food & drink

Step into Akashi Gallery and you’ll feel as though you’ve crossed into a Japanese machiya – a traditional wooden home from Kyoto, complete with a courtyard out back where you can dine. The space was created by photographers Tina and Toru (who hail from Barcelona and Japan, respectively) and their photos hang on the walls above the warm wood and steel décor. In 2010, the two traveled around Japan and then published a photobook; five years ago, they launched Akashi Gallery.

Now a popular sushi bar, they serve authentic Japanese cuisine with a close attention to detail – think handmade gyozas, eel cooked by a Japanese chef, and all kinds of sushi that go with house-prepared soy sauce. There are dozens of set menu options for weekday lunch and dinner such as traditional nigiri, modern rolls like spicy tuna, donburis with raw fish on top, plus non-sushi options like udon and curry. Make sure to book your table in advance, especially at the weekend.