The buzz: Tucked in Arena 10, the main talking point about Sushi Otaru is its Chef Shinji Nakamine, two-time winner of Japanese show TV Champion (1988 and 1989), who claims that many sushi places in Bangkok are inauthentic. He promises to serve original recipes he’s learned through his 20 years of experience. The chef is also studying up on Thai fish, so chances are you’ll soon be tasting some fresh, local variations on sushi classics.

The décor: Besides the typical dark-colored wooden furniture and dark stone interior, the ceiling takes its inspiration from fish bones. Take your pick of the private rooms or enjoy the main dining room, which will soon have a central garden. If you spot Chef Shinji, we recommend taking a seat at the counter to watch him skillfully slice with his special Japanese knife.

The food: Most of the ingredients are from Hokkaido. Of course, you should start with fish like the nikiri matsu (sushi set, B1,350) or choose your own sushi like otoro (B490), salmon (B140) or the Matsusaka beef (B450). Otherwise, munch on a beef tataki roll (B550) or dragon roll (eel, avocado and cream cheese, B330). There are also other dishes like avocado tempura (B280), anago (grilled Japanese eel, B350), shabu (B700-B3,000) and katsu don (B250). End your meal with a sweet strawberry daifuku (B120).

The drinks: Refill tea is B60. The classic Kubota Senju sake is B2,800 (720 ml). Beers are Sapporo (B240), Singha and Asahi (each B120).

The crowd: Office workers and Thonglorites.