Eat Here: Sticks ‘n’ Sushi, Covent GardenBy Angelica Malin
Sticks ‘n’ Sushi in Covent Garden is very vibey; exposed brick walls, low lighting, lots of glass surfaces and ornate candles, it oozes sex and style. It’s the kind of place you’d come for a first date and leave feeling like you’re Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City. Sexy food. Oh, what sexy food.
Sticks ‘n’ Sushi Covent Garden Review: The Lowdown
The menu, even, isn’t really a menu; a glossy, dark photographic journal of each dish, all cut-out and photoshopped to sashimi perfection. The range is overwhelming; choose between the a la carte, which allows you to duck and dive between the hundreds of sticks and rolls, or set menus which offer pre-designed sushi feasts. We’re flummoxed by it all and in a moment of panic, we order absolutely everything.
Sticks ‘n’ Sushi Covent Garden Review: The Food
And it’s all pretty good. Highlights of the meal were the soy-cured salmon, which is brought to life with fresh chives and a spring onion reduction, and the selection of maki, including an unusual tuna nigiri filled with a cooked egg yolk. The sushi is rich and decadent; heaped with sauce and unusual toppings, it provides more interest and variety than your average California Roll. The prices are high, but the sushi brings unusual flavour combos to the forefront and the presentation (such as the amazing sashimi platter) is almost theatrical.
There are some lows, though – to be honest, we’d say avoid the ‘sticks’. They don’t add much to the balance of the meal (the goats cheese wrapped in ham was particularly jarring amongst our sashimi feast) and at £4 a pop, are unnecessary expenditure you could be spending on delicious cocktails. I would recommend doing as our neighbours did – order slowly, bit by bit, trying things as you go along and re-ordering if you like them.
Their matcha ice cream, served with a melting chocolate fondant ‘heart’, is one of the restaurant’s real gems. That said, all their matcha treats are amazing – try the matcha whisky cocktail, or the elderflower and sake concoction – both are worth crossing town for.
Sticks ‘n’ Sushi Covent Garden Review: Our Verdict
All in all, Sticks’n’ Sushi is worth visiting; it’s got a downtown Manhattan feel, seriously good cocktails and a cool crowd. Don’t come expecting the best food in the world, but stick to our recommendations (Japanese-inspired cocktails, maki and the salmon starter) and you’ll be A-OK.
Sticks ‘n Sushi is at 11 Henrietta Street, London, WC2E 8PY
Dinner for 2 with cocktails: around £150. Book.
