Review on SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden
International brand SUSHISAMBA has already scored a hit with their restaurant at the Heron Tower and November 2018 saw the launch of their much anticipated second London venue in Covent Garden. Located at Opera Terrace, it has taken over the entire upper level of the east side of the Grade II-listed Market Building, formerly occupied by Brasserie Blanc and Chez Gerard.
The stunning interior design has been created by Antwerp-based Too Many Agencies, founded by Will Erens it offers outstanding views of the iconic plaza. Guests enter via a spiral orange marble staircase showcasing a large art mural depicting Japanese mythology, and there's a beautiful living ceiling of cascading lush South American and Japanese plants and foliage above the bar. Swanky furnishings are set on black and white marble flooring and there's bespoke pieces of art from international artists displayed throughout.
The inventive menu is inspired by the flavours of Japanese, Brazil and Peru offering diners exquisitely presented dishes which can be taken in the shape of small plates ideal for sharing. The menu covers a lot of territory like shrimp tempura, snap pea julienne, spicy mayo and black truffle vinaigrette or from the robata grill, octopus, olive purée and ají panca. The kitchen also pleases meat eaters with Berkshire tonkatsu, pork entrecôte, sesame and daikon or if you want to splash the cash there's authentic Kobe beef on offer. It signs off with desserts in the shape of a chocolate banana cake, maple butter, plantain chip and vanilla ice cream or kudamono Japanese exotic fruit salad with cherry crisp, watermelon granite and green tea gel.
The wine list has been carefully compiled to complement the menu and there's signature cocktails along the lines of Batida de Mango, Creamy, Fruity, an updated Brazilian classic consisting of mango cream and passion fruit, churned through ice and spiked with cachaca and Benedictine liqueur.
Cuisine
Brazilian / Japanese / Peruvian
Restaurant Opening Times
Lunch: 11.30am through until
Dinner: 12.30am (1.00am Fri & Sat, 11.30pm Sun)
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card, American Express