Dinings by Masaki: Where Japanese Tradition Meets Modern Innovation
Welcome to Dinings by Masaki, where Japan's rich heritage blends seamlessly with a modern-day attitude. At our restaurants, we're not just about food; we're about creating experiences. Our passion for innovation and adventure shines through in every dish we serve, and is evident in welcoming and stylish spaces.
Sushi & Sashimi Like Never Before: We are known for our unique selection of sushi and sashimi, made with our own distinctive style. Each piece is a testament to our commitment to sustainability, featuring only the freshest seafood directly sourced from trusted fisherman and day boats.
A Modern Twist on Japanese Dining: Our menu blends authentic Japanese traditions with European techniques, made with local seasonal ingredients.
Unique Settings, Unmatched Hospitality: Each of our restaurants is unique, set in a beautiful location. Designed to be your home away from home, we ensure a perfect balance of attentive care and outstanding service. Our spaces are sanctuaries of relaxation, where every visit is a memorable experience.
Our Locations & Popups
Dinings SW3 London
Tucked away in a beautiful mews off Walton Street in Knightsbridge, Dinings SW3, our much-loved flagship restaurant opened in 2017, is celebrated for its its authentic Japanese techniques with European culinary flair.
At the helm, Executive Chef/Owner Masaki Sugisaki champions a menu infused with an innovative spirit. Particularly the unique styles of sushi and sashimi, are a testament to this creativity. Reflecting the rhythm of the seasons, each dish boasts only the freshest produce, sourced from trusted suppliers. This commitment to seasonal freshness ensures an ever-evolving, vibrant culinary experience with each visit.
Dinings On Tour - Rome
In March 2023, Dinings embarked on an exclusive culinary venture with the renowned team at Hotel de la Ville, an iconic Rocco Forte hotel nestled near Rome's Spanish Steps. This two-week culinary residency, running from Tuesday, March 14th to Saturday, March 25th, saw Masaki presenting a nine-course omakase menu at the elegant Da Sistina restaurant in the heart of the Eternal City.
Echoing the culinary ethos of our Knightsbridge location, each dish was a fusion of Masaki’s Japanese heritage, utilising Italy's finest produce. Signature dishes included the 'Native Lobster Ceviche with Cured Italian Cherry Tomatoes and Yuzu Ceviche Vinaigrette,' and the 'Italian Wagyu Chateaubriand Sando with Soba Pain de Mie and Port Wine Tamari Soy' – each a masterpiece of flavour and technique, blending the best of Japanese and Italian cuisines.
Dinings On Tour - Sicily
After the success the pop-up in 2022, Chef Masaki and select members of our team have once again collaborated with the Rocco Forte team for an extraordinary culinary event at Verdura, set along the picturesque coast of Sicily.
This second residency took place at the Torre Bar from July 1st to July 23rd, offering a menu that celebrated the Dinings SW3 favourites, made with the rich bounty of Italian ingredients. In addition, we hosted exclusive Sushi Roll Masterclasses led by our talented Sushi Chef, Mika Yoshinaga, adding an interactive and educational dimension to this unforgettable residency.
Dinings Tel Aviv
Dinings TLV, located on the third floor of the Norman Hotel, offers a unique dining experience combining a restaurant, sushi counter, and a stunning rooftop view of the city.
Specialising in an evolved Izakaya-style, we blend authentic Japanese techniques with European influences. In a relaxed, social atmosphere, guests can engage with our skilled Japanese sushi chefs at our central marble sushi counter and open kitchen.
Our menu is complemented by a fantastic selection of seasonal cockails as well as an exclusive selection of premium sake, carefully curated to harmonise with our Japanese flavors or to be enjoyed on their own. Additionally, our comprehensive wine list is designed to enhance the dining experience, enriching every course with the perfect pairing.
Dinings by the Sea - Cornwall
In July 2022, Executive Chef Masaki Sugisaki and our team journeyed from southwest London to Cornwall for two exclusive events.
During these residencies, Chef Masaki showcased menus rich in the finest local seafood, infusing Japanese techniques with the freshes, hyperlocal Cornish produce.
