This hidden gem, a short stroll from London's Victoria train station, but neatly tucked away on Belgravia’s grand and vibrant Ebury Street, should be frequented as much as possible. The cavernous dining areas offer an intimacy often lost at London’s best restaurants, with chic, contemporary interiors and comfortable banquette seating providing a pleasant, jovial dining experience. Clusters of miniature red glass bottles provide a flattering glow over each table, which compliment the modern, minimalistic ethos of UNI.
It is no surprise that UNI’s head chef, Rolando Ongcoy, hails from Nobu, and his carefully curated menu - a Peruvian and Japanese juxtaposition - offers guests delightful concoctions such as lobster ceviche, grilled eel sashimi and riofrio excelsius organic caviar.
The restaurant’s signature cocktails are both generous and impressive; opt for the cooling Raspberry Dacquiri or the coconut-infused Chili Mojito. Both provide a welcome palate cleanse from the cuisine’s lively medley of textures and flavours.
We were treated to the Bento Box (£24.50, midday to 7pm). With an option of a Miso, Nabe Udon or Clear Soup to begin, my companion and I were presented with a large, individual wooden box positively packed with beautifully bold bite-sized tasters such as fresh, crisp kaiso salad, luxurious and punchy sashimi, an extraordinary black cod - which was one of the best we’ve tasted – and a simple steamed rice. The tiger prawn tempura was a serious winner: generous, meaty prawns encased in light-as-a-feather batter. The super-food brigade need have no qualms here.
My companion’s traditional Japanese mochi dessert hit the spot: a light, carefully prepared rice cake which, unlike most establishments, was not at all glutinous. The sharp, extensive wine list offers diners an eclectic mix of international choices – both new world and old. UNI’s jolly, knowledgeable team were well presented and attentive.
The cute restaurant's ground floor private dining area can accommodate 34, while the sophisticated upper ground floor sushi bar affords diners an inspiring view to the master chefs preparing fresh Nikkei dishes.
Allow NINE to take care of your travel and lifestyle requests. Whether organising intricate travel arrangements and itineraries, home management, dining reservations, visa applications or private recruitment assistance, we take care of each request and errand thoroughly and efficiently. Contact us here to request a brochure or to enquire about our bespoke concierge memberships