If you take a walk up Nottingham city centre's Long Row you'd be forgiven for not noticing that you're walking past one of the most revered restaurants in the city. But Cannon Court - a small alleyway off Long Row sandwiched between a chicken shop and a Tesco - is home to the fabulous Michelin-recommended Japanese eatery Kushi-ya.
The narrow path, adjacent to another of the city's hidden gem alleys, Hurts Yard, is starting to garner more attention than ever of late, with queues of people outside of Kushi-ya last week waiting to taste the highly-recommended food. Other than The Johnson Partnership - a solicitors firm - the sought-after restaurant is the only other business in Cannon Court.
The small side-street eatery 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.
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One of Nottingham's most popular restaurants, it was given a prestigious honour by the acclaimed Michelin Guide. 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. That is Iberico World Tapas in High Pavement.
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.
So, now you know. Next time you're taking a stroll around the city centre, it might be worth taking a detour into the Cannon Court alleyway.
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