Posted by Brett Spencer, who hangs out in St Albans, but doesn’t actually live there.

I have a problem. My wife loves sushi. Given a choice she would eat nothing else. But I can’t stand it. I can’t imagine anything less appealing than raw fish. So I am constantly on the lookout for sushi restaurants where I can actually eat something. For her birthday I wanted to surprise her and take her somewhere new, and that was then I came across Mantra Dining in Verulam Road.

We made a reservation and turned up at seven thirty on a Saturday night to find the place empty, always slightly off-putting. But within an hour, it was full and it seemed people were being turned away, a good sign in these difficult days. Two things strike you immediately, the warm atmosphere of the venue, decorated in inviting reds and the charming friendly staff.

The starters were disappointing, my wife’s endamame beans rather average and my crab roll small and way overpriced at six pounds. But the main course made up for it. The sushi was excellent and my fish course, Pan Fried Atlantic King Prawns with organic mushrooms was outstanding. We followed that with a selection of very fine sorbet which came complete with birthday candles which was a nice touch. So full marks for the food and the staff, we will certainly go back but skip the appetizers. The bill came to £54 for the two of us, but that didn’t include any alcohol. Well worth a visit, but make sure you book if going at the weekend.

http://www.mantra-dining.co.uk

Mantra Dining is located at 6 The Colonnade, Verulam Rd, St. Albans, AL3 4DD

Tel: 01727 811115

Popularity: 5% [?]