Kurisu Omakase

Tucked inside a modest sushi restaurant on Brixton’s Atlantic Road sits one of London’s most singular dining experiences. Kurisu Omakase operates as a restaurant-within-a-restaurant, where chef Chris Restrepo transforms his mother Suwannee’s casual neighborhood spot into an intimate eight-seat counter serving boundary-pushing omakase. It’s the kind of place that could only exist in London—a cultural mashup of Japanese precision, Thai-Colombian heritage, and unmistakable South London character.

The 18-course journey is nothing short of mesmerizing. Restrepo opens with unexpected preludes—think confit uni butter risotto and decadent crab curry croquettes—before moving into the sushi rounds. Fish is smoked tableside, cooked over Japanese charcoal, and plated with theatrical flair. Each course seems to outdo the last, building toward a crescendo of charcoal-seared otoro topped with caviar and a legendary 18-times-scored Hokkaido scallop that practically melts on contact.

What makes Kurisu truly special goes beyond the food. There’s an energy in the room as strangers around the counter lock eyes in shared amazement. Restrepo is as much entertainer as chef, weaving stories about family holidays to Japan and the provenance of his ingredients between perfectly timed courses. Meanwhile, Suwannee moves through the space with quiet authority, her chihuahua in tow, adding to the wonderfully eccentric atmosphere.

At around £150 per person, this isn’t an everyday outing—and snagging a reservation feels nearly impossible. But for a birthday, anniversary, or simply a meal you’ll be talking about for years, Kurisu Omakase delivers something genuinely priceless. Keep refreshing that waitlist or try calling on the day for cancellations. This one’s worth the effort.