Luxury Japanese in-home dining experience launches

New in-home dining concept, ikisho has launched in the UK to deliver a truly traditional, bespoke, luxury dining experience, connecting those who share a passion for authentic Japanese food and culture.

ikisho offers sushi mastery and artistry which can be enjoyed in groups from the comfort of the home, complete with an ‘itamae’ (skilled chef). Embodying the ‘omotenashi’ spirit of flexibility, expertise and sensitivity, ikisho’s itamae provide an authentic, transparent and memorable experience to be shared.

Easily booked online or through customer care service number, the ikisho team will guide customers through the process suitable for both home or tailored for corporate events. ikisho’s master sushi itamae will design and serve a tailor-made menu traditionally relishing Japan’s very distinctive seasons.

ikisho’s itamae take great pride in celebrating and respecting the seasonality of food (known as ‘shun’) and procure the very best ingredients at its peak, from their chosen suppliers for the fullest tantalising flavours.

Omakase (o-ma-ka-se) is a Japanese phrase that means ‘I’ll leave it to you’ and allows the chef to be innovative and creative during the evening. Using the finest ingredients, chefs creatively produce the dishes they believe will be enjoyed, elegantly and skillfully preparing dishes in front of guests to create an outstanding dining experience.

ikisho founder Tetsuro Hama, arrived in 1971 when only four or five restaurants existed in London, and opened a more casual style Japanese restaurant in Bayswater.

Hama’s continued passion for authentic Japanese cuisine has also seen the 2006 opening of So Restaurant in Piccadilly, as well as the Sozai Japanese Cooking School in East London which opened in 2013. Hama is Chairman of the Japanese Culinary Academy which opened in 2015 and is soon to re-launch eho chef, an e-platform private chef service for all cuisines.

Hama said, “Sushi has become a fast, convenient food choice yet traditionally was enjoyed during grander celebratory occasions. From the skill and knowledge in choosing the best ingredients, the expertise and artistry of preparation through to the traditional Japanese hospitality, we wanted to provide an insightful experience of high-quality Japanese cuisine as it should be enjoyed – with passion and mastery.”

To enhance the experience further, each dinner party is provided with a host or hostess who can explain the chef’s process, choice of ingredients, traditions and also presentation.

Sake is also a key component and ikisho offers sake sommelier services where a sake expert also visits your home or desired venue to ensure all elements from the perfect serving temperature to serving cups and serving style are considered to provide the perfect harmony and balance to enhance the menu.

ikisho has partnered with the leading sake promoter in the country, Rie Yoshitake, for the ultimate sake Japanese culture experience.