Thanks to The Denizen, I was super excited when I read that a new sushi bar had just opened up in Newmarket. And even more so to find out that as well as serving modern style and creative sushi, a range of Japanese and Korean dishes were on the menu as well – my favourite cuisines! Plus an awesome beverage list – think Kokako cold brew coffee, Daily Organics kombucha and Cocoloco coconut water. Now, this sounded like my kind of place!

Fast forward a few months where I have been frequenting &Sushi on the weekends, with the aim to try everything on their mouthwatering menu. So far, my favourites have definitely been their sushi – every piece is beautifully presented and has some surprising decorations, like edible flowers, wasabi creams and strawberry slices! Each roll is clearly marked with the ingredients and some of their sushi is vegan and vegetarian.

Their purple rice sushi with cream cheese, salmon and topped with avocado and pink wasabi cream is a clear favourite, as well as the sushi pockets filled with perfectly chopped salmon and avocado pieces. All the sushi is freshly made, tastes great and the fillings generous.

If you prefer something more substantial, then I recommend you try one of their Soba Noodle Salads. Simply choose between charred eggplant (my favourite), teriyaki chicken or fresh tofu, and then be wowed when it arrives to your table. The salads are beautifully presented and are topped with red cabbage, radish, avocado, beansprouts, mesclun salad, ume dressing and the best part – kumara shavings, which gives the salad a nice texture.

Also a special mention to their Bulgogi Beef Donburi, which took standard donburi to a whole new level. It had wonderful flavours and was also decorated with edible flowers – not something you see everyday! And don’t leave before trying their miso soup – at $3, it is the best I have had in Auckland.

And if the above is not enough to tempt you, here are four more reasons why you should dine at &Sushi:
1. The location. Nestled among the vast array of shops on Teed Street, &Sushi is the perfect spot for lunch after a morning of shopping.
2. The space. Minimalist design, with hanging plants and a zebra-like feature wall. It is also clean and light.
3. The friendly and efficient staff, who are clearly passionate about their food. Plus, you can see the chefs cooking in the kitchen!
4. Finally, the small things.. like injecting your soy sauce onto your sushi, the eco-friendly packaging and their reusable chopsticks, which you are welcome to take home (I was told I could wash them up to five times – bonus!!!)

To me, &Sushi is the real deal. If you are looking for beautifully presented and tasty meals, welcoming staff and a great ambience, then no doubt you will be dreaming daily about your next visit to &Sushi.

&Sushi
12 Teed Street, Newmarket
Open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm (Closed Sundays)
Recommended: charred eggplant soba noodle salad, a range of their sushi and a cup of warming miso soup!
5/5