45 Park Lane is pleased to announce the opening of Sushi Kanesaka on July 1, 2023; an intimate and traditional 13-seater
omakase counter restaurant at this vibrant hotel in the heart of Mayfair.
London’s Sushi Kanesaka marks the opening of the first restaurant outside of Asia Pacific by heralded omakase chef Shinji Kanesaka: the sushi artisan behind Tokyo’s Sushi Kanesaka, which has retained two Michelin-stars since 2018. It is known by many as the ultimate destination for an extraordinary yet traditional sushi experience, showcasing time-honoured techniques.
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. Translated as “I’ll leave it up to you”, omakase dining means 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 esteemed restaurants.
Those looking for an intimate, immersive, and contemporary omakase experience will enjoy the opportunity to indulge in Sushi Kanesaka’s creations and mastery, with up to 20 courses meticulously prepared using the very best seasonal ingredients. 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 Itai-san, 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.
