IN:
"Isn't it just another sushi place?" asked a friend when I suggested &Sushi's City Depot outlet for lunch (they have another branch in Newmarket). Well, yes it is, but it's what every sushi place should be and isn't - offering sushi of course but that ampersand suggests a lot more - and there is - Japanese salads, noodles, ramen, donburi - all of it as pleasing to the eye as the palate.
You can order via Uber Eats or simply ring as I did. I ordered the Sashimi Don ($20) - salmon and tuna sashimi, lettuce, avocado, orange caviar (salmon eggs) and seaweed salad with a Korean gochujang dressing. The friendly woman on the line suggested I take the black rice option - I did - less calories, more protein, fibre and minerals - and she assured me it tastes better too. She was right.
It would be ready in five minutes.
OUT:
The food came in a sturdy leak-proof cardboard container; open it and you realise the takeaways are assembled with just as much care as the in-house orders. As I picked up my order - which was ready and waiting - I couldn't resist a piece of sushi from the cabinet - salmon nigiri ($2.50) with fresh dill on top - both that and the Sashimi were excellent. Fresh, light and delicious.
Tip - try the teriyaki tofu donburi ($15) - served with savoy cabbage, mushroom, carrot, broccoli, Chinese cabbage and ginger - I've never tasted tofu so creamy; or - if you want a hit of spice - the kimchi pork donburi ($17). But this is one of those rare places where you can confidently order anything off the menu and know it's going to be good.
THE TAKEAWAY
There's no shortage of sushi in the CBD - I walked past five outlets on my way to &Sushi - but none offer food and service of this quality.
$22.50 for one &Sushi
Shed 4A
77 Cook Street Auckland City
Open 7 days 9am - 3.30pm
09 300 5097