Harden's survey result
Summary
“A fun night out” is not in doubt at this glitzy (if ever-so slightly “impersonal”) duo: be it on the 38th floor of the City’s Heron Tower (accessed via western Europe’s fastest lifts); or perched at the top of Covent Garden market, overlooking the back of the Royal Opera House. You get superb views in either location (particularly in the Square Mile, with its über-glam rooftop bars), plus “loud party music and great cocktails”. And, in fact, the Japanese/South American fusion food is yummy too. It’s just so “horrendously overpriced” that for a large proportion of folks it’s just “not really worth it”. The US-based group is an international one, with venues in Las Vegas and (scheduled for late 2021) Dubai.
Summary
“The lift ride up to the 39th floor is part of the fun”, when you visit the “amazing” City branch, in the Heron Tower, of this US-based chain (with siblings in Vegas and Miami): a Hollywood-esque scene, complete with a ritzy cocktail bar; vertigo-inducing outside terrace; and svelte dining room boasting “incredible views”. But while it can offer an all-round “great experience” – not least “fabulous” funky, fusion fare – its “pretty-looking” dishes come at extragalactic prices and sceptics feel that “you can eat this style of cuisine better elsewhere” nowadays. (Gripes of an overly “sweet note” to dishes also crept in this year). Its two-year-old WC2 sibling likewise has a superb setting on top of Covent Garden Market, overlooking the back of the Royal Opera House. But while it, too, is “all very slick and fashionable”, it, too, charges “obscene prices albeit for decent food” and – lacking the high-rise glam of the Square Mile – can seem more “clinical” and “pleased with itself”.
Summary
“The lift ride up to the 39th floor is part of the fun”, when you visit the “amazing” City branch, in the Heron Tower, of this US-based chain (with siblings in Vegas and Miami): a Hollywood-esque scene, complete with a ritzy cocktail bar; vertigo-inducing outside terrace; and svelte dining room boasting “incredible views”. But while it can offer an all-round “great experience” – not least “fabulous” funky, fusion fare – its “pretty-looking” dishes come at extragalactic prices and sceptics feel that “you can eat this style of cuisine better elsewhere” nowadays. (Gripes of an overly “sweet note” to dishes also crept in this year). Its year-old WC2 sibling likewise has a superb setting on top of Covent Garden Market, overlooking the back of the Royal Opera House. But while it, too, is “all very slick and fashionable”, it, too, charges “obscene prices albeit for decent food” and – lacking the high-rise glam of the Square Mile – can seem more “clinical” and “pleased with itself”.
Summary
What’s not to like at this “fabulous” 39th floor pan-Asian in the Heron Tower (reached by western Europe’s fastest lifts!) – the interior is “very cool”, “the views are to die for” and “the food just sings – punchy flavours of sweet, sour, salty deliciousness”. The answer, unfortunately, is “slow and disorganised service” and “prices even higher than the skyscraper it’s based in” which leave far too many reporters nowadays (including former fans) accusing it of “style over substance”. Its long-awaited new Covent Garden sibling – occupying the dramatic site that has seen many chains come and go (most recently Brasserie Blanc) finally opens in November 2018.
For 31 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
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Restaurant details
Sushisamba Restaurant Diner Reviews
"First trip post covid and very disappointing. Tacos of lobster were good and tuna was OK. Rolls were good as was tempura. Gyoza frankly terrible. Steak (not wants) at 41 pounds for 6 tiny pieces lacking taste and texture very disappointing A couple of experienced staff but mainly very young students. Sweet but not the level you would expect n"
"Decent enough food, ambience and service, but can get better for a lot less - the high prices for not so much food marred the experience (Covent Garden branch) "
"Extremely tasty fusion food - pork was the highlight! Fantastic experience up all those floors, with great views (well if wasn't for the rain!). Bordering on 'cheesy' possibly, and not a personalised experience! Prices for some dishes were astronomically high, though thankfully not ours."
"still a great place to see and be seen!"
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Opening hours
Last orders: 10 pm
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