Kushi-Ya
Kushi-Ya is a vibrant Japanese restaurant tucked away in the heart of Nottingham at 14a Low Pavement, NG1 7DL. Whether you're a seasoned lover of Japanese cuisine or a first-time visitor, Kushi-Ya promises a unique dining experience that combines authentic flavors with a welcoming, modern atmosphere. It’s a popular spot for both lunch and dinner, and perfect for solo diners looking for a quiet meal or those out to enjoy the rich taste of Japanese culinary delights.
The restaurant is known for its diverse and mouthwatering menu, offering something for everyone, whether you're a meat lover or follow a plant-based diet. Vegan and vegetarian dishes such as Vegan Skewers featuring mushrooms, aubergine, and tofu are excellent choices, with flavors that burst with authenticity and freshness. If you're in the mood for something light to start, the Edamame Beans and Pickle Starters provide a refreshing appetizer to set the tone for your meal.
Kushi-Ya doesn’t just stop at vegan and vegetarian options. For those seeking a hearty, flavorful dish, the Chicken Tsukune with Egg Yolk is a crowd favorite, packed with tender chicken skewers and the richness of a perfectly cooked egg yolk. You could also opt for the Prawn Katsu Sando, which brings a crispy and satisfying combination of textures in a sandwich-style treat.
For those craving something more indulgent, the Black Sugar Parfait or Matcha Cheesecake Lime Meringue offer a sweet and decadent end to your meal. The Raw Salmon Smoked Tosazu Wasabi is a delightful choice for seafood enthusiasts, with the perfect balance of smoky, fresh flavors. Another standout is the Pork Belly and Yakitori, both skewered to perfection and grilled just right. Kushi-Ya doesn’t just focus on traditional options either, as their Specials like the Prom Chop with Miso Butter and Argentinian Red Prawns will give your taste buds a new adventure.
The restaurant also excels in creating an inclusive and comfortable environment, with wheelchair-accessible seating and facilities to ensure everyone can enjoy their time there. Though there’s no delivery or takeaway service, the restaurant’s dine-in option makes for a cozy setting whether you’re coming with friends, family, or dining alone.
Kushi-Ya has a fantastic reputation for offering more than just food-it provides a full experience. Their wine list is excellent, offering a variety of reds, whites, and sparkling wines to pair perfectly with the diverse menu. The cocktail options are equally impressive, with a range of unique concoctions to suit every taste. Whether you're in the mood for a refreshing cider or want to try something stronger like spirits or beer, there’s something for everyone.
The vibe at Kushi-Ya is relaxed and inviting, making it a great option for solo dining. If you’re looking for a quiet place to enjoy a meal without the hustle and bustle, this is the perfect spot. And if you’re a late-night diner, Kushi-Ya serves delicious late-night food, so you don’t have to rush your meal.
While accessibility is key, it’s worth noting that the restaurant doesn’t offer a wheelchair-accessible car park, so be prepared to park nearby. Nevertheless, the restaurant’s commitment to inclusivity shines through in its seating and restrooms, which are all accessible to those with mobility needs.
Popular dishes like Sticky Rice and Curry, Sushi, and Asparagus also feature prominently on the menu, providing comforting and familiar tastes that many people enjoy. For those seeking a more adventurous meal, try the Duck Hearts, Beef Black Garlic Mustard, or the delicious Khanom Bueang, which will certainly leave you craving more.
In short, Kushi-Ya brings the best of Japanese cuisine to Nottingham with its range of creative dishes and a welcoming environment. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, it’s definitely a place worth checking out. The combination of amazing food, great drinks, and an inclusive atmosphere makes Kushi-Ya stand out as a top choice for anyone craving a memorable dining experience.
Reviews
The shop is much bigger now with lots of seating. Portion size of the lunch menu is on the smaller side, just enough for ladies, for men you’ll probably need to order few more side dishes to be fully satisfied. Overall very tasty and well presented, skewers were tender and covered in savoury sauce, prawn toasts were crispy and not overly oily.
We have been going to Kushi-ya for years before they moved venues. We were always impressed with the service, food, and atmosphere of the small restaurant. Upon visiting them for the 1st time in the new venue I have to say I was deeply let down. The atmosphere and service has gone downhill even though the food has remained excellent. I observed the staff work and it all seemed rushed, unorganised and stressful. We were waiting maybe 20 minutes for someone to realise we haven't even been approached to order drinks which has never been an issue before. I really feel the service is no longer personable upon moving to the new venue, not too sure if it is due to the fact the new staff are all very young students with little experience in providing outstanding service which is to be expected from our previous Kuahi-ya experiences. We even attempted calling in to book a few months in advance for a special birthday and were told in a very unpleasant way that they probably won't accommodate it with some unreasonable and strange excuses and to email the request, which I have done and never received a response to. I feel it's definitely lost its magic unfortunately, and it's not something I wished upon this place. We will come back as the food is obviously outstanding however we would LOVE to see a focus on service and atmosphere which would be expected from a Michelin Star restaurant.
We visited this restaurant for the first time and loved it. The food was amazing, great menu with excellent selection of specials. Make sure you ask the staff for recommendations which really helped. I would highly recommend and we will definitely be returning.
Incredible. Booked in advance and worth the 4 month wait. Every dish, every bite was absolutely worth it. The service was exceptional, no rushing, the food arrived perfectly with some great recommendations. Would 100% recommend.
The lunch set menu was a lovely combination. Initially I was skeptical with the taste of the yolk and sauce, but I decided to be brave and gave it a go. Mixed the yolk and sauce, then dipped the chicken skewers. The taste was amazing! There was no taste of raw egg that I thought it might have. The matcha cheesecake is a must try. Loved the taste of the food here. The yuzu lemonade was refreshing.