Nobu London

Of all the pleasant advantages of London over New York (which is not to say the reverse is never true), certainly among the best is that a sushi lover can actually head over to Nobu at the spur of the moment and, well, actually get a table.

The City Present has loved the original London Nobu on the 1st Floor of the Metropolitan Hotel for nearly a decade now, but its younger sister, a short walk across Mayfair, is excellent and remarkably easy to get in to without a reservation. The main trick: sit at the sushi bar. Not only is there often no wait (especially on a weeknight), but its a livelier scene. Between the sushi chefs handing out samples over the counter, and the foreign business travelers sitting next to you eager to strike up conversation, you’re sure to make friends.

Unfortunately, there’s a good chance that at the end of the meal the waitstaff won’t exactly be saved on your mobile, as good-looking as they universally are. What they possess in beauty they lack in service worthy of such a global hotspot, and if you find yourself either soaked in spilled beer or overcharged for your meal, just know your in no better shape than The City Present staff has been. Savor the Rock Shrimp Tempura and don’t let it get to you.

Nobu Berkeley’s sushi counter is on the 1st Floor. Let the main desk at the entry know you are interested in a seat at the bar, and also check-in at the second hostess stand at the top of the stair.

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