Al Fresco at The Idle Rocks: On July 7th, Chef Masaki joined forces with Executive Chef Dorian Janmaat at The Idle Rocks. Here, they crafted a seven-course seafood feast on the hotel's scenic terrace. The menu featured specialties like salmon tartare sushi canapés, hand-dived scallop with summer vegetables, Rock Oysters ceviche with yuzu, and sea bass with sake-steamed koji. A collaborative ‘surf & turf’ dish with St Mawes Lobster and British Wagyu beef was a highlight.
By the Beach at Stallards: On July 9th and 10th, Chef Masaki took over Tavola, elevating the dining experience with an informal Japanese feast, partly prepared over open flames. The event began with aperitifs and canapés on the sands of Portscatho, followed by an immersive dining experience at the restaurant, overlooking the rugged beach.
These events perfectly showcased Masaki’s innovative approach, while embracing the coastal essence of Cornwall.
Our Team
At Dinings, we take pride in our diverse and dynamic international team, comprised of incredibly talented individuals. We are constantly on the lookout for new talent – enthusiastic and hard-working professionals eager to join our team. If you're passionate about excellence in the culinary world, we'd love to hear from you!
Masaki Sugisaki Executive Chef/Owner
Masaki aims to push the boundaries of Japanese cuisine whilst honouring its heritage.
Born in Saitama, Japan, Masaki brings with him a wealth of experience from his time working at restaurants in Japan and his years at Nobu.
Combining his Japanese roots with European cooking techniques, he hopes his dishes will bring joy to his guests table whilst ensuring a traceable and sustainable dining experience. It is this same joy that he and his team strive to create through the warm hospitality and outstanding service they want their diners to experience the moment they enter the door.
Daniel Alvarado Food and beverage director
Born in Colombia and studying Hospitality Management in Hamburg, Daniel has over 15 years experience working in some of London’s best restaurants and hotels including The Wolseley, Bar Boulud and The Connaught. Daniel is fiercely passionate about the food and beverage industry and is motivated by the creative team around him at Dinings as well as his two sons.
Current Vacancies
Sommelier Dinings SW3 London
SALARY
Up to £35k base salary depending on experience.
HOURS
48
BENEFITS
Paid time off with the ability to increase, Pension, Employee Assistance Program, Company Sick Pay, Career Progression and Training, Meals on site, Company events.
JOB PURPOSE
You will be part of the beverage team. The role requires you to be professional at all times but also have a welcoming and friendly disposition. Our guests choose Dinings SW3 for a memorable experience, and it is your role to ensure that you provide that alongside a tasteful beverage proposition. Listening to the guest and providing sensible recommendations if and when required.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES/ RESPONSIBILITIES
- You will be involved in wine list design and update.
- You will be working alongside the beverage manager/head Sommelier and selecting wines and beverages and pairing them to the food menu. This will require you to have an understanding of food as well as wines.
- You will be responsible for educating and informing waiting staff of the wine lists and how to communicate it to guests.
- It will be your role as sommelier to advise guest on the best choice of wine and sake for their meal based on your insight and knowledge.
- Your experience will allow you the ability to think ahead of the wines and sake available and how they should be served and at what temperature.
- You will be responsible for controlling and rotating stock. You will also be trained and assigned to complete monthly stock-take as needed.
- Liaising with the beverage manager/head Sommelier and dealing with deliveries.
- You will also be responsible for preparing customers' bills.
- From time to time you will be responsible for assisting with other front-of-house tasks such as operating tills and tidying up.
- Lay tables and prepare equipment for use.
- Clean glassware and other equipment such as trolleys, decanters, ice buckets, coasters and bottle holders.
- Do manual work in the cellar and when doing so be mindful of all Health and Safety measures.
- Closing and breaking down restaurant when needed.
- Prepare and closing down Sommelier station.
- Ensuring ice buckets are refilled.
- Check wine lists and correct them.
- Vintage check on wines.
SKILLS
- A thorough knowledge of world wines and other drinks.
- A good palate for wine.
- An ability to relate to people from all over the world.
- An understanding of how the wine, spirits and sake industry works.
- Good communication and selling skills.
- Numerical skills.
- Stamina and the ability to stay on their feet for long periods.
- A willingness to work as part of a team.
- A strong commitment to customer service.
