Harden's survey result
Summary
“Pure craft” – Toru Takahashi’s tiny 7-seat venue in a cute Clerkenwell alley does not go out of its way to advertise itself, with almost zero online presence, and bookings released weekly each Monday via a form on one of the booking platforms. He doesn’t need to plug himself, though, as this is “hands-down some of the best sushi in London” (although, because it doesn’t fit into a jelly mould, it goes without saying that Michelin have failed to recognise it, although those less cynical about how it operates have “no idea why they have yet to recognise this place”). For one reporter: “a recent trip to Japan and then a revisit here after confirms the standard at which this charming little shop is operating – on a par with some of the higher-end Tokyo spots. Delicious, imaginative sushi and the warmest of welcomes… the only issue is actually getting a seat!”. The full menu is £187 per person, for 17-20 courses for which you should allow four hours. Or there’s a somewhat cut-down Saturday lunch experience for £167 per person. Top Tip – email info@sushitetsu.co.uk for all the details.
Summary
“Still a top omakase experience in a very relaxed environment” – Toru Takahashi does not exactly need to go out of his way to attract customers to this tiny (7 seat) venue. You can only book online on Monday at 12:00pm onwards. There are no event bookings (max 4 in a party). There’s no concession to vegans or vegetarians. No kids under 12. No Insta (yay!!) – photography and video are not permitted. No scent is to be worn by diners. The full shebang costs £167 per person and takes 3-4 hours, although he also does a shorter 2 hour version early on Saturday evenings for £117 (June 2023 prices). Everyone loves it…
Summary
“The best sushi in London bar none” is not a ludicrous claim for Toru Takahashi’s Clerkenwell fixture where “the freshest fish and seafood is superbly prepared” and “its quality is at a level matched only by multi-starred places in the capital”. “During lockdown, their takeaway service was a shining light”, and – as we go to press – his 7-seat restaurant has yet to re-open. When it does, “you truly have a sense you are sharing something special”, but “it’s ridiculous trying to get a booking”, with phones open for five hours once a week.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Sushi Tetsu?
12 Jerusalem Passage, London, EC1V 4JP
Restaurant details
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £25.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.50 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 12.50% |
12 Jerusalem Passage, London, EC1V 4JP
Opening hours
| Monday | 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Tuesday | 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Wednesday | 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Thursday | 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Friday | 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Saturday | 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Sunday | 5 pm‑10 pm |
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