Sticks ‘n’ Sushi is one of those small chain restaurants where the quality hasn’t dropped since expanding. I’ve been to all of them now, from Copenhagen to Covent Garden, and for decent sushi, friendly service and a gorgeous room, you can’t beat it.

Their newest opening is in Chelsea. It’s their biggest yet, sprawled over three floors. In the basement there’s a private dining room, the ground floor has an open bar and kitchen taking up the centre and upstairs it’s dark and sexy and filled with attractive Chelsea-ites.

The menu is HUGE with pictures of the dishes which is a nice touch. We go for the ‘Fireworks’ set menu (£80 for two). Edamame with a smattering of spicy sauce kicks things off.

Tempura shrimp are something of a Sticks ‘n’ Sushi favourite. The batter is dense and crunchy giving way to soft, sweet prawn. Miso aïoli is the perfect dip.

Tuna tartare is big on flavour. There’s avocado, sesame, yuzu-miso and lotus chips, which might explain it. Salmon carpaccio is more delicate until the little balls of trout roe burst in your mouth. A pure taste of the sea.

Next up is sushi: ebi panko and pink Alaska maki and salmon, tuna and seared hiramasa nigiri. The quality of the sushi for the price is pretty incredible. It’s two up from Itsu, one down from Umu.

We finish with sticks. I’m not so keen on the panko duck breast as it’s overcooked, chewy and not very dainty. Veal with miso butter is a glorious thing; fatty, soft, juicy. Chicken teriyaki is sticky and spicy.

We order an extra stick of wagyu beef (£15) which ain’t cheap but you’re going to want to order one. It’s very special indeed.

Sticks ‘n’ Sushi Chelsea is another cracking restaurant adding to the empire. It ticks all the boxes but most importantly, service is what stands out. There’s a fun and happy team who seem to love what they do.

Would we go back? Yes

Sticksnsushi.com
We dined as guests of the restaurant