Sushinho (Bar, Restaurant)

The last time I was at the premises where Sushino now sits I was 22, wearing an extremely short mini dress, attending a singles party and causing a fight between a couple. They'd turned up to said singles party as some sort of game, I can only imagine, to see if anyone would spot they were together. No one did, least of all me.

The site today, however, is occupied by two cuisines that get along extremely well. Sushinho - meaning little sushi - is a Japanese/Brazilian fusion bar and restaurant. As I walk through the door I'm wary that the thing about Chelsea folk is that they think it's OK to wear red trousers, or even more offensively, yellow. So it's a relief that this very Chelsea take on fantasy Orientalism - dark wood, screens of bamboo, clean lines, clever lighting - remains rather classic and understated.

The food and drinks menus are elaborate and enticing, drawing the best of Japanese and Brazilian together. Don't ask for a Caiprinha - ask for a Sakeirinha - it's Rio's favourite drink, but with sake substituted for cachaça liqueur. Then, to concrete the fact that you know what you're doing, ask for Brazilian batidas (‘shaken’ cocktails made with cachaça and fruit juices) that sit alongside sakés.

The menu is mouth-watering but possibly needs a little more explanation. I can't work out which plates are small starters or whether I have just ordered five main courses. A mix of luck and expert culinary skills and suddenly I'm nibbling on the salty, fresh edamame and sushino rolls - a combination of salmon, crab and cream cheese that’s been lightly deep fried.

I move swiftly on to the pimenta prawns, which are plump and juicy, lightly fried in batter, married with a peppery orange spice. The grilled tuna steak with cassava puree and chimichurri sauce is sumptuous and I want more, but that was the main course size.

If you're looking to impress and your date has asked you to order (I've heard that can happen in Chelsea) then the lobster with mushrooms and chilli vinaigrette will seal the deal. With no need to find the lobster (it's been taken out for you) your date can feed on the tender fish whilst you sit back, relax and wait for the £30 cost to be added to the bill - cheap at twice the price.

If you're the couple who had a bust-up back in 2000 and you're still looking to make up, head to Sushinho and ask Head bar honcho Paul Bradley, who's an expert mixologist, to make you a truly beautiful cocktail while you remember why, like Sushinho itself, the two of you make such a good combination.
...read more