Dorchester Collection’s 45 Park Lane has announced the opening of Sushi Kanesaka, an intimate and traditional 13-seater omakase counter restaurant on Mayfair’s Park Lane.
Sushi Kanesaka is the first restaurant outside of Asia Pacific by omakase chef Shinji Kanesaka, the sushi artisan behind Tokyo’s Sushi Kanesaka, which has retained two Michelin-stars since 2018. It is acknowledged by many as the ultimate destination for a traditional sushi experience.
Housed behind a discreet doorway within the contemporary and luxurious surrounds of 45 Park Lane, Sushi Kanesaka brings the mastery of Edomae sushi in its most traditional, purest form – to London, setting a new benchmark for omakase dining in the city.
Omakase dining is translated as “I’ll leave it up to you”, the very finest delicacies, chosen in the moment by masters of the art.
In a quest for perfection, Kanesaka-san is joined by a small team of eight chefs, sommeliers, and hosts with a number of the team joining from the chef’s portfolio of restaurants.
The restaurant will source its core ingredients like wasabi and rice (chef Kanesaka will introduce his own rice blend from Japan’s Yamagata Prefecture), from his long-standing suppliers, alongside premium seafood from the UK and Europe which has undergone the Japanese ikejime method, and is sourced according to the season and of the finest quality.
To accompany the omakase experience, the restaurant offers sake pairings, wines, beers and Japanese whiskies. Sake will take centre stage, with Sushi Kanesaka’s intriguing, explorative selection taking diners on a discovery of this ancient spirit. Hand-cut glasses by Horiguchi Kiriko, perfect in their simple beauty, glint beneath the subtle glow of illumination from the style window.
Each of the restaurant’s whiskies including Hibiki, Yamazaki and Hakushu are crafted using techniques handed down through generations, embodying the dedication to tradition and craft.
The restaurant’s bespoke design provides the perfect setting for a traditional omakase experience at either the nine-person counter or the adjacent four-person counter within a private dining room.
Both spaces come complete with their own sushi Shokunin, preparing and creating a uniquely personal experience for guests to watch – the Sushi Kanesaka way.
In keeping with tradition, the 13-seat restaurant is hosted by an okami, Nanami-san, who ensures the guest experience is unparalleled – a role at the very heart of Japanese hospitality.
Every element of the interior and experience has been thoughtfully curated to embody the spirit of traditional Tokyo sushi restaurants. Interiors that evoke a feeling of harmony and tranquillity have been designed by Itaisan, a master of Japanese restaurants. From a walkway of reclaimed Japanese granite to wooden Kumiko panels inspired by the restaurant’s neighbouring Serpentine in Hyde Park, every detail has been considered.
The intimate chef’s counter is made from a single piece of Japanese Kiso Hinoki (cedar wood). Vases have been made exclusively for Sushi Kanesaka by renowned ceramic artist Shiro Tsujimura. In keeping with tradition, the restaurant showcases its hinoki ice chests, first used by sushi chefs in the Edo period – which allow the temperature of the fish to be perfectly maintained.
On the opening Shinji Kanesaka says: “I am honoured to introduce our culinary heritage and passion for sushi, with some of my team and chefs from Sushi Kanesaka in Tokyo. We are thrilled to share the true essence of Edomae sushi, meticulously prepared using the finest ingredients, traditional techniques, and utmost dedication, transporting guests to the vibrant streets of Ginza – and the tranquillity of a traditional omakase service. Dining omakase is very special and unique, an intimate personal connection between the chef and the diner.”
Lee Kelly, general manager at 45 Park Lane says: “I am delighted to welcome chef Sinji Kanesaka to open his first restaurant in Europe at 45 Park Lane. I have always admired chef Shinji Kanesaka and had the chance to meet him and taste his finest ingredients in Tokyo myself.
“Sushi Kanesaka will honour the true art and essence of Edomae sushi, bringing the special and intimate art of omakase dining to the heart of Mayfair. We are excited for diners in London to be transported to Tokyo and to enjoy the finest sushi experience.”
Sushi Kanesaka opens on July 1, 2023