Whether inside or outside on the terrace, Sumo San disguises the fact that it’s on a busy main road remarkably well. Decorated with bamboo, flowers, decorative flags and paper lanterns, the atmosphere is cosy and relaxed. Although many places in Almaty serve sushi, few have a dedicated sushi menu. Here it’s a different story with a kitchen that serves up strictly Japanese cuisine; expect everything from different types of miso soup to udon noodles and gyoza dumplings. Best of all, the business lunch comprises a choice of seven bento boxes priced at a reasonable 2,000 KZT (though this varies, depending on which one you choose). The waitresses are dressed in traditional kimonos and are always scurrying around with more tea or soy sauce, and tatami VIP rooms are available for more private dining.