A new (as of 25/10/23) sushi restaurant has opened its doors just opposite the University of Leeds and I'm very grateful for it.
The food from the sushi set I had was excellent! This included 8 pieces of nigiri sushi, 3 slices of scallop sashimi, miso soup, and chawanmushi. Absolutely love it, the quality was great, everything was so fresh. Highlights for me were the sweet shrimp and the o-toro. Whilst a cliche to describe, they really do just melt away in the mouth.
Interestingly, they use a rice vinegar composed of 3 different varieties that stain the rice brown and give it a very distinctive sour taste. Never had anything like it anywhere, including Japan! Perhaps a bit over powering over the delicate flavours of the fish, but I appreciate them trying something new and interesting, and I was still able to enjoy the sashimi.
As it was their opening week I was given some freebies, a California roll with a massive amount of roe on it. Fantastic! In addition a cake slice.
Very friendly staff and had a chat with them while at their sushi bar. So their head and sous chef have 20 and 15 years experience working at a hotel restaurant in Hong Kong before moving to UK. The decoration along the back of the sushi bar is a custom piece of mount Fuji with a field of Sakura. It's a very authentic looking sushi restaurant!
As for the negatives: the chawanmushi was a tad underseasoned, perhaps needing a higher ratio of dashi. Especially when compared to the miso soup which was delicious and heavily seasoned (but in a good way). They also didn't have any green tea in stock when I dined with them and was offered warm water instead, which they did apologize for as they were expecting their delivery earlier. Hopefully you are a huge fan of howls moving castle from Ghibli, because it's that same soundtrack on repeat all evening.
As a new establishment there are always going to be a few teething issues, and luckily all that I observed are easy to fix and fairly minor.
I really do look forward to trying out the rest of the menu and the omakase set! I hope they do well as high quality sushi is hard to get in Leeds and being next to the university is...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of dining at Sushi M in Leeds, and the experience was nothing short of exceptional. The freshness of their sushi is unparalleled, making it a standout choice for anyone seeking an authentic Japanese dining experience! I can’t wait to come back and try the Omakase! The atmosphere is ace- with a wonderful background made of a traditional Japanese scented wood!
What truly sets Sushi M apart is their dedicated and caring staff. From the moment I walked in, it was evident that they go the extra mile to ensure each guest receives the best service possible. The level of attentiveness and genuine concern for customer satisfaction is truly commendable.
I opted for the sushi set during my visit, and it exceeded all expectations. The quality of the ingredients and the skillful preparation showcased the chef's commitment to delivering an outstanding culinary experience. Every bite was a testament to the restaurant's dedication to offering top-notch sushi- I was even shown how to eat it properly using my fingers!
One aspect that particularly impressed me was the personalised touch throughout my meal. The staff not only provided excellent recommendations but also took the time to ensure that my dining experience was tailored to me, making personalised conversations and going the extra mile!
Having had such a positive experience with the sushi set, I am eagerly anticipating my next visit to try the Omakase. The prospect of a curated and chef-selected dining experience adds an element of excitement, and based on my initial encounter, I have full confidence that it will be nothing short of amazing.
In summary, Sushi M in Leeds stands out as a beacon of excellence in Japanese dining. The combination of fresh, high-quality sushi, caring staff, and a commitment to personalised service creates a dining experience that is truly memorable.
Thank you very much for a wonderful experience! I look forward to...
Read moreMy mrs booked an omakase as a birthday surprise at the last minute. Even though 2 days notice was required the staff was very accommodating and fitted us in after the head chefs confirmed they had extra ingredients prepped already. The food was fantastic and so fresh! We lived overseas and frequented Japan a lot but since moving back we never found a Japanese restaurant in Leeds that gave the same quality and satisfaction till today!
Even though is was 20 courses we didn't feel too overly full but just right. The food wasn't greasy and heavy but instead light and healthy. The staff themselves were very attentive and explained what was being served etc. As a birthday present the sushi chef prepped extra sushi as a gift and of course got extra dessert with a lit candle which was nice of them.
All the decor and ingredients used was imported from Japan and the fish used is dependent on the season. One fish we had tonight was from Portugal so the sushi we had today might not be available next time we go.
There is on site parking and they serve a lunch menu from 11.30 to 4pm. If booking omakase please be at the restaurant latest 6.15pm as it starts at 6.30 and lasts 2 hours. They got a BYOB policy as their liquor license was rejected by land management due to religious reasons but they can provide glasses etc.
If you book omakase for 8 people you get the whole venue to yourself.
Would 100% go back to try their lunch menu and bring family and friends for omakase. We found 3 restrauants in Leeds who do Omakase including Sushi M Leeds and they where the best value for money omakase in Leeds.
Highly recommend if you want a different Japanese experience than the normal sushi buffet, conveyor belt and takeaway which is...
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