Master Sushi Chef Opens London Restaurant

Located just off Chancery Lane in the heart of London’s legal district, Shimo Restaurant & Bar is a welcome addition to the City’s diverse choice of restaurants. The name Shimo is the Japanese abbreviation for November, the month most eagerly awaited by sushi lovers, as it is when fish, with its oily flesh, becomes its most delicious, and also marks the beginning of the crab season.

The brainchild of Chen Dong and John Iglesias, Shimo aims to deliver the best in Japanese food in surroundings that are cool and comfortable.

On entering Shimo a small lounge bar area offers an amenable space to enjoy an aperitif before moving on to your table. The main dining area with lacquered screens and dark wooden flooring offset by white walls displaying the artwork of international talent helps create a relaxed atmosphere. The focal point of the room, however, is the impressive and imposing full replica armour worn by Ieyasu Tokugawa, founder of the Tokugawa shogun, the last Shogunate in Japan and founder of Tokyo as the capital city.

Head chef and owner Chen Dong spent over seven years training in Japan and the UK to become a Master Sushi chef and at Shimo he showcases his undoubted ability. Specialist Japanese suppliers ensure that Chen only works with the highest grade ingredients and the quality and freshness of his sushi is second to none. The menu encompasses an array of traditional dishes including sushi, sashimi (black sea bream, grey mullet, eel and salmon amongst others), tempura, grilled black cod marinated in miso and rib-eye teriyaki with foie gras.

Interestingly, the desserts are European but with the services of Claudio Salerno, previously patisserie chef at the Michelin starred La Terrazza restaurant in Rome, it would be a shame to waste such a talent. Diners will be pleasantly surprised to finish their meal with an indulgent warm Swedish chocolate torte or delicious raspberry semifreddo with white chocolate sauce.

Front of house is overseen by John Iglesias, a Restaurant Manager of the Year Finalist in 2006, who not only has a wealth of experience in the London restaurant industry having managed both Quirinale and Fiore but is also a Master Sommelier who worked at La Terrazza. For this reason, the wine list at Shimo matches some interesting wines with the cuisine. Highlights include Fiano di Avellino, a southern Italian white wine that is fruity with herbaceous undertones, and Barbera del Montferrato Pozzolgroppo, a red wine that can be served chilled and that has high levels of acidity making it an ideal partner for Japanese food.

Shimo is open for lunch and dinner Monday – Friday.

SHIMO RESTAURANT & BAR
17- 18 Tooks Court
London
EC4A 1LB