My London: Sushi of Shiori – my guilty pleasure

I first read about Sushi of Shiori through Londoneater’s blog. Since then, this little sushi restaurant has become a little guilty pleasure of mine. The quality of the sashimi and sushi has been worth every penny I’ve spent here. However, a meal with drinks does set you back about £50 per person – hardly the kind of restaurant I could afford to visit even on a monthly basis. Hence, we’ve been back only about half a dozen times since our first visit in early 2010.

It is also my guilty pleasure as I’ve resisted sharing this place with you since I began writing this blog. Yes, I’ve been selfish – because I simply did not want to increase the risk of not being able to book seats at this tiny establishment which only sits 8-9 persons at a time. Now that I’m leaving London for a while, I’m more than happy to encourage you, whether you’re visiting or live in London, to go along and enjoy some of the most beautifully crafted Japanese food I’ve ever tasted.

On a personal note, over the last year or so, I’ve grown to consider the proprietors of this little gem, friends. This friendship has grown through our mutual love and appreciation of good food; and I miss them dearly. Our chats which last long after the last customer of the service has left will remain close to my heart.

The photos below are of an omakase meal for one person. The components of the omakase will vary slightly with the change in seasons.

Name: Sushi of Shiori

Location: 144 Drummond Street, NW1 2PA

Price: From £40 for omakase (tasting menu)

Go for: There are exactly 3 seats at ‘the chef’s table’ – essentially 3 seats at a low bar facing the chef as opposed to the other two tables a little over a foot further away. When booking, try to ask to be seated here – I challenge you not to be mesmerised by the sheer meticulous and intense focus of the chef as he silently prepares your delightful dishes.