Year after year, the team at Shinji by Kanesaka deliver an exceptional omakase experience. The meal begins with a selection of seasonal appetisers, creatively imagined and with just a bit of whimsy—
on our last visit, a monkfish 
liver was placed into a monaka cracker shaped like the iconic lucky cat. Flavours are distinct
 and allowed to shine, whether it’s kegani crab with just the lightest citrus accoutrement or a chilled Hokkaido sweet corn soup served as a palate cleanser. The sushi is 
a delight to consume, comprising of the finest fish, selected and aged to release optimum flavour, and rice cooked and shaped to tease the palate just so, with residual warmth and tender grains that lightly fall apart with slight pressure. The sake list is carefully considered and offers selections at several price points, and staff are well versed in describing flavour profiles and do not automatically default to the most expensive or most well known bottles. Given the location, the vibe can be a gamble; we’ve experienced complete zen-like conditions as well as loud and slightly drunken celebrants.