Amberjack

This Japanese newcomer is something of a bright spark in the clubbing heartland of Hoxton Square. First appearances may not dazzle – though the chocolate-brown interior is dotted with gold, & the blown-glass lampshades are pretty funky – but the food shines. Sushi is the mainstay, & the brevity of the menu speaks of well-considered combinations. Maki rolls are beautifully presented on little wooden platforms. If you choose the squid ink black rice with scallop & fennel, or the dragon roll (sea eel, cucumber, avocado, tobiko fish eggs & BBQ sauce), you’re in for a visual treat as well as gustatory thrills. Drinkers have Asahi & Kingfisher on tap, plus a concise wine list & a longer roll call of cocktails. Easy-going, helpful staff serve a mixed crowd of sushi-connoisseurs & timid first-timers ripe for conversion.