Chotto Matte Soho

Combining bold urban design with the vibrant flavours of Nikkei cuisine, Chotto Matte is founder Kurt Zdesar's vision of fine dining with a high-energy twist. The Soho flagship, the first in what has become a global collection of restaurants, brings together Japanese precision, Peruvian flair and a nightlife atmosphere that keeps the buzz going long after dinner.

Step off Frith Street and you're greeted by striking neon murals, rich purple seating and sleek, contemporary interiors that blur the line between restaurant and late-night hotspot. The open robata grill crackles away in the centre of the action while skilful knife work rules the sushi counter. 

Nikkei cuisine celebrates the meeting of Japanese culinary techniques and Peru's bold ingredients, and Chotto Matte embraces this style wholeheartedly. Expect house ceviche with leche de tigre, sweet potato and Peruvian corn, alongside standout sharing dishes like sea bass, salmon tartare and romano peppers, finished tableside with a burst of flame. Options from the sushi counter are equally as impressive, with everything from classic yellowtail and tuna nigiri to generous and theatrically designed sharing platters. A great shout for larger groups is ordering the tabletop hibachi grill for a more personal barbecue approach, where everyone can get stuck in.

The drinks menu keeps pace with the food, featuring both Japanese whisky and premium Mexican tequila-based cocktails. Starting off by trying signature drinks such as the pisco sour or the lychee picante is an excellent way to prep the palate for punchy fusion flavours coming out of the kitchen. As the evening unfolds, resident DJs provide a soundtrack of deep house and electronic beats, giving the space more of a party atmosphere than a traditional fine dining restaurant.

For something more exclusive, head downstairs to Claude's Bar, a hidden space available for private dinners, celebrations and corporate events.