In the heart of Mayfair, nestled within the refined walls of Browns, London’s iconic luxury fashion store, lies a restaurant that challenges expectations with elegant audacity. 123V, the brainchild of celebrated French chef Alexis Gauthier, is a fully vegan sushi concept that redefines both the culinary experience and our assumptions about what sushi can, and should, be. This is not simply a dining destination. It’s a cultural statement, an ethical proposition, and an invitation to see food through a new lens: one that places flavour, sustainability, and wellness in beautiful, harmonious balance.
Sushi, as a concept, has long been associated with precision, minimalism, and reverence for ingredients. Traditionally centred around raw fish, it represents an ideal canvas for artistic culinary expression. Yet 123V proves, with confidence and clarity, that removing animal products does not diminish the art – it enhances it. Gauthier’s Garden Sushi menu pushes the form forward, replacing tuna with ‘VTuna’, salmon with ‘Zalmon’, and meat-based broths with clear, plant-driven umami. The result is not an imitation of the familiar, but the emergence of a new identity – one that is better for animals, the planet, and our own long-term health.
What arrives at the table is nothing short of spectacular. The Green Dynamite roll is a riot of colour and texture, marrying avocado, crunchy vegetables, and spicy notes with finesse. The Seoul 3D roll brings a subtle heat and depth, while the Sea Tacos – a particular highlight – layer creamy plant-based fillings into perfectly crisp shells, presenting a joyful collision of form and flavour.
Equally impressive are the smaller plates, which hold their own against the more elaborate sushi. The crispy tofu skewers arrive lacquered in a sticky, sweet-savoury glaze, their exterior crackling to reveal silky-soft interiors. They are deceptively simple, yet undeniably addictive – proof that when technique meets intention, even the humblest ingredients can dazzle. The nem rolls, meanwhile, offer a fragrant, deep-fried crunch, balanced with fresh herbs and dipping sauce, conjuring comfort and memory in each bite. These are not just appetisers – they’re thoughtful, crafted expressions of the kitchen’s ethos.
For those seeking variety, the new Lunch Bento is perhaps the best-kept secret in Mayfair. Served daily from noon to 4pm, it offers four pieces of sushi and a changing seasonal main course in a beautifully crafted wooden box for just £14 – a rare moment where luxury and accessibility genuinely coexist. The Bottomless Sushi option, now returned to its spiritual home in Mayfair, is a celebration of abundance: unlimited maki, nigiri, hand rolls and signature creations for £36, making it ideal for celebrations, work gatherings, or indulgent afternoons that turn into evenings.
The desserts deserve equal reverence. The 123V Tres Leches is a revelation – light, soaked, and deeply satisfying without the use of dairy. The Matcha Soft Cake brings a grassy complexity balanced by subtle sweetness, and the Chocolate Mousse is silken and rich, crafted for those who believe plant-based desserts can be as luxurious as their traditional counterparts. They are not an afterthought here; they are the final notes in a carefully orchestrated symphony.
What makes 123V remarkable is not just its execution, though it is flawless, or its concept, which is timely and intelligent. It’s the sense of openness that pervades everything. This is a restaurant for everyone: vegans, the veg-curious, committed carnivores looking to explore, or simply anyone in search of something beautiful to eat. There’s no preachiness here – only plates that speak for themselves, each one a quiet, delicious argument for change.
Dining at 123V is a reminder that we no longer need to choose between elegance and ethics, innovation and impact. In a time where how we eat is increasingly tied to who we are – and who we want to be – Gauthier’s vision offers a clear path forward: one where compassion and creativity are not in conflict but in concert.