Ukiyo Handroll Bar

$$$$Perfect For:Date NightsDining Solo

The glass walls at this temaki bar in Covent Garden mean that nothing is hidden at Ukiyo’s bright wrap-around counter. The eyes of passersby burn into your back as you’re passed hefty toro temaki while they watch on. Everything is on show—including the chef cracking giant king crab claws for the California hand roll, blowtorching meaty salmon before placing it on top of warm, vinegared rice, and squeezing perfect little blobs of spicy mayo onto glistening hotate.

video credit: Rianne Shlebak

The more bustling Ukiyo is, the more fun a meal is, so book a weekend date night if you’re after a buzzy dinner in central. But when you just want a speedy solo meal, weekday evenings are your best bet. You can pop in for a set menu of six hand rolls for £45 and be on your way in less than an hour. It’s a pretty great deal in central, especially when the sushi is this good. We prefer to go for the a la carte so we don’t miss out on the excellent toro uni, which is one of our favourites.

Food Rundown

Truffle Tuna Tartar

This excellent tuna tartar is built on a chunky smashed avocado foundation, and topped with a creamy truffle mayo type sauce, and a bright yellow yolk in the middle. It’s creamy, it’s refreshing, and it’s the right way to start a meal here.

video credit: Rianne Shlebak

King California Crab Temaki

The most expensive hand roll on the menu, this is a California roll but with fresh crab. It’s light, tastes like the sea, and reminds us of summer in the best way possible.

Spicy Scallop Temaki

Our favourite flavour combination of all the rolls is this scallop temaki. The fish dissolves in your mouth like a Skip and the thick spicy mayo just adds to the creamy texture.

Toro Uni Temaki

Another top-hitter, the toro is rich and buttery, while the uni is sweet with a custard-like texture. Get this hand roll.

Suggested Reading

Where To Eat Before Or After The Theatre

The best restaurants when an Angus Steakhouse just won't do.

The Best Restaurants In Covent Garden

Burmese noodle soups, excellent dim sum, some of London's best tapas, and more.