Ukiyo Handroll Bar: Quality Japanese Food in London
As someone always on the lookout for authentic Japanese food in London, I’m excited to say I’ve finally found a spot worth talking about. Tucked away in the heart of Covent Garden is Ukiyo Handroll Bar, a sleek, minimalist restaurant that puts the spotlight on hand rolls and high-quality Japanese ingredients. If you’re craving a refined yet relaxed Japanese dining experience, this place should definitely be on your radar.
A Unique Dining Experience
Ukiyo isn’t your typical sushi joint. The space is intentionally designed to enhance the hand roll experience. You are seated at a counter that wraps around the open kitchen, creating an immersive atmosphere where you can watch each roll being made to order right in front of you. It’s an intimate setup—quiet, focused, and ideal for those who really appreciate the craft behind great sushi.
Because seating is limited, it’s not the kind of place you can walk into on a whim, especially during peak hours. I highly recommend making a reservation in advance. The small space adds to the charm, but it also means tables fill up quickly.
THE FOOD
Ukiyo’s menu is concise but carefully curated. It doesn’t try to do everything—instead, it focuses on doing a few things exceptionally well. The ingredients are fresh, the presentation is thoughtful, and the flavours are clean and balanced.
My personal favourite was Hand Roll Set 2, which includes four different rolls:
- Salmon Avocado Crisp
- Spicy Tuna
- Unagi (eel)
- Spicy Yellowtail
Each roll had its own distinct flavour and texture, and you could really taste the freshness of the fish. The crispiness of the nori and the perfectly seasoned rice pulled everything together.
We also tried the Nigiri Set, which was beautifully presented and featured a variety of fresh cuts. Every piece was delicately seasoned, eliminating the need for extra soy sauce or wasabi. When sushi is this well made, less is more.
To round out the meal, we tried a few other dishes:
- Yellowtail Tiradito (£14) – Light and citrusy, with just the right amount of acidity.
- Seabass Ceviche (£8) – A refreshing, delicate dish that added a bright note to the meal.
Price and Value
Quality sushi in London rarely comes cheap, and Ukiyo is no exception. But considering the quality of the ingredients, the craftsmanship, and the overall dining experience, I found it to be fair value for what you’re getting.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what we spent:
- Hand Roll Set 2 – £32
- Nigiri Set – £40
- Yellowtail Tiradito – £14
- Seabass Ceviche – £8
If you’re someone who enjoys traditional Japanese flavours with a contemporary edge, and you’re willing to spend a bit more for quality, I think you’ll find Ukiyo well worth the price.
Final Thoughts
Ukiyo Handroll Bar is a welcome addition to London’s Japanese food scene. It’s not flashy, it’s not fusion-heavy, and it doesn’t overcomplicate things. Instead, it focuses on doing one thing exceptionally well—creating beautifully crafted hand rolls and sashimi in an environment that respects the art of Japanese cuisine.
For me, it hit all the right notes: high-quality food, a calm and considered dining atmosphere, and a menu that shows restraint and attention to detail.
Whether you’re a sushi lover or just looking for a memorable dining experience in Covent Garden, Ukiyo Handroll Bar is absolutely worth checking out.
Details
- Address: 8 Slingsby Pl, London WC2E 9AB
- Opening Hours: Mon – Sat (12–10 pm); Sun (12–9 pm)
- Price: ££
- Recommend to book in advance to secure a seat
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