applies to eating at The Araki, a 10-seat Mayfair restaurant by one of Tokyo’s most venerable sushi masters Araki Mitsuhiro. Mitsuhiro has now returned to Japan, but The Araki still serves a “no-choice” £310 menu spotlighting rare and luxurious ingredients: Sea bream sashimi topped with caviar from albino sturgeons or marinated tuna tartare under Alba white truffles. The tuna-focused nigiri here are meticulous. Araki also pays great attention both to the sourcing and the preparation of rice (grown by the chef’s father-in-law in Japan.) This is the most accomplished and ceremonial sushi in Europe." - Poonperm Paitayawat
"A once three-Michelin-starred omakase experience, billed as an intimate, splurge-worthy counter meal for sushi lovers and special occasions." - James Hansen
"Once one of only three three-Michelin-starred restaurants, I note that The Araki — a £310-a-head omakase sushi counter — has been completely omitted from the 2020 Michelin Guide, losing all its stars after its founder and sushi master Mitsuhiro Araki left the restaurant and returned to Japan; while sensational, the removal appears to have a rationale linked to the chef patron's departure." - Eater Staff
"Previously one of only three restaurants in the UK and Ireland holding the maximum three Michelin stars, this intimate £310-a-head sushi counter has been entirely omitted from the latest Michelin guide after its founder and sushi master left and returned to Japan. The departure prompted expectations of a demotion while the new chef, Marty Lau, established his own reputation; bookmakers had even priced a star loss. Michelin stresses that stars are awarded solely on the quality of the food, but significant chef changes commonly trigger reassessment, which appears to have contributed to the complete removal." - Adam Coghlan
"A three-Michelin-starred Mayfair sushi destination known for its high-end omakase experience, which is priced around £310; it recently attracted high-profile diners including Victoria and David Beckham." - Guy Pewsey