Christian Onia named head chef at Endo at the Rotunda sister restaurant Sumi

Christian Onia has been appointed head chef at Sumi, the sister restaurant to two-Michelin-starred Endo at the Rotunda, as it prepares to open following expansion.

The Notting Hill-based site will reopen in September with Onia leading the kitchen and serving 61 covers after the acquisition of the restaurant’s neighbouring unit.

Onia has worked with Endo Kazutoshi to develop new dishes including a seafood gohan with scallops, octopus, tiger prawns, squid, mussels, clams, trout roe and prawn dashi, and Kombu aged ribeye with brown butter ponzu, kizami wasabi and yuzu salt.

Kazutoshi said: “Since opening in 2021, the demand for SUMI has exceeded all our expectations. This expansion will allow us to welcome even more guests to try our signature style of Japanese cuisine, and I’m excited to see Christian put his own stamp on the menu. His experience working within some of London’s top Japanese restaurants, along with his energy and creativity, means he is perfectly placed to lead the pass.”

Onia added: “SUMI has been making waves since it opened last year and I’m delighted to be joining the team. Endo Kazutoshi is a true master of the art and has long inspired me, so it’s a dream come true to be working with him so closely and creatively. With the upcoming expansion, it’s a great time to come on board.”