SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden — Restaurant in London

Many reviews say Sushisamba is incredible and I was really hoping to experience delicious food with excellent service. I’m not sure if it was what we picked or if it was just an off night for the restaurant but quite frankly my partner and I were disappointed. We began our night with the service heckling us to get the most expensive meals on the menu. Trying to upsell in a restaurant where the customers are paying a premium for the service and food is a bit of a shame. Eventually we were finally able to almost convince our waitress what we wanted, we each got the premium Taste of Samba. The meal started with edamame and plantain chips. Basic but that’s expected; nothing shocking. No issue with it. Next we were served with crispy lobster taquitos and seaweed salad. The taquitos were one of the better meals of the night. The crispy shell was good alongside good lobster. Seaweed salad was not my cup of tea but maybe for some. Next was wagyu gyoza and toro tiradito. The gyoza were lacking a lot of flavor. So much potential yet very little seasoning and flavor. We expected the wagyu to burst with flavor but instead tasted like uncooked ground beef. The toro tiradito was significantly more flavorful with a beautiful presentation ( Most of the food, if not all was presented in a beautiful manner). We then had filet mignon, robata black cod and, aji amarillo rice. Filet mignon was by far the best thing on this menu. Cooked to perfection and had beautiful pairings of shaved truffles and pickled tomatoes. The black cod was also quite delicious yet could have been cooked a bit longer. The super wet skin was an indication that it needed more time cooking. As for the rice, no other word other than terrible. We were told it was supposed to be spicy. There was no flavor and I mean none. The rice clearly hadn’t been washed prior to cooking. It was clumpy and almost pasty. Too much gluten in the water when cooking. Maybe we just got unlucky but also maybe something they need to look into as a kitchen staff. Next was the samba covent garden roll, nigiri and, negitoro roll ( Something we ordered on the side; not apart of the Taste of Samba) the covent garden roll was like a store bought sushi roll; dry and weird texture profile. Nigiri was solid; no comments other than bad rice. Maybe an off night for the rice. The negitoro roll was hard to eat. We both love sushi and exploring new foods but it was a really hard texture. Something in the middle was too hard to eat; needs to be cut into smaller slices. The last dish was the dessert. I would redo that. I’m not sure who approved that dessert but I know that this restaurant is capable of making better.

Our overall experience was disappointing, from an upselling waitress who would not stop talking, to the waitress spilling soy sauce on my partner’s trench coat, to a half decent and expensive meal at a very hip and swanky restaurant; I sadly would not recommend. I really wanted to rave about this place alongside everyone else but maybe this was not the right night. I would like to go again and maybe try to get the experience I...

Sushi Samba is perched on the rooftop of the historic Market Building, which adds to its cool factor. The glass roof, designed by Eric Parry, extends along the east side of the market, providing views of the square below. Inside, you'll find an impressive bar with a unique ceiling, an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs at work, and a lively sushi bar. If you prefer, you can also enjoy your meal on the terrace while taking in the square view. They even have a special private dining room with its entrance and terrace. Plus, they serve cocktails and food on their street-level terrace. We initially intended to dine on the terrace but discovered that they offer a more limited food menu there. Karen, our server, was kind enough to find us a table in the rooftop restaurant. We were directed by the friendly and helpful Roxana at reception. For our drinks, we ordered still water, specifically requesting not tap water, and I also ordered a cocktail while my daughter had lychee juice. I went with the Caffe Millinaro cocktail. The drinks were delightful, but we were served tap water in a bottle, which wasn't what we asked for. When I pointed this out, the waiter confirmed it was tap water but filtered. This was disappointing, as I had specifically requested bottled still water. It's a bit of a letdown for Sushi Samba that they admitted their mistake, with the manager, Marlo, mentioning they don't serve bottled still water. Now, onto the starters, which were mostly great, except for the Shishito Peppers, which were unfortunately burnt. The Mushroom Tobanyaki had a slight sourness, and the so-called "garlic chips" didn't taste much like garlic. Overall, the food was decent but didn't quite hit the mark for my palate. The staff, on the other hand, were incredibly attentive. Kudos to Karen, Roxana, and Marlo. The restaurant is beautifully decorated, with an open bar and kitchen, which adds to the ambiance. While I might not recommend Sushi Samba for sushi enthusiasts, it's worth a visit for the atmosphere and the...

I had always wanted to go to Sushi Samba. With these chain Japanese restaurants they aren't the best at preparing Japanese dishes. Sushi, sashimi, some fusion like tacos all comes out pretty much the same. If you want high end, authentic Japanese check out Ikeda (see my review).

But we don't go to places like Sushi Samba for the food. That's one part and just must be on the level. We go for atmosphere.

Unfortunately, Sushi Samba can't decide whether it's a restaurant or wants a club atmosphere. It plays dance music but the speakers are strangely scattered. Throughout our meal, I could hear music in my left ear and spotted the tiny speaker and I could hear people in my right here. If you go somewhere like Mnky Hse (which I love) you know what you're in for. A club atmosphere with great food and everyone having a fantastic time. By the way, I'm not into table service clubs in London, they seem very New Money which is why I like these restaurant / club atmosphere combos.

As for the food, it was very tasty but nothing that made me go "Wow!" (see Ikeda again!).

We had: Yellowtail Crispy Taquitos - decent. Can't really go wrong with this. Extremely well done, several subtle tastes on the tongue. Vegetable Crispy Taquitos - a little bland, probably wouldn't order them again. Shrimp Tempura - these are my go to at restaurants like this. Didn't disappoint. I need to find out where that spicy mayo is bought from. Samba Covent Garden roll - again, good. Enjoyed it and at the standard that can be expected. Sasa roll - as the Covent Garden roll Dessert: Assorted Mochi. Made by the restaurant and I thoroughly enjoyed them. It's been a while.

If I could give Sushi Samba 3.5 stars, I would. But I will round up as it's not a 3 star restaurant and closer to 4.

Recommended but try out Ikeda for a quiet, incredible Japanese experience, or Mnky Hse to get the full dinner...