KEY VISUAL
,SAKE,HARMONY
,SAKE,HARMONY
KEY NOTES
A Wonderful Match of Umami Flavours From the Sake and Calamari, with Textural Harmony. There's Real Synergy - More Than the Sum of its Parts
Jamie Goode
Wine Savant
Crispy Calamari is the Ideal Match for a Vibrant and Fruity Sparkling Sake. Try a Squeeze of Lemon to Really Elevate the Flavour!
Adrian Smith
Wine and Spirits Columnist
THE RESTAURANTS
where you can enjoy and Sake in
Kings Cross
Zela
Non Japanese_Mediterranean/Japanese
The cuisine at Zela respects traditional Japanese techniques while combining them with the best products that the Mediterranean has to offer. Their unique Nigiri dishes such as, Butterfish with white truffle, Steak tartar and Quail egg with white truffle demonstrates what their cuisines all about taking a classic Japanese dish. In particular, the innovative Nigiri of quail egg with white truffle is highly recommended. With this unique sushi comes a new way of enjoying Sake, also encompassing the Sake into some of their cocktails. Incredible Ippongi Ginkobai Umeshu is a smooth and fun plum Sake with a thick like honey taste to it. They also have Dassai 50 Nigori, soft and creamy unlike the typical intense sweet flavour of regular nigori. Dewazakura Ichiro Junmai Daiginjo is rich with strawberry, cherry, and floral aromas.
Kightsbridge
Sumosan Twiga
Non Japanese_Italian/Japanese
Offering a unique east meets west take on dining. They have an Italian menu which includes cheese dishes such as Burrata with “datterino” tomatoes and Mozzarella di Bufala as well as Prosciutto and Calamari dish; Prosciutto crudo, San Daniele and Deep-fried calamari with chilli-mayo sauce. The Japanese portion of the restaurant includes a number of rolls and Nigiri/Sashimi options, emphasising the popularity of the Salmon and Yellowtail. They also have a contemporay take on Japanese classics with ‘New Style Sashimi’ and ‘Salmon Rice Pizza’. They serve ten different kinds of sake, including a Super Premium Sake, Isake 19 worth £1,150, a special Sake known for its complexity. It is clean and fresh like no other sake. Other sake they serve are renowned Dassai 39 which is fruity with hints of pear, apple and honeydew, and Takara Gokai Karakuchi which is classic and clean with a coffee and walnut flavour. This type of sake really enhances the flavour of their dishes. Mio Shirakabegura, sparkling sake, Sumosan Genshu which is rich and strong in flavour, Azure Sake -a contemporary style sake with aroma of pear which is fruity and refreshing, and Dassai 23 smooth and layered with hints of grape and strawberries. They also have two Heaven sake; Junmai Ginjo gives smooth and velvety taste and it is elegant with hints of lemon peel and creme brulee, and Junmai Daiginjo is expressive and fruity with blueberry and pineapple flavours. Additionaly, they have Frenchy Oak Sake, aged and rich with notes of butter and vanilla.
Covent Garden
The Oystermen Seafood Bar & Kitchen
Non Japanese_European
This renowned restaurant in the heart of London’s West End offers three sake to enjoy individually or as a flight - ranging from the delicate and refreshing Konishi “Lapping Brook” to the dry and smooth Yauemon “Autumn Leaves”, and the rich and fruity Tatenokawa “Stream”. An impressive selection of the best freshly-shucked rock and native oysters sourced from right around the UK coastline are served at their new walk-in raw bar all-day and in their welcoming dining room for lunch and dinner, including Kumamoto, Maldon Rocks, Louët Feisser Select and Loch Ryan Natives. Warm tempura oysters and an array of seasonal dishes showcasing the finest daily fresh fish and seafood are also available, for further unique sake pairings.
