Blu Sushi

by Clare McAndrew
on Monday, March 24, 2008 12:00 AM

In the vicinity of Fuxing Park, beside the exclusive 'members only' club Volar, a new restaurant with an equally exclusive feel, recently opened its doors. An appreciation of Japanese food paired with love of martinis, is a must, in the aptly named '(martini) Blu Sushi'- bringing the popular New York trend of eating sushi while washing it down with a martini (or two,) to Shanghai.

A wooden walkway leads to a restaurant oozing with sophistication. Leather seating, velvet booths and a stainless steel bar, lined with candles, set the scene for a high quality, Japanese meal. And quality is what you should expect! 80% of the restaurants produce is flown in from Japan twice weekly, giving this restaurant real Japanese flavour.

The sashimi is a visual show piece and very fresh, the freshest I have had for a long time! Presentation seems part of the dining experience with Tempura (battered prawns/vegetables) presented ironically in a 'Fish bowl.' There are also a number of Japanese soups (which generally I'm not a fan of) on the menu, but I admit I even found these pleasant. And of course the restaurants namesake (sushi) prepared in front of you in their open kitchen, is also not to be missed!

Blu Sushi boasts an extensive cocktail menu, all martini based of course. I tried a number of the cocktails on the menu (purely for research purposes!). The orange martini was my favourite with a fizzy yet refreshing taste like sherbet.

My visit to 'Blu Sushi' fell on its second week of opening and amazingly there were no obvious teething problems, a remarkable feat for a newly opened restaurant. Even the staff served with real professionalism. The prices are on the high side, but I think that it is definitely worth its fare!