UKIYO is a sophisticated but affordable Japanese restaurant with an emphasis on refined urban dining. The setting is unpretentious, and in fact, ultra-minimal, with quick service. You'll take your seat at a countertop bar as a chef prepares incredible food for you. The name UKIYO describes the urban lifestyle, particularly the pleasure-seeking aspects of the Edo-period Japan during the mediaeval to early modern period of 1600 to 1867. The main focus is Japanese hand rolls, though you’ll also find just rolls, nigiri, and sashimi.
The UKIYO menu begins with a selection of starters such as tuna tataki, salmon carpaccio and new-style sashimi salad, along with a sea bass ceviche and yellowtail tiradito. For your hand rolls, try the king crab California paired with salmon avocado crisps and the mushroom medley. Or, perhaps you prefer the toro uni, enjoyed at its best with spicy scallops and the akami. There are three set menus of hand rolls to choose from if you fancy trying a little of everything. There's also an offer of a tasting menu, which includes two starters, two hand rolls, six nigiri, three sashimi and one cut roll. The cut rolls include the futomaki, unagi and spicy tuna, whilst the nigiri and sashimi include the prawn ebi and akami tuna.
Be sure to order some cocktails from the UKIYO bar, like Smokey Tokyo Nights made with Mezcal, passion fruit, agave, chilli, lime and shichimi togarashi. For a Japanese twist on a favourite, order the Japanese Negroni which is made with gin, cherry, Cocchi Torino and Campari. Whisky lovers can sip on Nikka From The Barrel or Hibiki Harmony, and the sparkling peach kanpai sake is a popular option for those seeking something lighter.