Peckham
Tupi
South American
'Tupi is unique, healthy and indulgent restaurant. Merging European and South American cuisines into one, Brazilian flavours are the foundation of their dishes.They serve a Sake inspired cocktail 'Japanese Slipper' midori, cointreau, lemon juice. Two Sake are also served Tamagawa Kinsho Daiginjo with a rich flavour and fruity nose and Tokubetsu Junmai that pairs perfectly with the full flavours of South American dishes as it is rich, intense and nutty. Sake can be paired with their 'Halloumi and Guava Jam' and a delicious 'Burrata Tortelloni' with fresh tortelloni, stuffed with burrate black truffle, served with cherry tomatoes & basil sauce.
Queensway
Mandarin Kitchen
Chinese
Always fully booked and authentic Chinese seafood restaurant in London. They serve Oysters; Pacific Oysters in Ginger & Spring Onion, Coriander Oysters Omelette and Deep Fried Pacific Oysters with Chinese ingredients. In particular the Pacific Oysters in Ginger & Spring Onion is a very popular Cantonese seafood dish. They have Masumi Okuden Kantsukuri Junmai to pair with these dishes and they serve it either warm or cold. Tedorigawa Yamahai Daiginjo is smooth and creamy.
Soho
Señor Ceviche
Peruvian
They serve two Sakes, Dewazakura Oka Ginjo which is aromatic, light and dry and Kishinamien Umeshu Plum Sake which is sweet with flavours of almonds and marzipan. Their Calamari is encompassed of a Crispy baby squid with pickled jalapeño miso salsa. Calamari is not one to miss and is enhanced by their special salsa.
Mayfair
COYA Mayfair
Pervuvian
COYA Maifair serves Peruvian style Calamari, Calamares con Ocopa, which encompasses baby squid, Peruvian marigold and quinoa. With a variety of Japanese and Peruvian crossover dishes such as Tiraditos; a Peruvian Sashimi. The two most popular dishes are Atún Nikkei with yellowfin tuna, sesame seeds, pickled cucumber, and Hiramasa a la Trufa with kingfish, dashi, truffle oil, chive.Their Sake, Urakasumi Honjikomi Honjozo, a clean, smooth and refreshing Sake pairs perfectly with the complexities of flavour their dishes have.
Belgravia
Hunan
Chinese
Hunan has both exceptional food and service, they get their Sake from Isaka and serve the Isake classic - Tatsuuma-Honke Brewery. Cuttlefish and aubergine dish is available to pair with sakealong with their most popular dish Crispy garlic beans.
Fulham
Koji
Japanese
"Koji serves the variety of sake to enjoy with their special cuisine.Konishi Gold Hiyashibori, Daiginjo is refresing and fruity. It is very versatile and goes with many dishes in the menu.Konishi Silver Hiyashibori Ginjo has a reflreshing taste and it goes well with meaty shellfish such as our oyster dishes & squid udon noodle. Michisakari, Junmai can be served cool or warm, goes well with sushi when served warm. Yauemon, Junmai Ginjo is rich and fruity, and served cold goes well with sushi.Tatenokawa Seiryu 50 and 33, Junmai Daiginjo which are both aromatic and fruity, could be paired well with fresh dishes such as sashimi, ceviche and oysters.Guests can also find various Umeshu and aged sake like Michisakari Junma Ginjo Koshu and Hayashi Honten Barrel ageed Junmai Koshu to enjoy either with food or after dinner drink."
Marble Arch
Kurobuta
Japanese
Kurobuta serves a tasty, Baby Shrimp Tempura with Kimchi and Kimchi Mayo. A few different types of Sake, Akitora Junmai Ginjo which is fullbodied with hints of mango and pear, a Cloudy Nigori that is fruity and light, and Sparkling Yuzu which sweet and yuzu citrus flavoured, are available. Another Sparkling Sake Gekkeikan Utakata with a fruity taste and aromatic is also available. They also have a rich Sweet Plum Sake and Aged Hideyoshi Sake.
Mayfair
Sakagura
Japanese
Sakagura is a place to escape and relax in the company of friends, Japanese soul food and drinks. Sushi and a variety of izakaya style dishes could be paired well with their great selection of Japanese sake and other drinks.
