Anyone who has been fortunate enough to visit Japan in Spring will know that it’s hard to beat the briefly-blooming spectacle, but for those of us not lucky enough to be there this springtime, Aqua Kyoto on Regent Street is bringing the beauty and elegance of Sakura to London with a special menu from Monday 13th March until April 30th.
The high-end restaurant dramatically housed on the top floor of one of Regent Street’s most prominent buildings is the perfect tonic for those in search of a little taste of traditional Japan. Dark timber throughout the restaurant references Machiya townhouses of Kyoto, while screens and ironwork are finished in a copper-gold mix called Shakudo – historically how Japanese swords were decorated. The only thing to rival the decor is the menu. Artfully presented and inspired by the auspicious flower, the menu takes influence from the contemporary Japanese cuisine of Tokyo’s Ginza district. Sip on a special Sakura-themed cocktail whilst admiring the menu and start by opting for the Sakura Roll: four sumptuous pieces of maki featuring blue prawn, avocado, cucumber, Yukari (seasoning made from shiso leaves) and Morello cherry jelly. Follow by tucking into a main of pan-fried duck breast in a sour cherry teriyaki sauce, truffle pak choi and sakura crisps and finish by ordering their brightly floral cherry blossom vermouth cake complimented with mint crémeux and a tangy yuzu sorbet.
To top it all off, diners will have the chance alongside dessert to create beautiful pale pink origami hearts to take home as a memento for the evening. So let your senses be awed by the splendour of the decor, ambience, and elegant dishes this Sakura season at Aqua Kyoto, all beautifully inspired by the graceful aesthetic of Sakura.
Sakura Season is available from 13th April – 30th April 2023. Aqua Kyoto, 5th Floor, 240 Regent Street (entrance 30 Argyll Street), W1B 3BR. To book call 020 7478 0540 or visit aquakyoto.co.uk/reservations (aquakyoto.co.uk)
(Photography by Ben Carpenter)