Nippon Kitchen

This stylish city centre Japanese restaurant caters effortlessly for all dining requirements, from the taste thrill-seeker to the vegan minimalist.

The 2017 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

Nippon Kitchen looks to serve up good quality, authentic Japanese cuisine in an elegant setting. The wood-panelled dining room is hung with kabuki masks and fabric panels of Japanese woodcuts and, while spacious, its layout allows for a sense of intimacy. The expansive menu covers the full gamut of choices, from tempura and donburi bowls to noodle dishes and sushi platters. Many menu items are inspired by recipes and techniques collected in Japan and practically everything is made in-house, from sushi to ice-cream. Bento boxes are a good choice for the indecisive, served with miso soup and rice, each variety includes a number of items such as vegetable gyoza, chicken and spring onion skewer, and soft-shell crab, as well as a portion of sushi. Chicken in a light batter cooked on the teppan grill is elevated by an accompanying spicy tomato sauce and spanking fresh fish is showcased in top-notch sashimi. Equal care is paid to the wine list, and a selection of premium sakes and Japanese whiskies is also available.

• High point: Contemporary Japanese cuisine in elegant surroundings
• Low point: Chicken skewers a little dry
• Notable dish: Chicken yakimono