Angel
Tenshi
Japanese
They boast a wonderful Sake tasting menu with two options of tasting three different sakes, also serving a range of sake, Junmai, Ginjo, Daiginjo, Nigori and an Aged sake. The Aged Choryo Taru Sake 'Cedar Country' is full of flavour and aroma. Staying true to its name and aged in a cedar barrell, it has a woody and cedary taste. This leaves a very distinctive flavour and many places do not have it. This also comes in the Sake tasting menu along with the Nigori for customers to gain a broad experience of the variations of Sake. They also serve warm sake. To pair with these sake, three types of Tempura; Moriawase, Ebi and Yasai are available along with a large Sushi selection. If you want to try sake with sushi and never have tried sake before, try it with the first sake tasting menu option.
Mayfair
China Tang at the Dorchester
Chinese
Chinese Calamari 'Golden Prawns with Salted Egg Yolk' is delicous and a unique dish, deep fried until golden in colour. The sauce made from the yolk of the Chinese salted duck egg. Premium Kubota Manju Junmai Daiginjo from Asahi Brewery is smooth, clean and subtle in flavour.
Bruton Street, Mayfair
Hakkasan
Chinese
Hakkasan has a number of different Sake available, a huge selection for our customers to try from, dry and crisp Chotoku ‘Heavenly Brew’ to the rich and fruity Akashi-Tai sake, and Koimari Saki ‘Omachi’. They have Junmai Ginjo which is light, smooth and dry with hints of pineapple and red berries to 7 types of rare and premium Daiginjo Sake. Premium Tedorigawa “Mangekyo” is highly recommended for the best pairing with sushi. Customers can choose anything from Apertif Sake to Nigori and Sparkling Dessert Sake. The categories to choose from are Umami, Fruity/Aromatic, Cloudy/Sparkling and Rare. A rich, full-bodied sake complements Chinese cuisine: it's aromatic and complex yet not so overpowering that it dampens the taste of the food. They also serve spring rolls with duck, vegetables, and calamari which is a delicious combination and often complimented. Customers compliment their dishes are large and fulfilling in contrast to other high end restaurants in London.
Old Compton Street
Eat Tokyo
Japanese
He briefly explains that they have a Japanese take on a Calamari Dish, Geso Kara which is deep fried squid feet. They also have Tempura which is similar and a must try for visitors, especially the King Prawn Tempura. They have a large selection of Sushi that is hugely popular, especially the Sashimi and Tokujou bento box. They have Cold and Hot Sake, more than 100 different types they serve, he recommends the 720ml Urakasumi Junmai Daiginjo. Customers can ask for his recommendation with the dish they are having when they come in.
MAYFAIR
Umu
Japanese
They have over 100 different Sakes and pride themselves on their exquisite ingredients and intricate detail of their delectable Japanese dishes. Their Sake collection being the best in London and they recommend a Sake pairing for all their dishes to give customers the best experience possible. 'Umu is dedicated to using the highest quality indigenous, line-caught fish from Cornwall and around the British Isles. Executive Chef Yoshinori Ishii has taught our fishermen on the Cornish coast to use the traditional Japanese method Ike Jime when handling the catch.' Their spring Kaiseki menu is highly requested along with the prestige Sake pairing. Plum infused Sake is often complimented.
LEICESTER SQUARE
Asia de Cuba
Asian influence Cuban
They highlight and describe the key dishes,they have a Calamari salad dish called 'the Crispy Calamari' which comes with banana, chayote, cashews, hearts of palm, orange-sesame vinaigrette. Additionally, Salmon with Yuca fries, that includes citrus cured, passion fruit leche de tigre,cucumber shiso salsa. He explains they serve one Sake Masumi Okuden Kantsukuri Junmai that actually pairs well with the Calamari dish, he describes it as fruity, very smooth and tasty.
BARBICAN
Club Gascon
Southwest French
We are an exclusive, high end Michelin star restaurant. We have a seasonal selection of cheeses the Club Selection currently features French cheeses with Camembert, Brie, Berthaut Epoisses De Bourgogne etc, with an additional a wine pairing for this dish. We offer a unique Premium Sake of the highest quality Tama No Hikari Junmai Daiginjo Sake, fragrant, dry and refreshing.
