Soseki

Described as one of the most beautiful restaurants in London by Marina O'Loughlin in The Metro, Soseki is a jewel of a restaurant overlooking the Gherkin in the City. It has been inspired by the 1920’s Art Deco period of Japan, with sumptuous kimono fabric covering the chairs and tables, antique panels imported from Japan, and ceiling panels hand-painted by Japan’s most important traditional artist.

The idea behind Soseki is the concept of kaiseki-kappo, a style of cooking which originated in high-class restaurants for the wealthy merchants living in Osaka in the nineteenth century. The meal is composed of several dishes made by different and specific culinary methods, each artistically presented on handmade earthenware plates. The appearance of these dishes is as important as the taste, and is influenced by the seasons.

Soseki is famous for the freshness of its fish, and for its environmental stance: the owners are actively involved in improving environmental fishing practices, and have won the prestigious government-sponsored Green Apple Award for the Environment, and the RSPCA Award for Animal Welfare.