The Araki in City of London

The food is delicious, and served exquisitely, but we struggle to describe the experience without being blinded by the price of the meal and the feeling of being milked for more money.There were 6 of us, and the restaurant ushered us out within 2 hours due to another booking after us. The waiters assured us that we had finished our wine and sake, but refused to show us the empty bottles.I would like to recommend the restaurant to others, but we paid £500 a head for 6 people for the menu and for the cheapest bottle of wine and sake per head. Including service.I am very disappointed to be negative, but we have left with the over-arching feeling that we have been ripped off at sheer cost of the bill. We feel a fair price would be ~£150-£200/head based on the true value of the wine/sake.

The smallest pieces of fish I've ever had anywhere - LA, Tokoyo, Vancouver , Sydney, London. Was tasty (and great rice) but never really had that yum yum experience on the fish cause it was all simply cut too small. £500 later and I stopped at my French deli on the way home to get desert. Be wary of the £50 "would you like another roll " - and said yes as still hungry - add on. £50 ONE ROLL?!! Sloppy cut tuna and truffles.... After I said something they gave me my £50 back - but should not be that way in the first place. Come on. ....

This place has amazing service. They take the time to explain every single dish they serve you. It is delicious as well. It’s a serving menu so you can’t pick but everything they served us was perfect. It is quite expensive but it’s in Pat with the quality of the food. Highly recommend this place for true sushi lovers and they are also kind enough to teach you the right way to eat it.

Araki-san may have left to Hong Kong, but his young protégé, Marty Lau, has more than filled his shoes. Exemplary sushi in a relaxed atmosphere that manages to be suitably special without feeling stuffy. Yes it's expensive, but this is far and away the best sushi in London (probably Europe), and well worth every penny.

Top experience ! This was an unforgettable night ! Thank you to the “ Araki “ team for an incredible explosion of flavours, thanks for the company, we had a lovely evening !!! The best !!!

One of the best meals I've had in my life. Marty Lau is not just a world-class chef but also a wonderful host and entertainer. Truly one of the most special meals you'll ever eat.

Not worth to come ... 5 star price and 2 star taste

Sushis were beyond amazing, but the dessert was my favourite!!! The matcha mochi😍

Even if you're a jaded foodie, this is arguably the top restaurant experience in London. It's the combination of spectacular food (which will change your understanding of what sushi actually is), with a format that has you seated at an intimate counter, able to chat to the chef while he is making the food in front of you, that is just so special and justifies the high price. (NB there are a number of dubious bad reviews here which appear to be entirely fabricated by people with an axe to grind - unfortunately some sad bigots have issues with a non-Japanese chef running an Omakase restaurant, even when anointed as his chosen successor by the Japanese Master himself.)

First three stars experience. This was taken around April. Just after master Araki left. I think it was really good, but still lack of something. I liked the dish a lot, but did not impress me. I used to work in a fairly good Japanese resturant, so I really familier with the cuisine. The service and food was fab. However, the place is costly. Recommend to order some sake with the food.