Sushi Samba

Sushi Samba is pretentious. It's extravagent, it's expensive, and it trades on an air of exclusivity. But ultimately, it has a right to do so. It holds one of the finest pieces of restaurant real estate in London, and once you get up onto the 38th floor, on a sunny, calm summers night, you'll agree - it's worth every penny. You can sit and enjoy some great, but expensive, cocktails, sitting next to an outdoor firepit, looking down on all of London. I can't think of many other venues in the city that can boast this breathtaking experience. Galvin at the Window perhaps, but you can't go outside, and it's much more focused around the dining experience. The Shard also has the potential to rival the lofty views, but again lacks the high-rise outdoor terrace that makes Sushi Samba so much fun.

I love Japanese whiskeys. I won't pretend to know huge amounts, but there's a big selection to choose from, alongside an extensive cocktail menu. The food is an unusual blend of Japanese and Brazilian, with a hint of trendy Peruvian influences. It offers a good selection of great quality sashimi and ceviche, and often has uni on the menu, which in my expereince is rare around London.

Is it the best value venue in the neighbourhood? Hell, no! But it definitely offers a unique London dining experience, and during the summer months is well worth a visit.

Last reviewed on July 20th , 2014