On a crisp evening in Notting Hill, I met a close friend for dinner at Ukai, a place I had heard murmurs about for months. Situated in the heart of one of London’s most characterful neighbourhoods, Ukai is more than just a restaurant—it’s a scene. Equal parts dining room, cocktail haven and late-night destination, the space has an atmosphere that begins with understated sophistication and blossoms into something magnetic as the evening unfolds. From the moment we stepped inside, the combination of modern Japanese design flourishes and bold murals gave the space an immediate sense of energy. The centrepiece bar, with its glowing Japanese whiskey cabinet, felt like the perfect focal point: a signal that this was going to be a night of both flavour and style.
Head Chef Alessandro Verros, whose pedigree includes time at Nobu and Roka, brings a sense of culinary authority to Ukai’s menu. His style is rooted in Robata-style Japanese cooking yet seamlessly integrates Mediterranean and South American influences. The result is a dining experience that feels both familiar and inventive, with dishes that have been designed not simply to impress, but to share. My friend and I approached the evening in the way Ukai clearly intends—by ordering widely, grazing, and letting the dishes come at a gentle rhythm.
We began with the Crispy Rice and Salmon Tartare, served with a citrus sauce. It was the kind of starter that instantly sets the tone: bright, textural, and elegant, with the citrus cutting beautifully through the richness of the salmon. Next came the Lobster Tempura, light and airy, paired with a yuzu mayonnaise that had the ideal balance of sharpness and indulgence. A Sea Bass and Tuna Ceviche followed, the fish gleamingly fresh, reworked with a subtle Peruvian twist that carried just the right level of heat. Each bite was refreshing yet layered, elevated further by the crunch of prawn crackers.
No visit to Ukai would be complete without sushi, and here the restaurant truly excels. We opted for the Hamachi & Jalapeño Roll, where delicate yellowtail was paired with cucumber and a touch of heat that lingered just long enough to intrigue. The Seabass & Truffle Roll was an indulgent contrast, the earthiness of the truffle harmonising with the clean flavour of the fish. A Black Cod Maki added further richness, while the Green Californian Maki offered balance with its fresh, wasabi-tinged brightness. There is something about sharing rolls in a lively dining room that feels inherently convivial, and Ukai captures that spirit perfectly.
From the Robata grill, the Beef Toban-Yaki arrived at the table sizzling, aromatic with citrus and soy. Each slice was tender, kissed by the charcoal heat, and deeply satisfying. We also shared the Roasted Black Cod, a dish that has become a modern Japanese classic but is rarely executed with such poise. Here, the flesh was buttery, almost yielding, offset by a lime dressing that lifted it into something light and refined. For balance, we added the Miso Aubergine, a vegetarian dish so flavourful it could easily steal the spotlight from its meaty counterparts. Its glaze was glossy and rich, punctuated by crispy shallots, and it felt like the kind of dish that reveals the chef’s confidence in simplicity done impeccably.
Of course, no evening at Ukai is complete without cocktails, and the bar programme is as creative as the kitchen. My friend chose the Kyoto Style Mojito—mango-infused rum, shiso leaves, homemade ginger and lime syrup, yuzu and ginger beer—a drink that seemed to embody Ukai’s philosophy: recognisable yet elevated, exotic without being overwhelming. I ordered Ukai’s Fizz, a lavender-infused gin blend with cherry blossom and aloe vera cordial, which arrived as a floral, effervescent expression of spring in a glass. Later in the evening, curiosity got the better of us and we shared a Japanese Colada, made with matcha and grilled pineapple-infused rum, coconut cream, and caramelised pineapple. It was playful, indulgent, and dangerously easy to sip.
As the night deepened, the dining room shifted gears. The low hum of conversation swelled, the energy of the crowd palpable. On certain evenings, Ukai hosts live music or DJs, and though this was a relatively quiet night, one could easily imagine the space transforming into one of West London’s most vibrant late-night venues. The sense of rhythm—culinary, social, and atmospheric—runs through every aspect of the experience.
What impressed me most was the way Ukai manages to balance so many identities. It is at once a serious restaurant, where the cooking stands proudly among London’s Japanese-inspired establishments, and a late-night hangout, where art, music and cocktails keep the mood buoyant. Few places pull off both with such ease. The service was another high point—warm, unhurried, and informed, with staff happy to make recommendations without leaning into formality.
Leaving Ukai, I felt the glow of an evening that had been both delicious and spirited. The food had delivered on every promise—refined yet fun, familiar yet inventive—and the atmosphere was one that lingered long after we stepped back into the streets of Notting Hill. For anyone seeking a night that combines great food, beautifully conceived cocktails, and an energy that builds as the evening stretches on, Ukai is hard to surpass. It is not merely a restaurant, but a destination—an experience that reminds you of the joy of dining out in London when everything comes together.
