Sushi Yon HANA

Perfection might not exist, but Sushi Yon HANA’s signature, flower-shaped sushi comes remarkably close. Slices of red tuna overlap one another and form thick petals, potted on a bed of sushi rice, crowned by jewel-like sea urchins and finished with edible golden leaves. The dish lands on the table and elicits murmurs of approval — the taste is as exquisite as it looks stunning. The sushi is one of the many tributes to the store’s name — “hana” means flower in Japanese — and why the swanky sushi joint is a top contender for Roppongi’s prettiest venue. The floral theme permeates every corner. It greets you at the entrance through its cascading arrangement of lavender-hued blooms; it’s constant in the dramatic, fresh ikebana installations behind the counter. The whole thing is completed by a suave staff and white-jacketed sushi master who knows that while beauty is in the DNA of Sushi Yon’s sister restaurant, mastery speaks a language all its own. Plump, perfectly measured rice is draped by fresh neta. Nigiri pieces of marinated and grilled kinmedai (red bream), kelp-cured chicken grunt and tare-brushed conger eel dazzle in every small bite and might provoke wonder, but the butter-smooth chawanmushi topped with salmon roe or souffle-like omelet, prove that the high standard of its side dishes match the breathtaking artistry of its sushi. The piece de resistance? Undoubtedly the soft, quality sea urchins, which are sourced fresh daily from the market with discerning eyes, and the aforementioned original flower-shaped sushi. Seats at this sushi bar are limited — only nine counter spots are lined against the rich counter. Yet, the unparalleled quality of the seafood and opulent set-up makes it a coveted destination in a tucked-away corner of Roppongi. Whether it’s for a girls' night out or a power lunch, put Sushi Yon HANA on your list.