Hakuba

Hakuba has taken over the site formerly home to Kobe Jones. New owners have kept its good looks, smart decor & extensive private dining areas, although the modern Japanese menu has benefited from some modifications. We were impressed with a sushi selection that included both freshly prepared nigiri, plus more innovative offerings including carpaccio of pearly white sea bass with a delicate soy, wasabi & olive oil dressing, & a sushi roll of crab & avocado topped with scallops in a creamy sauce. Scallops also worked well in a signature hotpot dish, sliced and layered with mushrooms over tasty rice, although grilled black cod with miso could have been a shade more caramelised. There are wines & sakés to wash it all down, & Hakuba also does a good line in cocktails (including a zingy pomegranate martini), which have been designed to complement the food.