Do you have any idea how much skill and finesse it takes to prepare Japanese cuisine? A chef has to be really accomplished with knives and have nimble fingers to achieve what a traditional Japanese chef do. Which is the precise reason why there are so few regional Japanese chefs. Japanese cuisine is a cuisine based on the natural flavours of the ingredients. It greatly believes in keeping the integrity of the produce and treating it right. They respect the ingredient and try to make the best of it. Chennai may not have a very active Japanese sector but for those who are an avid enthusiast of this cuisine often end up eating at ‘Sora Jima’. The name is synonymous with Japanese cuisine in Chennai and made its mark fairly soon after it’s much anticipated opening. Sora Jima manages to cater to the refined well-travelled tastes of the local foodies.

The name Sora Jima means ‘an island in the sky’, a suggestion proven right when you take in their spectacular location. The restaurant is placed in the very trendy corner of T. Nagar and housed in posh The Accord Metropolitan Hotel. Perched on the top floor of the hotel, the restaurant overlooks a magnificent view of the city so it will be wise to pick a window side table. Few outdoor tables are added for the smokers which is a pity, as they have a gorgeous view. Furnishings of Sora Jima are well picked. Interiors are elegant and very tastefully designed. One feels quite at home dining here. Décor has a distinct modern touch which pulls the restaurant from being too monotonous. If you require some privacy, ask to be seated in their private dining area.

Sora Jima practises an authentic Japanese menu. Chef Katayama is known to serve the best sushi in town so definitely indulge in that. When dining here, forget your wallet and just give in to their superb cooking. It might be expensive but it’s equally satisfying too. Ask the chef for recommendations. Who would tell you better? Begin with, prawn tempura, tofu clear soup, chicken tikka sushi, spicy mushroom sushi, spicy finger teriyaki chicken, baby corn bezule sushi and chicken wafu steak. Main course impresses you with, Japanese chicken biryani, curry leaf happosai, mutton mabo tofu, spicy wasabi noodles, seer fish with allepey dashi and grilled prawns with wasabi sauce. Bring this wonderful blend of two cultures on a sweet note with green tea crème brulee or maccha ice cream with lychee.