Capturing the Art of Sushi Photography

Nestled in the heart of London, where tradition meets innovation, TOKii at The Prince Akatoki beckons all food lovers.

Join me on a captivating visual journey through their world of Japanese gastronomy, as I unveil the artistry behind their sushi making, their exquisite Wagyu beef, the vibrant bento boxes, and the behind-the-scenes magic that makes this restaurant a true gem.

A bar with a view: Bōkan Bar in Canary Wharf

In the heart of London, tucked away within the luxurious confines of The Prince Akatoki, lies a restaurant that promises an unforgettable dining experience. Located in Marylebone, TOKii is a haven for those who appreciate the art of Japanese cuisine.

Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of joining their team to shoot different elements of their menu: behind the scenes at their sushi bar, their sashimi and nigiri selection alongside other cold starters, their new bento boxes and their wagyu beef. And if you know me, you know I love sushi photography!

Sushi perfection: Shooting behind the scenes at the sushi bar and sushi menu

First off, the photoshoot began with the star of the show: sushi. I was granted access to the heart of the kitchen, where the sushi chefs showcased their craft and the precision required to create the beautiful sushi platters.

The art of presentation: Stunning sushi at TOKii

Each piece of sushi was a work of art in itself, the epitome of precision and presentation. As a result, TOKii's sushi menu is a testament to the skill and dedication of their chefs. From the beautifully cut sashimi, the expertly created nigiri, and the crunchy rolls, all the way to the yellowtail carpaccio, and tuna tartare - this was a true joy to photograph.

Wagyu beef: A culinary jewel

The Japanese Wagyu grade A5 served at TOKii is nothing short of a foodie's dream come true. The beautiful marbling is a joy to shoot, while the preparation and final dishes are simply stunning.

The shot list included two dishes:

• The Hot Stone Wagyu Beef
• The Shabu Shabu Wagyu Beef

 The photos showcase the intricate details of each dish. From the sizzle to the first bite, the visual journey captured the anticipation and satisfaction of indulging in this culinary jewel.

Bento boxes: A new addition to the menu

Lastly, I moved on to the bento boxes, which were only added to the menu last month. Available for lunch, each bite will transport you to Japan. I shot the tonkatsu, tempura and karaage bento - with a side of matcha and Genmaicha tea.

The technical details

This was a full day shoot at The Prince Akatoki. I shot on a mirrorless Sony a7iii, with a 24-70mm and a 50-mm lens and a Godox softbox strobe light. I also shot short videos to create Instagram Reels, which you can see on TOKii's Instagram account.

The Prince Akatoki is located at 50 Great Cumberland Place, Marble Arch, W1H 7FD. The shoot was organised by Feed Social.

Interested in additional content and a look behind the scenes?

You can explore more of my portfolio on Instagram, Pinterest or TikTok.

If you'd like to see more of my food photography, have a look at previous shoots at Taste of London, Benares Mayfair, Bonfire, SlowBurn, Chuku's and The Haberdashery. For drinks and bar photography, you can see the photoshoot of Lanique Spirit of Rose and Sabine Rooftop Bar

If you enjoyed this post, don't hesitate to reach out; I'd be thrilled to hear from you!