The brand can be found in Bahrain, Dubai, Riyadh and Singapore.
SUSHISAMBA London is a dining icon. Whenever we told anyone we were eating at the restaurant, they were excited on our behalf. The restaurant has been wowing diners since 2012. Today, the brand can be found around the world in Bahrain, Dubai, Doha, Las Vegas, Riyadh and Singapore. London’s Heron Tower is where it all started in the UK, setting the standard for the rest of the world. And, now with the opening of the SAMBA Room, there’s even more reason to visit.
SUSHISAMBA London boasts high-end food and sky-high views. The team knows how to make an entrance, thanks to its glass elevator, which whizzes up 39 floors and overlooks the City of London. On our weekday visit, we spotted a cool crowd, which ranged from an Arab couple to business meetings. Tip: Come for the sunset, and stay for the sushi.
At SUSHISAMBA London, there are different areas boasting different vibes. The terrace is great for a date, and the SAMBA Room offers bites, cocktails and live music. The newly launched Friday Sessions include DJ sets and surprise guests, and take place every Friday from 10.30pm to 3am.
We were seated in the main dining room, slap bang in the middle of the floor-to-ceiling windows. The spectacular setting includes an open bamboo ceiling, hanging plants and twinkling lights. The place is packed with personality, from the semi-circle orange sofas to the orange tree. Even though the weather was wet, the view was still the stuff that Insta dreams are made of.
The concept draws its inspiration from Brazil, Japan and Peru, and combines the flavours of each country in a fun, fascinating way. The menu ranges from traditional Japanese tempura and sushi, to Brazilian churrasco and moqueca and Peruvian anticuchos and seviche.
We tucked into SUSHISAMBA London’s set dinner menu, Taste of Samba, which starts from £90 per person. Spanning multiple courses, it’s superb for sharing and sampling the restaurant’s greatest hits. The starters include Edamame and Plantain Chips. The bites include small, spicy Crispy Yellowtail Taquitos, and golden-brown Green Bean Tempura.
The highlights include the Tiger Maki with a wasabi mayo kick, and Nirgi selection from the chef. Don’t leave without ordering the Black Cod Anticuchos – the dish is cooked over a traditional Japanese charcoal grill, and boasts a soft, sweet finish. The Chocolate Banana Cake feels like a taste of South America, thanks to its mix of plantain and vanilla rum.
Even if you just come to SUSHISAMBA London for bites or beverages, you’re in for a terrific treat. The signature cocktails have been impressing the local and international crowd and offer a creative take on classics. The Sake Spritz is fresh and floral, and Samba Sour has a dash of turmeric. Plus, there is a wide-ranging sake list, which includes premium and rare drinks.
Throughout our evening, the service was smart and smiley. Despite being told that we had the table for a set time, we never felt rushed. Instead, it reminded us exactly how it is supposed to be done. The restaurant remains head and shoulders above the competition.
Long live SUSHISAMBA.
GO: Visit www.sushisamba.com for more information.