Sushi Shop has just opened its latest branch in Hampstead and got the rice-ball rolling in Parisian style with stylish packaging by French interior designer Sarah Lavoine.

The Japanese/Californian fusion chain was started in 1998 by two Frenchmen and now has more than 130 shops worldwide including Weymouth Street in Marylebone. The limited edition 42 piece made to order sushi (£39.90) comes in a gloriously pretty but sturdy box tied with Sarah’s trademark blue and white scarf in the same design.

Untying the knot and flipping open the lid, we discovered it wasn’t just style over substance. Alongside high quality conventional salmon and teriyaki sushi there are flavour innovations which take the Japanese snack in interesting directions. Cream cheese and salmon is very Hampstead, a tried and tested combination that’s lighter than a bagel. American style beef tartar with gherkins, capers and Worcestershire sauce was punchy, unorthodox, and very good. And the chicken Katsu rolls were speckled with sesame seeds and dressed with a blob of mayo. I’m not sure the basil came through the sea bream and citrus rolls as planned, but the crunchy croutons inside the crusty tuna rolls were a lovely surprise.

Local delivery or pick up in store at Sushi Shop, 60 Hampstead High Street

mysushishop.co.uk