Review of Ukai - Japanese dining in the sunshine at Notting Hill's new terrace

There's something wonderfully transportive about Ukai. Tucked just off Portobello Road, the Japanese restaurant has long felt like one of Notting Hill's hidden gems, but with the launch of its new outdoor terrace, it's now firmly on my list of favourite summer dining spots in West London. The terrace itself strikes a lovely balance between lively and intimate. Close enough to soak up the atmosphere of Notting Hill's bustling streets yet tucked away enough to feel like a genuine escape, it's the sort of place where one drink quickly turns into a leisurely afternoon.

I sampled the new terrace set menu, a carefully curated selection of some of Ukai's signature dishes. We began with truffle edamame, ceviche and seabass carpaccio drizzled with Greek olive oil. The seafood was exceptionally fresh, particularly the carpaccio, which let the quality of the fish do all the talking. Next came a sushi selection featuring a sashimi platter, crispy tuna roll and tiger prawn maki. Each dish arrived beautifully presented, with the crispy tuna roll proving to be an instant favourite thanks to its satisfying crunch and perfectly balanced flavours.

For mains, the black cod miso stole the show. Rich, buttery and delicately caramelised, it was every bit as good as its reputation suggests. The slow-cooked beef short ribs were equally impressive, tender enough to fall apart with a fork, while a fresh spinach salad brought a welcome lightness to the meal.

The experience was rounded off with one of Ukai's signature cocktails. I opted for the Matcha Cocktail, which struck a lovely balance between earthy matcha notes and a refreshing, citrus-led finish. Elegant rather than overly sweet, it was the perfect accompaniment to a warm summer evening on the terrace.

Ukai has always excelled at understated elegance, and its new terrace only enhances the experience. Whether you're stopping by after exploring Portobello Market or planning a long lunch with friends, this is Japanese dining that feels effortlessly sophisticated without ever becoming formal. 

Address: 240 Portobello Rd, London W11 1LL 

For more info, click here 

Words and photos by Enytha Peer