Sushi Bar HanaMatsuri is an unassuming, intimate, gem of an establishment. Today I experienced the Omakase menu. It is worth noting to anyone unfamiliar with the concept, that Omakase means “I’ll leave it to you”. In other words, the chef will prepare a series of dishes over the course of a meal combining the chef’s experience, knowledge and what product is in season. From my experience today I can say that it is clear that chef prioritises sourcing only fresh, seasonal, high quality ingredients. Having visited many Japanese restaurants and sushi bars across the UK I can say without a doubt, you should come to Sushi Bar HanaMatsuri if you want to experience high quality, authentic, Japanese sushi. Thankyou for your hospitality and for the delicious food. It was an absolute pleasure. Until next time!

I'm lucky enough to have visited Japan and this place is an absolute gem of an authentic Japanese sushi restaurant, tucked away in Meanwood. From the outside its modest looks and closed blinds give nothing away and certainly don't tempt you in. However, inside lies an experience that will transport you to Japan for an hour or two. You must pre-order your food because the priority here is freshest sashimi you can possibly find. Your ingredients are bought in especially for you. The chef/ owner specialises only in sushi (there is no ramen or tempura available) and that's what makes it amazing. We had a sashimi tasting menu which was mind blowing. The care and dedication lavished on each dish was obvious. The food is prepared directly in front of you (the theatre of watching is magical) and served seconds after it is finished. The Japanese government publishes a list of officially approved Japanese restaurants in Europe. This is one of only 10 outside London in the UK. Book now while you have the chance. Went back again this month (July 2020) and were the first "post lockdown" diners! Updated menu, still amazing. We think this restaurant deserves a Michelin star it's that good. It has already achieved an entry in the Michelin guide so don't wait around!

The best Japanese sushi experience I have had. I had been wanting to go to Hana Matsuri for so long and finally went and it delivered beyond expectation. The Omakase menu was sublime, all ingredients were put together perfectly and the quality was absolutely on point. It's expensive of course, but worth it if you enjoy incredible food and a great experience. The chef was happy to explain dishes to use and any other questions.

I took my partner here as he is a big foodie. Although I was initially hesitant due to the price I can honestly say it was worth it by a mile. My partner loved it of course but even I, who generally doesn't like fish, thoroughly enjoyed every single bite. I don't know if this is the case every time but we were given 21 different things to eat. I can see on some past reviews that not everyone is happy with only having the choice of the one set menu however I believe the chef/owner has definitely made the right decision here as it allows them to give the customer the best ingredients that they can get their hands on every time. Aside from the incredible food the atmosphere was wonderful also. With the place only having a handful of seats it was an intimate experience and I enjoyed watching the chef expertly prepare our next dishes right in front of me. All of the staff were very friendly and have done an amazing job at creating a gem of a restaurant. I dont have one bad thing to say about my experience and I can easily say it is the best Japanese food experience I have ever had.

Definitely the best sushi restaurant in Leeds if not the UK! Very small place that only seats a few people so booking is essential. Food is expertly prepared freshly in front of you. Great selection of Japanese beers and saki. Can't praise this place highly enough!

Great real Japanese food made by Japanese chef. Only place that I can go for A5 beef. Im going back there soon. Recommend for the Sushi and A5Beef lover.

Absurdly delicious, wonderful experience. The chef and rest of the staff were fun to chat with and very welcoming of folks who don't know the best practices and etiquette. One of the best meals I've ever had.

Utterly amazing. This is a special place. Food amazing. The care and precision is superb. Only us 2 in the restaurant at 5:30pm. So like a private dining. Will be back.

The quality of food here is unreal. My wife took me for my birthday and it was the best meal I've had in nearly a decade.

The most amazing experience watching the chef prepare each dish in front of us. Each mouthful was absolutely delicious. The freshest fish and vegetables, some grown in the chef's own garden. The best meal I have eaten - possibly ever. I cannot rate it too highly.

Beautifully crafted menu, delicious food, brilliant service with a personalised atmosphere. All-round fantastic execution of Japanese food! Now one of my favourite restaurants in the UK, not just Yorkshire.

Absolutely amazing experience. Delicious sushi, exemplary service and a wonderful night. The omakase course menu is superb and worth visiting for, as was the optional A5 wagyu course. A rather comprehensive drinks menu with a great variety of sake, plum wine and Japanese whiskies as well as more traditional western drinks. Stepping off a dark and rainy street in Leeds into what is easily recognisable as a very intimate and traditional Japanese sushi bar is surprising and welcome. The prep area is immaculately clean, the service by the wait staff polite, courteous and friendly, and the food prepared skillfully front and center. The drinks menu also includes a preface about omakase and sushi etiquette which is a nice introduction to anyone unsure or the ininitiated. I'm not surprised at all that this made the Michelin Guide in 2021 - well deserved and speaks volumes to the quality of the establishment.

Be in Hana Matsuri was an unique experience! Amazing food, excellent service and attention. I certainly enjoyed and will recommend it for everyone. Thank you chef and staff team!

Best sushi ever, worth every penny

The best sushi I've ever eaten. This place is incredible. Finish your meal with a plumb wine and float out of the door in a state of bliss, absolute heaven.

Stunning! Mouthfuls of heaven. Food I would never have imagined eating was just sublime. Thanks to all the wonderful staff for an amazing experience.

Easily the best Japanese place I have been in the UK. They serve a very traditional style course called Omakase (which basically means chef's choice). It will be based on what ingredients are in season and what they are able to source freshest. Their printed menu during the meal had locations for every ingredient used! Complete accountability for where all of their ingredients have come from and I honestly think that's great. The restaurant itself is a small intimate place with 6 seats, centred around the chef who prepares every single dish right in front of you. Service was very good with the waiter being very attentive to us. Only thing which I would like to suggest the restaurant is perhaps more interaction between the head chef and the customers? I think it could be a language barrier, as he would talk to the staff in Japanese. However, one thing I liked in an omakase is some of the explanation of the dish or flavour profiles to look out for. For example, when they grated and served real fresh wasabi (compared to the fake green horseradish stuff at other places), maybe tell us why its so special. I remembered tidbits and explain to my partner that real wasabi loses its flavour a short time after grating so must be eaten fresh. But this coming from the chef would have enhanced the experience. Overall, I still loved my dinner experience. The food was carefully prepared and delicious. The best sushi I have had in the UK.

We had heard such amazing things about this and in particular the experience…. Unfortunately it would appear that with the opening of Sushi Nakamura the chef has moved on and this place in Meanwood is nothing short of a bad experience. In all honesty our review cannot resemble anything positive: 1. Freezing cold. 2. No wine 3. No fish 4. No sashimi/sushi 5. No avacado 6. £6 for a sliced tomato We hoped for a classic and rustic personal experience. This was not had and for £97 we had to go have dinner again. Looking forward to trying the new restaurant in Leeds city, haven’t given up hope yet. The question remains whether there is a place for this restaurant in meanwood to stay open.