Art Sushi
Bournemouth, Dorset
Entry
To one side of the old 1920s Grand Cinema in the Bournemouth suburb of Westbourne, Art Sushi's stark grey frontage marks a Japanese eatery of rare distinction. Its proprietor, Kamil Skalczynski, is an adviser with the World Sushi Skills Institute, a honour bestowed by the Japanese government – all the more remarkable for the fact that he happens to be Polish. In this small room with its counter seating, the flashing blades and exquisite presentation that make sushi preparation such consummate restaurant theatre are the object of beady-eyed attention. California-style seafood variations in tempura offer king prawns with mint or salmon with mango encased in brittle batter, while the platters of chirashi sushi mobilise visually ravishing garnishes of glazed kanpyo gourd, soy-marinated ajitama (aka ramen eggs), edamame, avocado and chilli for sea bass, salmon and yellowfin, or perhaps the white meat of Dorset crab. Nigiri are on point too – scallop with tobiko roe and smouldering sansho pepper, for example. The omakase selection is the chef's own six-piece menu surprise, while Sundays are reserved for chirashi sushi feasts. Sake cocktails and a short slate of sharply defined white wines help things along no end.
Dining Information:
Counter seating, Credit card required
42e Poole Road, Westbourne, Bournemouth, Dorset BH4 9DW
01202 082328
