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Has it really been five years since Sushi & Salad first opened its doors in Ely?
Before they opened, I’d been saying for ages that the city was crying out for a proper sushi spot. You can imagine my delight when it finally arrived – not only filling that gap but absolutely knocking it out of the park.
I don’t say this lightly: after travelling across mainland Japan and trying every sushi spot in Cambridge, I can safely say Juliana is a master. Her dedication behind the counter is what makes the whole place tick. It’s easily one of my favourite restaurants and has become the absolute go-to for date night with my wife.
What makes it so special?
With Juliana’s food, it’s all about the presentation. She treats the visual side of the meal as being just as important as the taste. The vibrant colours of the dishes against the authentic Japanese plates make for a stunning display. Better still, she adds a bit of theatre with liquid nitrogen, turning the meal into a bit of a show.
One of my absolute favourites is the Lov’Ely roll (an Ely branch exclusive). It’s a brilliant nod to our local history, featuring eel alongside salmon, avocado, and cucumber, all topped with tobiko and unagi sauce. It’s a great way to celebrate Ely’s eel heritage while eating world-class food.
The perfect setting
The atmosphere is another reason I keep coming back. Tucked away in the historic High Street Passage, the restaurant feels like sitting in a quirky Japanese living room. The decor is traditional and colourful, with beautiful wallpaper and ceramic tea sets that really look the part.
Innovation and afternoon tea
The menu hasn’t stood still over the last five years; they’re constantly trying new ideas to keep things interesting. Juliana’s Japanese-inspired afternoon tea is a brilliant example, blending the classic experience with things like Hirata buns (those cloud-like buns filled with sticky pork belly). There are even scones and macarons, so you can still bring grandma along if she isn’t quite ready for a full culinary adventure! 😂
Here is to five more years!
The success of Sushi & Salad is a testament to the work Juliana puts into the kitchen and the sheer effort it takes to run a unique independent business. From the attentive service to the way they manage that intimate space, they’ve served Ely incredibly well.
Just a heads up: because it’s small and cosy, tables book up very quickly. I can’t recommend this place enough but definitely phone ahead. Even if you can’t snag a seat, their takeaway is great – perfect for grabbing some food to eat by the river or up by the cathedral.
Happy 5th Birthday, Sushi & Salad! Cambridgeshire is a much tastier place with Juliana at the helm.
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