Birmingham, Japanese Restaurant Guide

“Healthy ramen bowls” and “the best karaage fried chicken in town” are the secrets behind the rapid growth of the cramped Japanese pitstops, of which there are now 10 in London – the most recent openings, in Shoreditch and Peckham, having followed a £5million investment in 2019. They provide “a meal that could fill you up for a day”, with “excellent service from a really friendly team who go the extra mile”.

New since March 2018, Gaijin is a cosy 10-seat venue run by Michal Kubiak from Poland, who produces authentic sushi with passion and dedication.

Chef Alex Claridge (who also owns The Wilderness in the Jewellery Quarter) has taken over the 80s-themed Nocturnal Animals restaurant and bar; he will continue to operate the ground floor bar but the basement restaurant has been re-branded and serves “modern Japanese food with eclectic twists.” (including 'rock and roll sushi', whatever that means, and a "tongue-in-cheek take on afternoon tea")

A London branch opens in Soho in September 2021.