10 of the best restaurants in Nottingham

Inspired by Master Chef winners, a sprinkling of Michelin gongs, plus supper clubs and pop-ups evolving into new restaurants, the city’s independent food scene has never felt more energised

This Japanese hideaway down an alley in Nottingham city centre made it into the Michelin Guide this October and was described by Jay Rayner as his “restaurant of the year” in the same month, so it’s fair to say chefs and co-owners Simon Carlin and Tom Clay are creating something special. As well as snacks, small plates and kushiyaki (skewers) they offer dishes like slow and sticky soy-braised pork shoulder, sauteed wild mushrooms in a nutty butter sauce (topped with a confit egg yolk) and a selection of charcoal-grilled, smoky meat and veg skewers. Their new bar Yokocho, a stone’s throw away down Hurts Yard, does expert cocktails with a Japanese twist.
Lunch deal £14, evening small plates and skewers from £4.50, 1A Cannon Court, kushi-ya.co.uk