Knightsbridge, Japanese Restaurant Guide

Fans say these straightforward Japanese operations “set a benchmark for quality sushi and sashimi”, backed up by a “fabulous sake selection” and “charming service”. The Mayfair branch is “something of an oasis off the bustle of Oxford Street”, and like its Knightsbridge sibling is “very reasonably priced for the area and quality of food”. Top Tip – “good omakase”.

“The food is always spectacular”, say fans of these top-quality, low-profile Japanese restaurants, which we continue to list under their common brand even though the ownership of the business was split between the individual chefs who run them a few years ago. Reports remain almost indistinguishable between them, although SW3 under chef Masaki Sugisaki inspires more feedback and has more of a “neighbourhood gem” feeling than its W1 namesake, perhaps thanks to its “really cosy” setting off chichi Walton Street.

“Still going strong” – the “electric, buzzy atmosphere makes for great people-watching” at Rainer Becker & Arjun Waney’s charismatic Knightsbridge scene, whose cocktail bar is a ‘Beauty & The Beast’ bearpit of expensively clad Eurotrash-types. “It’s expensive, but even knowing that it’s still a great experience”: “service tries hard without being terribly fast or particularly friendly” and delivers superb “precision cooking” from a bewildering Japanese-inspired array of luxurious robata dishes, sushi and sashimi, wagyu, lobster and seafood.