SHINJI BY KANESAKA

Located on the reception level of Crown Towers, the Macau outpost of Tokyo’s Shinji by Kanesaka is home to the ultimate refined sushi experience. Passing through the long corridor and the curtained doorway revealed a serene landscape of light wooden pillars matching with the interiors. The 12-seat sushi bar offers the prime seats in the house, with the best view of the sushi preparing action by the resident chefs. Shinji is all about the omakase experience, allowing the chefs to design a menu based on the availability of harvest and produce, creating a structured set of dishes, from cold appetisers to hot ones, and sushi, complete with desserts. The thread-tailed filefish is enriched with liver sauce, ginger, and scallions for a uniquely creamy mouthful. Sushi is ever reliable, as chefs nab a portion of rice, squeeze, pat, and top with the best cuts of fresh fish; the process of making sushi from start to finish is a mesmerising act that is best appreciated as a calming exercise. As the meal proceeds, with expertly paired chilled sake on the side, it is impossible not to feel engaged in the world of sushi. So exemplary is each item of the omakase, a meal here feels almost like a sophisticated artform that leaves the guests wanting more.