Several surprises await at London's Juno Omakase. The guests who book at this tiniest of restaurant experiences, firstly, need to locate it – and it is tucked away within an existing venue in Notting Hill, so to reach it, you need to get through the entrance of the neighbourhood's established Los Mochis. Then, visitors expecting the typical Japanese Omakase will soon find that Juno offers a refreshing fusion, bringing a Mexican twist to its traditional Edo-style counter delights.
Finally, allowing for six diners only at any sitting, the sheer size of this minuscule eaterie and the welcome presentations and warm attitude of its hosts, mean you are more likely than not, about to make some new friends in your fellow diners, as well as learn more about what you are eating, than in any conventional outing of its kind.
An array of flavours await at Juno Omakase
Juno Omakase’s exclusive experience starts with its design, set in a cosy room on Los Mochis’ upper level. The space blends Japanese style and minimalist architecture with references to Mexican warmth, plenty of natural materials and surfaces, and a nod to the ocean in the shape of waves, scale and scalloped patterns.
There, wrapped in the simple and warm interior by Hamilford Design, executive chef Leonard Tanyag (formerly of ex-OKKU and Zuma) alongside head sushi chef Han (formerly of Nobu and Roka) are ready to prepare the daily menu, comprising 15 dishes, all served to every one of the six guests – as true to the omakase style (which translates as ‘I’ll leave it up to the chef’).
The food does not disappoint. Juno’s team works with carefully and sustainably sourced food to craft a bespoke menu that feels special. There is Madai (Red Bream) directly sourced from the South of Japan; Saboten Hirame (Olive Flounder) from Jeju Island in South Korea; Tai also known as Alfonsino (Red Porgy Bream) line-caught daily from Portugal; and Seared Hokkaido Scallops with caramelised fig and truffle goma.
All dishes are gluten and nut free, and taste both delicate and layered, offerings surprises, such as chapulines (dried and roasted grasshoppers – a Mexican specialty) sprinkles, with Japanese sashimi classics.
Markus Thesleff, founder of Los Mochis, said: ‘We’re excited to be able to translate the traditional Omakase experience to our much-loved Notting Hill restaurant. This experience allows us to push the boundaries of what a traditional Omakase will be, by pairing Mexican spirit and Japanese elegance in a unique way which we simply cannot do in our main restaurant. The exclusive creations we can do for only six guests per seating give us so much flexibility and truly allows our Chefs to express their creative side.’
Juno Omakase is located at 2-4 Farmer Street, London
-
The Emory, RSHP’s first luxury hotel in London, is a rising starNew London hotel The Emory presents the perfect showcase of RSHP’s signature functionalist style and hospitality group Maybourne’s elevated luxury
-
‘Born in Oasi Zegna: The Book’ looks back to the house’s Alpine rootsPublished by Rizzoli, ‘Born in Oasi Zegna’ looks towards the Oasi Zegna natural territory in the Italian Alps, where ZEGNA opened its first wool mill in 1910 and has since fostered a thriving natural ecosystem of more than 500,000 trees
-
The New York art exhibitions to see nowFrom MoMA to the smaller spaces, here are the best New York art exhibitions to catch before they close
-
The new London restaurants to book nowThis month, explore the best new restaurants in London, from Arlington, an iconic celebrity hangout, to Los Mochis, where Tokyo meets Tulum
-
Crispin at Studio Voltaire, in Clapham, is a feast for all the sensesNew restaurant Crispin at Studio Voltaire is the latest opening from the brains behind Bistro Freddie and Bar Crispin, with interiors by Jermaine Gallacher
-
Revel in 007 glamour at Raffles London at The OWORaffles London at The OWO opens its doors after a majestic six-year restoration
-
Rent British musician Imogen Holst’s home via Modernist EstatesDiscover Imogen Holst’s home, designed by H.T. Cadbury Brown, in the seaside town of Aldeburgh, Suffolk
-
Mimosa at The Langham brings French Riviera flavour to LondonMimosa, the new restaurant at The Langham hotel, London, boasts a menu and interiors infused with Riviera style
-
Mayfair’s Murano offers beautiful design and incisively cooked foodAngela Hartnett’s Murano celebrates 15 years of Italian supremacy in London with a fresh look by Fabled Studio
-
Dine amid old-school glamour at The Dover in London’s MayfairThe Dover, founded by Martin Kuczmarski and designed by Quincoces-Dragò & Partners, is where 1970s Brooklyn meets classic Italian charm
-
Morchella, in Clerkenwell, serves Mediterranean classics and Old World wineMorchella restaurant and wine bar brings finely crafted cosy chic to a former bank near Exmouth Market, London
