Named after a popular dish from Japan served steamboat style, Sukiyaki is a good start for those who've made up their mind to venture into the exciting world of Japanese cuisine. The minimalist dining area with plants and calligraphy on the walls is further mellowed down with soft strains of koto music wafting through the air.

Forget fusion and innovation, here the kitchen believes in keeping things quite straightforward with a menu that is clearly laid out. Deep fried tofu in a ginger, mirin, soya and seaweed stock is a good way to start and could be followed by, perhaps, stir-fried beef cooked in ginger and soy, teamed with a serving of rice, miso soup, salad and pickles. Sukiyaki is not forgotten and here it comes cooked at your table and then there is salmon teriyaki and grilled steaks to choose from.

Just off St Albans' marketplace, Sukiyaki is also an attractive prospect at lunchtime with their good value set menu.