The Arkai in City of London

Second time visiting. The master has left however the team have still managed to sustain the quality!

I’d give this place 7 stars if I could. We visited for the first time the other day and we were blown away by the chefs’ craft and dedication. We were mesmerised by the way the food was prepared and served as well as the respect the chefs had for the ingredients. I’ve been to various 1-2 M-starred Japanese restaurants like Umu but Araki, even though currently star-less, is clearly superior. A few days after the visit, I am still wondering how they managed to make the seemingly plain ika (squid) so exquisitely tasty (and that’s not just down to the extremely rare beluga caviar). Yes, it’s pretty pricey at approx £350 a head (about 2x the price of Umu) and yes it’s omakase only with a limited drinks menu, I would place this as the best sushi restaurant I’ve been outside of Japan and I’d love to know if there are better sushi restaurants in London or Europe for that matter.

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. ....

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.

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.

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.

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 !!!

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

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.