Are you tired of the restaurant chains and looking for an authentic dining experience? Then you are in luck.
Situated right in the heart of York, Motto Sushi is a charming Japanese restaurant that first opened its doors in November of 2020.
The independent business was set up by Michelle Ma, who first started her journey in China, before learning to make sushi in Japan.
She eventually decided to settle down in England and bring this high-quality traditional sushi to the streets of York accompanied by her husband.
The word ‘motto’ is Japanese for ‘more,’ symbolizing the effort put in by the chefs and team to deliver top-notch service. But it was time to put this to the test and see if these high expectations were met.
When I first stepped into the restaurant, I was immediately struck by the intricate decorations.
As someone who has visited Japan before, I felt like I was immediately transported back there. From traditional authentic booths, to lanterns, cherry blossoms, and stunning artwork, the attention to detail came together to create an immersive environment.
Upon arrival, I was given a warm welcome and immediately seated. The service certainly lived up to their high standards, throughout the dining experience I was checked on and cared for.
The menu had a huge range on offer, with food to suit every palette and dietary requirement. From small plates, curries, rice bowls, and of course, sushi, there was a wide selection.
I ended up settling on the tofu vegetable curry, which arrived promptly in beautiful traditional dishware.
It tasted just as good as it looked, with a generous portion of perfectly crispy tofu, alongside sticky rice in a bed of perfectly sweet curry.
This dish was accompanied by a warm bowl of miso soup, which was the most flavourful I have ever tasted and complemented the meal perfectly.
I of course had to give the dessert menu a try, which truly exceeded expectations.
I ordered the matcha dorayaki, and was blown away by the beautiful, colourful presentation, carefully decorated with edible flowers and butterflies.
The pancakes were soft and creamy, with the matcha taste not being too overpowering. They also came with a selection of sweet treats, matcha biscuits, and topped off with crunchy Oreo bites.
You can tell that the staff care deeply about their craft, and this shows in the quality of food and service. If you have a love for Japanese cuisine, you won’t be able to find a much more authentic experience anywhere else in York.