Waiter Dinings SW3 London
SALARY
Minimum £13 p/h
HOURS
Flexible
BENEFITS
Paid time off with the ability to increase, pension, Employee Assistance Program, company sick pay, career progression and training, meals on site, company events.
JOB PURPOSE
You will be part of the Waiting team of the restaurant. The role requires a person who is always professional but also has a welcoming and friendly disposition. Our guests choose Dinings SW3 for a memorable experience, and it is your role to ensure that you together with the rest of the team make each experience memorable for guests through your knowledge and while living the values.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES/ RESPONSIBILITIES
- As a waiter/waitress here are a few things you will do
- The waiting staff are responsible for the smooth operation of the restaurant service throughout each shift.
- They are responsible for ensuring that every guest is greeted and served promptly and in accordance with the companies’ professional standard
- All waiting staff are responsible for maximising the guests experience by providing recommendations, insights, and knowledge on dishes, all beverage offerings (both alcholic and alcoholic) and creating positive connection with customers by understanding personal needs and and upselling dishes and beverages.
- Waiting staff should always ensure the guest receive the highest levels of service throughout their visit to Dinings.
- You are responsible for preparing your designated sections, prior to each shift
- Ensuring you are familiar with items not available for each shift
- Punctuality is critical in your role, and you will be expected to report for your shift on time and appropriately dressed
- You will be responsible for ensuring that any feedback from customers is responded to in an appropriate manner
- As a critical member of the guest facing role you will always provide a friendly, courteous, and professional attitude towards your guests and colleagues
- All monies collected and paid out during each shift and for ensuring accurate accounting procedures are followed
- You will serve food and all beverages to the table to all customers.
- You will comply with all legal, hygiene and safety requirements on a consistent basis
- You will assist with the duties of the runners to maintain smooth high-quality service
- You will comply with all dietary requirements of guests and ensure accurate reporting of these requirements are given to the shift managers and chefs
- You will attend all training that is required in association with the role in order to enhance your knowledge and skills at work
- You are a brand ambassador for our company, and you will at all times portray the company in a positive manner to all guests and visitors
- You will maintain a high standard of appearance of the whole restaurant including personal appearance standards.
- You will work to ensure the business needs are constantly met through building of relationships with guests, suppliers, local residents, and businesses.
SKILLS
- A good understanding of hospitality
- Ability to work with people and work collaboratively across different functions to include sommelier and bar within their responsibilities
- Remain calm and constructive under pressure, solution orientated
- Extremely well organised whilst being comfortable multitasking across different responsibilities.
- Keen interest in Japanese cuisine
- Great teamwork skills
- Ability to work under pressure
Our Commitment to Local & Seasonal
Chef Masaki and his dedicated team are committed to a culinary philosophy that celebrates seasonal produce, significantly reducing food miles and the energy required for year-round produce cultivation. Our daily special menu especially highlights this commitment, with each dish thoughtfully crafted to showcase the best of each season. As for all our dishes on the menu, we meticulously prepare each ingredient with the highest respect, minimising food waste and upholding our deep-rooted ethos of environmental responsibility.
Salmon Farming on a Sustainable Scale
Our salmon at Dinings SW3 is a product of the pristine Scottish Highlands, sourced exclusively from Wester Ross Salmon - the oldest independently owned salmon farm in Scotland, which is renowned for its sustainable practices, largely due to its small-scale, artisanal approach to farming in the Scottish Highlands. This includes a commitment to the welfare of the salmon, evidenced by hand-feeding and avoiding antibiotics or growth promoters, ensuring healthier and more natural fish. The company places a high emphasis on environmental stewardship, maintaining the water quality and local ecosystem, and contributing to the local economy by employing community members.
This partnership allows us to offer an array of fantastic dishes, from the our popular salmon tartare chips to our signature open salmon sushi rolls. Each dish is a celebration of the rich, natural flavours that only the cold, clear waters of the Scottish lochs can impart.
Wasabi
We take great pride in sourcing our wasabi exclusively from The Wasabi Company, renowned for their farms in Hampshire and Dorset. Adhering to ancient Japanese growing techniques, they cultivate wasabi of exceptional quality. This commitment to traditional methods not only ensures the authenticity of flavor but also aligns with our dedication to offering ingredients that are both unique and sustainably sourced.