I was fortunate to visit Sushi Samba’s first venue in NYC back in the ’90s, then one of Sex & the City’s firm favourites. Today, with locations worldwide, Sushi Samba still holds a special place in my heart.
Just a hop across the road from Liverpool Street station, you’ll soon find yourself flying up above the world, in the glass elevator of the Heron Tower to the 39th floor–where Sushi Samba’s fabulousness awaits. The uplifting experience alone is enough to brighten any mood, and that’s before trying one of Samba’s signature cocktails—perhaps an exotic Lychee Cooler or a Jalisco Iced Tea, accompanied by crispy plantain chips to whet your appetite before the main event…
Elevated in more ways than one, the food at Sushi Samba is as impressive as its vistas. While the views are stunning in all directions, from the indoor and outdoor space, the Veuve Clicquot East Terrace offers alfresco dining with unparalleled views across East London and beyond–and so, with the weather on our side, we settled in for a splendid afternoon.
There’s something for every palate and appetite, thanks to an exciting culinary fusion of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian influences. Whether you go light or indulge in multiple courses, there are plenty of dishes to choose from. Our excellent server and East London resident, Alder, ensured we fully experienced the Samba magic.
All beautifully presented, we started with Crispy Taquitos filled with a zingy yellowtail, avocado and roasted corn miso, served with a side of spicy sauce. Followed by a standout Seaweed Salad with sesame and yuzu caviar–then, meaty Wagyu Gyoza with kabocha purée (pumpkin) and sweet soy, and the perfect Rock Shrimp Tempura with snap pea julienne, heightened with a spicy mayo and black truffle vinaigrette.
Next came the Robata course: Peruvian skewers of the freshest Black Cod with miso, served with Peruvian corn, and alongside, the creamy Eggplant (aubergine) with a sweet soy sauce.
From the Large Plates, we shared the Churrasco Rio Grande—succulent ribeye, chorizo, and filet mignon served with black beans, sautéed greens, farofa (a traditional Brazilian side dish made with toasted yuca flour), and Sushi Samba dipping sauces.
A divine selection of colourful ocean-fresh Samba Rolls, along with mackerel and yellowtail nigiri, followed.
After some serious eating, we concluded with a refreshing pot of jasmine tea and still managed to share the Limonero, a light, lemon-shaped dessert filled with nectarine and apricot mousse, served with passion fruit jelly and bergamot meringue.
After spending the afternoon far above the madding crowd in a blissful bubble of culinary delight, with the sun shining, we made our descent to rejoin the word with light, happy hearts and bellies fully-satisfied.
HERON TOWER, 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
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