I visited Rome last week and dined at one of the most famous restaurants there; you had to queue to get in, it was that popular. Whilst dining, it gave me food for thought on what places in London would be the equivalent. I asked a few of my friends if they had to recommend to tourists the best places, restaurants or things to do, what would they be? It was no surprise that Sushi Samba came up multiple times, and I have to agree. Sushi Samba boasts the highest outdoor dining terraces in Europe, has beautiful panoramic views of the City, and has outstanding food. No wonder Sushi Samba comes to mind immediately when approached with this question!

When dining, what separates one place from another is the whole experience. Sushi Samba and Duck and Waffle excel at this, with their staff being a key reason for repeat visits. Regardless of who you are, I have confidence they’ll treat you like royalty, making any occasion feel special.

Sushi Samba is on the 38th and 39th floors of the Heron Tower at 110 Bishopsgate. This restaurant has the wow factor, making it the perfect place to dine for a special occasion. If you love sunset views, booking a sunset table is an absolute must.

Before dinner, my guest and I had some drinks outside on the terrace whilst soaking in the most beautiful views, which confirmed that Sushi Samba is a hotspot whether you’re from London or here visiting.

The Food

If you’re new to Japanese cuisine, the menu may seem overwhelming. Rather than ordering individual dishes, it encourages you to sample a variety of smaller plates, creating a shared dining experience. They have four tiers of tasting menus called Taste of Samba, ranging from £70–£100 per person — a great way to try out new dishes.

I was impressed with how much food there was for a set menu, especially the portion sizes; you will not leave without a full stomach. The dishes are a mixture of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine, offering a wide range of things to sample — my favourite style of dining.

Standout Dishes

Although I enjoyed every dish, the standouts for me were:

• Green bean tempura
• Robata asparagus
• Japanese wagyu maki
• Chef’s selection nigiri

The set menus are a brilliant idea — you get to try so many dishes you may not have originally ordered. Who knew green beans could taste so delicious? I love that you try things you may not usually choose and find yourself pleasantly surprised each time.

Drinks and Dessert

Their lychee cooler cocktail has to be one of the best cocktails I’ve ever had — and that’s a huge statement I stand by. Served in tall glasses, the combination of coconut cream and lychee is a match made in heaven and a must-order when you visit.

Their chocolate banana cake is a best-seller, with a sticky toffee pudding-like consistency, served with delicious vanilla rum ice cream. It’s certainly a crowd pleaser and features on the menu at each of the Sushi Samba restaurants.

If you’re looking for an evening with unforgettable views, a friendly ambience, and food that will leave you wanting more, Sushi Samba is a must-visit.

W: SushiSamba

Written by Danielle Tobin for Luxuria Lifestyle London and International