KENSINGTON
Min Jiang
Chinese
They sell various types of sake in addition to Sake cocktails. 2 types of Junmai, 2 types of Ginjo, 2 types of Daiginjo and a speciality sake;Tedorigawa Daiginjo/Nama “Gold Blossom” Kinka. They also have a popular Plum Sake Kamoizumi “Umeshu”. What makes Min Jiang unique are their amazing one of a kind sake cocktails that are increasingly popular during the summer months, recommending their take on a Martini; the Pearl Martini with Sake, Absolut Elyx Vodka, Fresh Ginger. Their Calamari encompasses crispy fried squid with salt, pepper, dried chilli and garlic. With their breathtaking views and top quality Chinese food, its the perfect place to try one of their Sake cocktails.
CHELSEA
Zheng Chelsea
Malaysian
Zheng Chelsea have light and refreshing sake, adds a nice taste to their food especially chicken and more intense flavoured dishes. Serves the best of Asian food and likes to incorporate other asian elements with their Malay food to add too experience. Customers frequently order sake and comment on their authentic tasting food and how amazing the restaurant is.
CLAPHAM
The Pepper Tree
Thai
The SAKE Sake Sho Chiku Bai is very popular at their restaurant and goes extremely well warm with their mild dishes and seafood.
SOHO
Nirvana
Indian and oriental Fusion
Sake goes well with light food, have a unique SAKE Honten ‘Misty Mountain’ Junmai Nigori with a chewy texture and intense flavour with amazing earthy tones. Said they have the best food in London as they are modern, new and fresh and do a creative Asian fusion.
NOTTING HILL
ULI
Pan Asian
Our most popular sake is Isake Classic: Developed by the Sake Sommeliers at Isake in tandem with the toji (master sake brewer) at Tatsuuma-Honke Brewery Isake Classic’s modern take on a traditional recipe can be enjoyed cold, hot, or even at room temperature. Mixologists and bartenders have recognized its potential, and it is now being used to create gorgeous cocktails across the world. It is the perfect partner to Japanese cuisine and also finds its place with lighter Mediterranean dishes like salade nicoise as well as Greek and Italian salads. Viscous and soft in its delivery, rounded notes of orchid, vanilla and walnuts greet the palate followed by a honeydew melon finish. This is a greatly versatile sake that can be enjoyed in many ways; when chilled cleaner mineral notes of chalk and spring water are revealed, while heating up will provide a dryer outcome, with lemongrass and spice seeping through, fantastic with food.
EDGWARE ROAD
Gogi
Korean
"We have a Korean style sushi and the traditional Choya Sake, it is smooth and sweet so does not overwhelm our delicious food. It adds a subtle flavour" He explains it is not ordered a lot at Gogi but there are people who ask for it.
FARRINGDON
Freakscene
Asian Fusion
Explains that they serve two types of sake Konishi Gold Daiginjo; Delicate fruity fragrance with citrus, cherry & pear, light-bodied, clean, elegant and simple with low acidity and delicate citrus, cucumber & pear flavours. Futsushu;this sake has a smooth and full nose of banana and melon. Once in the mouth the flavours of cereal, rice and caramel are supported by good acidity and body resulting in a rich, smooth and dry pallet. The aftertaste is lingering, dry and morish. The sushi pairs well with the flavours of the light elegant flavours of Daiginjo Sake, Yellowtail Sashimi is delicious with the Sake and comes in a sharing platter due to the popularity. He emphasises that the Miso grilled Black Cod Taco is hugely popular as it is a unique dish and encompasses sushi rice and scorched red chilli and tomato salsa. They also have a Loch Duart Salmon Sashimi Pizza with truffle ponzu, jalapeno and wasabi tobiko.
