SUSHI SEI

With its subtle blond wood and grey stone exterior, it would be easy to miss Sushi Sei, if it weren’t for the small queues that form at the entrance on weekdays during lunch hour. The minimalist design carries through to compact, polished-wood interiors, with the option to dine at a sushi counter or at booths and tables. Lunchtimes are busy with shoppers, workers and the occasional tourist grabbing a bite to eat before taking the train to the airport. Most go for set menus, which come with miso soup, salad and other extras, depending on your order. Not surprisingly, sushi and sashimi, with seafood flown in from Japan, is popular, as are grilled dishes and donburi rice bowls with all manner of toppings. From the cold section, a dish of Tokushima Handa somen noodle in sea urchin sauce is creamy and has decent umami flavour. Japanese beverages are the drink of choice, from non-alcoholic green tea to plum wine, sake, shochu and beer. Service can be patchy and it’s no bargain, but with a handy location in IFC mall, Sushi Sei’s winning hand is choice and convenience.