Every now and then you stumble upon a restaurant that makes you remember why you love food so much and Sticks ‘n’ Sushi is one of those places. It’s not surprising that it’s one of the most successful restaurant groups in Denmark and has been described as the market leader in Japanese cuisine in the Nordic region. Whether you’re looking for somewhere seriously impressive or are just in the mood for an evening of fusion sushi indulgence, this is the restaurant for you…
The IDEA
To serve bite-sized, fusion food delicacies that form an aesthetic whole on the plate before you.
THE CONCEPT
Aptly named Sticks ‘n’ Sushi, the concept behind the restaurant is to combine Japan’s most famous dish with an assortment of grilled yakatori, which are sticks of meat and fish. This innovative idea by brothers Jens and Kim Rahbek and their brother-in- law Thor Anderson, was inspired by their half-Japanese, half-Danish background. Wanting to create a cuisine that combined the two culinary traditions, Sticks ‘n’ Sushi was born and with it – fusion food at its finest.
THE LOCATION
Situated on Henrietta Street in Covent Garden, a district which is world famous for it’s mix of shops, restaurants, history, entertainment and culture, Sticks ‘n’ Sushi is the ideal place for theatre goers and shoppers alike to indulge in some quality food. It’s also a hotspot for business lunches (and those wanting to impress clients) in the West End area. This restaurant definitely attracts a young and fashionable crowd, and is the perfect venue to enjoy well-priced platters with cocktails before a night out in central London.
THE WELCOME
The staff at Stick ‘n’ Sushi walk the tables and talk the tables, in other words they take their role as hosts seriously and do it well. They keep an eye on the their covers, talk happily to customers without being overbearing and in three words are cheerful, friendly and informative.
THE MENU
As a rule of thumb, when there are photographs of food on the menu it’s a bad sign (think tourist traps and dodgy takeaways), however Sticks ‘n’ Sushi’s menu is an exception to this rule. The restaurants stylish picture book list of options is a great example of how to display pictures of food well, so well that it will make you want to order everything on the menu. The basic premise of the menu is quality sushi and sizzling sticks of the meat, fish and vegetarian variety. The options offered of sushi and yakitori is extensive and all the food is fresh, packed with flavour and the presentation is impeccable. The sushi at this restaurant is so good that words don’t do it justice, all we can say is that after you have tried it – you will crave it, you will daydream about it, and you will want to go back for more.
DENMARK VS BRITAIN
You have Big Ben, we have Radhustarnet. You drink a great deal of beer, we make a great beer. The restaurant is full of cheeky and light hearted Denmark Vs Britain slogans. The one we love the best, and that we hope comes true is…
You have two of us, we have many of us.
Two restaurants in London. Ten in Denmark
However, – if we work hard, and spoil you to the last bite, we hope that one day you will catch up .
THE DINING
The restaurant exudes nothing more than coolness, think ultra-sleek Scandinavian chic mixed with Japanese modernism. The earthiness of the exposed brick work walls, contrasted with the clean lines of the modern furnishings and dark timber detailing, reflects the two different cultures influencing the resulting culinary fusion. Sticks ‘n’ Sushi has a busy and buzzing atmosphere, but also manages to muster the feeling of intimacy, created by the low lighting levels and the principle of sharing platters that helps to accentuate this mood. Also, staying true to its Nordic routes, the restaurant plays the likes of Scandinavian band Kings of Convenience.
THE GOOD
If you are a sushi lover, but have fish-phobic friends or family, then this sushi restaurant is the place for you as it equally caters for meat eaters and vegetarians alike. With it’s deliciously innovative menu, Sticks ‘n’ Sushi will help you to rediscover sushi all over again.
THE BAD
Sticks ‘n’ Sushi is definitely pricey, however if you’re after top quality sushi then dig a little deeper into your pockets as the sashimi, nigiri and maki are worth their weight in pound coins.
THE DOWNRIGHT INTERESTING
The fusion food of Sticks ‘n’ Sushi definitely defies all the rules. This is a restaurant where it’s normal to eat sushi with BBQ sauce (trust us it actually works, and if you don’t believe us then try the Hell’s Kitchen rolls) and where goats cheese is acceptable on a Japanese menu. For pudding we highly recommend trying the dessert platter; a quadruplet of mini desserts and any pudding lovers heaven.
THE NITTY GRITTY
Opening hours:
Mon –Sat 12noon -11pm
Sun 12 noon- 10pm
11 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden
“Try me if”
You are a lover of sushi. Whether you like traditional sushi or sushi with a fusion flare, this is one of, if not THE BEST sushi restaurant in London – big statement we know…but true.
IDEAL Magazine dined as a guest of sticks and sushi and received a complimentary meal