BLACKFRIARS
Chi Noodles and Wine Bar
Asian fusion and street food
They serve Ozeki Sake hot as it is full bodied and rich. Customers enjoy with a large array of dishes, with light dishes such as sushi, sashimi, marinated grilled chicken ramen, crispy noodles, meat dishes and even the Korean dishes such as chicken wings. 'Only Sake we serve but is ordered by regulars mostly'
MAYFAIR
Sexy Fish
Asian Seafood
Holding the second largest Japanese whiskey collection in the world, Sexy Fish also provides a great choice of Sake. Highly ordered Yuzu is deliciously sweet due to the zesty citrus flavours. They also serve different brands of Junmai , Honjozo and Daijingo. Such as, Junmai, Ichishima, Niigata. Tokubetsu Junmai taru, Ichinokura.Honjozo Kinpakushu Fukuju Daiginjo Hishonomai, Dewatsuru and much more. They are extremely popular for their aesthetic interior, Sushi and Asian inspired dishes, offering yellowtail, king crab sashimi and sushi and more. Their Tempura is also very popular.
PRIMROSE HILL
Feng Shang Princess
Chinese
"We use Sawanoturu Sake and serve Calamari, we include two Japanese dishes,Teriyaki Lamb Chop and King Prawn in Yakiniku Sauce. Creamy, sweet, fresh and clean it goes well with the teriyaki and oysters. As it does not overpower the Oysters taste and the taste goes well with the Teriyaki especially, it allows the flavours of dishes come through."
LEICESTER SQUARE
P.F. Chang's Asian table
Asian Fusion
Restaurant manager explained that they serve a crispy Calamari with chillies and nuoc cham dipping sauce. Also serves a few different types of Sake, sparkling; Atago No Matsu Honjozo Sake, which is floral with an aroma of tropical fruit, goes great with the dessert. Also serves Takazhimzu honjozo and junmai daiginjo which is their still Sake which goes well with the meat dishes. For their sweet sake they provide kishinamien umeshu plum sake and tenzan yuzushu.
HOLLAND PARK
RESTAURANT FLAT THREE
Japanese / Korean
Our food tells the story of our Japanese + Korean inspirations and artisan aspirations. Ingredients - foraged or from quality british purveyors - are re-shaped through ferments with our most valued components: time. Prepared for days, wekeks or month, our menus srprise you with beautiful + delicious flavours.
CENTRAL LONDON
Ikeda restaurant
Japanese / Sushi
We are a family run Japanese restaurant that has served authentic and traditional Japanese cuisine for 40 years.
KENSINGTON
Yashin Sushi & Bar
Japanese
Yashin Sushi & Bar has a “without soy sauce” concept; each piece of sushi is brushed with the right amount of soy sauce then topped with an accompaniment that enhances the flavour of the fish.
LAMBETH
Chino Latino
Pan Asian with Latin influences
A few people order sake with cheese and calamari, it's an acquired taste but it is mostly popular with westerners. The locals who come to the restaurant enjoy drinking the sake and the restaurants popularity has only grown. More and more people are coming to try their food and regulars who do choose the sake tend to reorder it as it compliments their quirky dishes. The calamari and cheese are delicious and they are often complimented by guest on their vibrant and creative flavours.
BRANDS
Sake brands that go well with in London
Sparkling Sake John
Junmai Daiginjo
Sho Chiku Bai Shirakabegura Mio Sparkling Sake
Futsu
5%
REFRESHING, SWEET, CRISP ACIDITY, MUSCAT GRAPE AROMA
Takara Shuzo Co., Ltd.
http://shirakabegura-mio.jp/english/
REFRESHING, SWEET, CRISP ACIDITY, MUSCAT GRAPE AROMA
Takara Shuzo Co., Ltd.
http://shirakabegura-mio.jp/english/
Shichiken Yamanokasumi
Futsu
11%
FRAGRANT, SWEET, FRESH, SPARKLING
Yamanashi Meijo Co.,Ltd.
FRAGRANT, SWEET, FRESH, SPARKLING
Yamanashi Meijo Co.,Ltd.
Ichinokura Suzune Wabi
Tokubetsu Honjozo
5%
PREMIUM, REFRESHING, FRUITY, ELEGANT, NATURAL
Ichinokura Co.,Ltd.
http://www.ichinokura.co.jp/english.html
PREMIUM, REFRESHING, FRUITY, ELEGANT, NATURAL
Ichinokura Co.,Ltd.
http://www.ichinokura.co.jp/english.html
OTHER HARMONIES
Discover brands and restaurants
FOOD AND SAKE