We visit this West London Japanese fusion bar and restaurant with a sultry yet cosy vibe.

Where is it?
Ukai is just a short walk from Ladbroke Grove station on Portobello Road, in the heart of Notting Hill.

What is the place like?
It’s a large space, yet it still manages to feel cosy. This is partly due to the low mood lighting, but also the extensive décor and cute mini lamps on each table. It doesn’t immediately scream Japanese restaurant; you could happily just sit by the bar and come here for a couple of their signature cocktails.

What did you eat and drink?
Ukai is known for its creative, contemporary Japanese cuisine. We ordered a range of small plates and sushi, along with sake pairings and cocktails. 

Crowd pleasers like salmon on crispy sushi rice and Japanese-style fried chicken with spicy mayo are always a hit, along with the beef fillet and greens. The truffle wagyu tataki was delicious: the meat was high quality, and it sat in a delicious sauce, though the truffle flavour was extremely subtle.

In some ways, the cocktails were the star of the show. The menu is varied and interesting, but there are the classic cocktails too, so there’s something for everyone. We loved the Fire Blossom and the Kyoto Mojito.

The verdict?
This isn’t the place to come if you’re looking for authentic Japanese food, but if you’re looking for fun fusion small plates and inventive cocktails in Notting Hill, stop by Ukai. Its sultry yet cosy vibe makes it ideal for a date night.