UBA Restaurant – The Latest Hotspot Introducing Exotic Allure to East London
An undeniably charming destination, the city of London has been enticing travellers for centuries. As a result, the city has grown to be increasingly busy each year, with endless queues and hefty hordes turning weekend strolls to stifled shuffles. As a result, the crowds of inner city hot-spots like Soho and Covent Garden have trickled down into other areas that were previously disregarded. One such area being Shoreditch. Once brutally branded as a no-go area, Shoreditch is now the hub of romantic restaurants and thriving bars, making it first on our list for a dreamy date-night that just might extend into the early hours. One spot in particular that has recently caught our eye is UBA – a restaurant that seamlessly blends East London’s dynamic spirit with the exotic allure of Pan-Asian flavours. Topped off with plush interiors and low lighting where better to kick off your weekend?
Grab your closest friends, reserve a half-moon booth and spend the night catching up over sushi, small plates and spritzes. With an irresistible happy hour offering innovative cocktails for just eight pounds to wash down the crafted dishes, UBA is quite easily one of Shoreditch’s best kept secrets. Alternatively, you can make a booking for a romantic date night, indulging in larger, classic plates like steak and salmon paired with a fine wine from grapes all over the world. The atmosphere is playful yet sophisticated, the service friendly yet professional. What’s more, the extensive menu caters to all, with a selection of options to suit any dietary requirement- from gluten-free to vegan.
As we stepped into the luxuriously chic, low-lit room embellished with greenery, vibrant artwork, and exotic wallpaper pasted to the walls, we knew we were in for a treat. High seats and dining tables surround the centrepiece of the room, the striking oval-shaped cocktail bar. UBA draws inspiration from the rich industrial history and diverse community of Shoreditch. As a result, the interior design has been carefully curated to fit seamlessly into the East London scene, creating a welcoming space for anyone seeking a Pan-Asian culinary experience in the heart of our vibrant city.
There’s an eclectic mix of dishes to choose from- think the classics (with a modern twist) amongst an array of contemporary favourites- dim sum, hirata buns, and sushi, to name a few. To start, we began with the chilli-garlic edamame to whet the appetite, followed by our starters brought out with perfect timing. Juicy Scallop Kushiyaki, Korean Crispy Chicken, and of course Angus Beef Gyoza. The scallops were served on a stick and dressed in a truffle yuzu butter ponzo with umeboshi sesame, while the golden-coated chicken was fried to perfection. The gyozas were dressed in ponzu and miso and were presented under a charcoal veil- an impressive spread that left us eagerly anticipating our mains.
When they were served before us, our dishes of choice exceeded all expectations. The succulent Yakinuku Ribeye was served with a tasty nest of sweet potato, onion miso, and wasabi furikake, while the airy, tasty Imperial Miso Black Cod was drizzled in a chilli lime sauce. To finish, we opted for a rich, Japanese Forest Floor, made entirely gluten-free upon request and served with a light raspberry sorbet- the perfect ending to a truly delectable feast.
With high-end service, an eclectic menu of the best possible ingredients, a chic ambience, and plush interiors, it’s safe to say that UBA is our new go-to for weekend date nights and special occasions alike. Reserve your table today and embark on a sensory journey through the vibrant streets of Asia, all whilst indulging in an idyllic evening and kicking off your weekend in style.