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One of Nottingham’s most popular restaurants has received a prestigious honor from the acclaimed Michelin Guide. Japanese-inspired Kushi-ya received a Bib Gourmand from the revered food bible.

Tucked away at the end of Cannon Court on Long Row, the little side street restaurant serves sandwiches, small plates, kabobs and desserts with a twist. Favorites include furikake prawn toast, prawn katsu sando, chicken tsukune, and tira-miso, an Asian take on the Italian dessert.

The award celebrates restaurants where diners can get a high-quality meal without paying a premium price. Since its launch in 1997, only one other Nottingham restaurant has held the honour, and that is Iberico World Tapas in High Pavement.

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Kushi-ya chefs Tom Clay, Simon Carlin, Joseph Dalley and Jacob Turton work their magic in a compact open kitchen overlooking the restaurant that seats 33 patrons. As soon as he burst onto the Nottingham food and drink scene after a series of pop-up events, Kushi-ya quickly made his mark and became a favourite.

The restaurant took the crown for best newcomer at the 2019 Nottinghamshire Food and Drink Awards, voted for by patrons and visited by undercover judges. Last year it got the nod from Michelin, earning itself a place in the recommended section of the guide.

There was more applause after a visit from food critic Jay Rayner. He lavished praise on it, lauding it as his restaurant of the year.

Chef and co-owner Simon Carlin said: “The last six months have been excellent for us and this is just the icing on the cake. The team work hard every day to produce consistently tasty food and to be recognized by Michelin is incredible.”

Fellow chefs, restaurateurs and foodies have congratulated the restaurant on its latest distinction. Sat Bains, owner of the two-Michelin-starred restaurant Sat Bains, said: “Wowsers. Well done guys.” Alchemilla’s Alex Bond, a star, responded: “That’s amazing. Well done guys.”

Diners can enjoy lunch with a sandwich, two skewers and rice for £15. In the evening, prices for small plates and skewers range from £6 to £16 for soy braised pork shoulder, with lettuce and condiments, but most dishes are around £7.

The Michelin Guide says: “Contrary to popular belief, the restaurants recommended in the Michelin Guides are not just about expensive ‘good food.’ From fancy restaurants to village pubs, and trendy bistros to street food stalls, the Guides Michelin offer something for everyone, for every occasion and in every price range.

“There is no set formula for a ‘Bib’ restaurant – everyone is unique and can vary greatly from place to place. What Bib restaurants have in common is their simpler style of cooking, which is recognizable and easy to eat at” . A Bib Gourmand restaurant will also leave you with a feeling of satisfaction, having eaten so well at such a reasonable price.

“It may not be as well known as the Michelin star, but the Bib Gourmand is hugely popular with our fans, and our inspectors spend just as much time looking for them. This value for money award proves that good food doesn’t have no to come with a heavy price.”

The Michelin stars for 2023 will be announced at a ceremony on Monday (March 27).

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