Ok, I feel I am about to share an exceptional secret with you now…it isn’t easy to find Sushi on Jones. It is tucked away in an upstairs corner of Lafayette (a new music venue in Kings Cross which doubles as a food hall). It feels a little incongruous with the New Orleans setting and more casual dining outlets.
However, behind the foliage, which acts as a protective shield as you enter a discreet, stylish Omakase Bar. Sushi on Jones has arrived in London.
Sushi On Jones started as the first al fresco Omakase Bar in NYC. They offer a 12 course Omakase Sushi Menu for £48 pounds, served in 45 mins! This sets a fairly mediocre expectation.
I actually don’t know what I was expecting, I am a huge sushi fan so was more than happy to be served whatever the chef created that day as is the Omakase way. What I wasn’t expecting was to walk to a kitchen fuelled by pure passion, dedication, expertise and precise execution.
Wow, what an absolute honour to have Mattia Aranini Head Sushi Chef, create our sushi for us with full explanations plus sake and bourbon pairings!
As an Italian, his passion for food is what shone through when his Sushi Master decided to take on his training. It is quite plain to see from Fresh Water BBQ Eel with Soy and Sugar reduction (because he hates Teriyaki Sauce) that every single element is created with the ultimate mouthful in mind.
The Yellow Tail Tuna with Truffle from Umbria was one of the most well-balanced truffle dishes I’ve had. The Wagyu Beef with Smoked Sea Salt treated with the blow torch to just enough to char was to die for. It was served with Bourbon Legent, made in Japan and aged in Sherry Casks in Kentucky. I don’t even like Bourbon, but it went perfectly.
The Sake selected to go with the meal was the best I’ve ever had. The Soto was light, smooth clean and 80% proof! Such care has been taken over this menu and pairing it was just a delight.
This is sushi for the purist not the showy kind you will get in West End! It is a place to go and savour somebody’s art and wonder why the English never really embraced raw fish in quite the same way.
Expect a fairly quick experience, value for money and to come out feeling somewhat enlightened.
Both my friend and I thought it was the best sushi we have had in London. Go with an excitement, curiosity and prepare yourself for a culinary treat.
Instagram @sushionjones
Review by Emmie Blower @emmiebhungry
