&Sushi — colourful food in a calming space

&Sushi’s second site (the first is on Teed St in Newmarket) is amongst good company. Situated in the City Works Depot complex, sandwiched between Al Brown’s test kitchen and Brother Beer, this popular eatery serves Japanese food with a Korean influence.

Sushi forms the backbone of the menu. A key feature, the sushi counter, is a treasure trove of taste. Innovative takes on classic offerings of avocado and salmon sit next to colourful nigari; the quinoa and black rice almost invisible under long, soft ribbons of fish. Decorated with edible flowers and caviar, each piece is a demonstration of sushi craftsmanship.

The fit-out is calming and minimal. Light-toned natural wood is a prominent feature, as are the high skylights, allowing sunlight to fill the space. A large leafy illustration covers one of the walls. Greenery sprawls in and around the shelves adding a touch of unpredictable life to the simple space.

Staff move throughout, refilling water glasses and explaining dishes in hushed tones. Dressed in neatly pressed denim aprons and welcoming smiles. There’s concrete topped share tables outside for the lunchtime crowd.

The presence of the ampersand in &Sushi hints that the kitchen’s offering goes beyond the counter. We scan the menu of donburi bowls, noodles and salads having been advised to look out for crowd favourites chicken katsu don, teriyaki salmon and the tuna tataki salad. There’s numerous gluten free options and the food leans to organic and free range wherever possible. It all looks good.

We go for the sashimi bibimbap, teriyaki tofu yakisoba and a seasonal miso soup, this week is a savoury, salty crayfish number.

The bibimbap is a colourful bowl of salmon and tuna sashimi, avocado and orange caviar served on quinoa white rice with a gochujang dressing. The combination of flavours is light, fresh and delicious. The Marlborough salmon and line caught tuna is complemented by the energetic gochujang sauce.

A favourite with the vegan crowd (or so I’m told) is the teriyaki tofu noodles, served with savoy cabbage, mushroom, carrot, bean sprouts, broccoli, Chinese cabbage and ginger is a triumph. Hearty fried noodles and creamy tofu, what’s not to like?

&Sushi lives up to its reputation as a crowd favourite amongst Auckland’s sushi lovers. Considered quality food and a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle – we’ll be back.