One of Nottingham's most popular restaurants has been given a prestigious honour by the acclaimed Michelin Guide. Japanese-inspired Kushi-ya was awarded a Bib Gourmand by the revered food bible.
The small side-street eatery, tucked away at the end of Cannon Court, off Long Row, serves snacks, small plates, skewers and desserts with a twist. Favourites include furikake prawn toast, prawn katsu sando, chicken tsukune and tira-miso - an Asian take on the Italian dessert.
The award celebrates restaurants where diners can get a top-quality meal without a hefty price tag. Since its launch in 1997, only one other Nottingham restaurant has the honour - and that's Iberico World Tapas in High Pavement.
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Kushi-ya chefs Tom Clay, Simon Carlin, Joseph Dalley and Jacob Turton work their magic out of a compact open kitchen overlooking the restaurant which has space for 33 customers. As soon as it burst on to Nottingham food and drink's scene after a series of pop-up events, Kushi-ya quickly made its mark and became the one to watch.
The restaurant took the crown for best newcomer in the 2019 Nottinghamshire Food and Drink Awards, voted for by customers and visited by undercover judges. Last year it got the tick of approval from Michelin, earning a place in the guide's recommended section.
There were more plaudits after a visit from food critic Jay Rayner. He lavished it with praise and hailed it his restaurant of the year.
Chef and co-owner Simon Carlin said: "It’s been a great past six months for us and this is just the icing on the cake. The team work hard every day to produce consistently tasty food and to be recognised by Michelin is amazing."
Fellow chefs, restaurant owners and food lovers have congratulated the restaurant on its latest distinction. Sat Bains, owner of two-Michelin starred Restaurant Sat Bains, said: "Wowsers. Well done guys." Alex Bond, from one star Alchemilla, responded: "That’s amazing. Well done guys."
Diners can enjoy a lunch with one snack, two skewers and rice for £15. In the evenings prices for small plates and skewers range from £6 up to £16 for soy braised pork shoulder, with lettuce and condiments but most dishes are around the £7 mark.
The Michelin Guide says: "Contrary to popular belief, the restaurants recommended within the Michelin Guides aren’t all about expensive ‘fine dining’. From luxurious restaurants to village pubs, and trendy bistros to street food stands, the Michelin Guides offer something for everyone, for every occasion and in every price bracket.
"There’s no set formula for a 'Bib' restaurant – they are all unique and can vary greatly from one place to the next. What Bib restaurants do have in common is their simpler style of cooking, which is recognizable and easy-to-eat. A Bib Gourmand restaurant will also leave you with a sense of satisfaction, at having eaten so well at such a reasonable price.
"It might not be as well-known as the Michelin star but the Bib Gourmand is hugely popular with our followers, and our inspectors spend an equal amount of time seeking them out. This value-for-money award proves that great food doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag."
The Michelin stars for 2023 will be announced at a ceremony on Monday (March 27).
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