The Aubrey

Exquisite Sushi in Cozy, Chic Ambiance

Descending into the basement of The Aubrey, I pondered momentarily if I should have packed a miner’s lamp alongside my fork and knife. Indeed, the restaurant’s hidden locale poses a severe challenge for anyone with a tendency to get lost between the hotel lobby and anywhere else. Surveying its warren-like layout, I half expected to find Alice dining with the rabbit-waitstaff. That said, once seated, an aura envelops you – it’s all very clubby, on the spectrum between exclusivity and gentility. Although, on quieter nights, the DJ’s chill-out tunes do lend the deserted room a curious echo and make you question where everyone went.

As culinary charms go, The Aubrey certainly doesn’t disappoint. Here lies artistry masquerading as food; whoever said beauty is skin deep clearly hasn’t delved beneath the charcoal guise of the chicken karaage or salmon mains—fear not, these moody dishes tease rather than test the palates. Surprisingly adept, even if a midnight check in the mirror yields teeth reminiscent of a chimney sweep’s brush. If anything deserves a standing sushi nation, it's their intuitive menu, boasting delights including snow crab and wagyu oxtail bone marrow fried rice. Yet it’s amusing how a touch of brilliance can glaze over service gaffes; occasionally, drinks resemble elusive samurai, rarely emerging with graceful immediacy. For those twirling chopsticks with moderate aplomb coupled with patience for indulgent dining stalls, this place offers veneration at its poignant best. Should the occasion of soft lighting dazzle as decor invites you deeper, despite its introspective vibe, The Aubrey supports your gastronomic missions amidst its subterranean jejunity. — Penelope Savory