Review: Sushi Sambaaaaa!

Sushi Samba, Heron Tower, Floor 38/39, where the giant orange ambiguous sea animal hangs...we decided that it would be a robotic tadpole. 

Sushi Samba is exactly what it is - Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian fusion mixed with London glamour. Don't be put off with the 'sushi' in the title, they do hot, sizzling plates too with cooked meats if you're into that sort of thing, but I would definitely give the raw fish a try. There is so much choice and everything looks so delicious.

The menu is quite extensive so prepare yourselves, but luckily the friendly waiters are all on hand to talk you through each section and recommendations. It basically works tapas/dim sum style, so each person picks 2 or 3 dishes each depending on your numbers and you share. But don't share your dessert, because they are divine, but more about that later.

Pork Belly (left) was also another highlight

The highlight for the table was the DUCK BREAST which had many different flavours. We all had our different sushi picks, so I thought I would just tell it to you through pictures. But each individual sushi is full of different ingredients and flavours that don't overpower each other, so in the end you get an individual explosion of the different elements. My personal highlight was the IBODAI TAMARI - the caramelised brown sugar is unexpected but surprisingly goes well with the foies gras.

Sushi came together on a slate

Foies gras

I decided to pick a different dessert to the rest of the table and went for something I have tried in the past and didn't like. The RED CHOCOLATE CHILLI PEPPERS is probably one of the best desserts I have ever tasted. It's different and I was a bit worried beforehand, but once I had that first bite I did not regret it. The chilli is not overpowering, in fact there is just a tangy hint of it in the mousse, and as we all know chocolate and chilli really does go together (said Rydell High). The raspberry sorbet compliments the chilli chocolate mousse oh-so-well and I could have eaten it by the bucket loads.

There's always room for dessert

It's quite a pricey eat out, but let's be honest you pay for the beautiful view of London (when it's sunny of course) and for the whole experience. The food is almost a secondary option. The cocktails are also very good.

I don't have much to fault, except that we had to wait a bit for our sushi after our warm plates but once it arrived all was forgotten. And not too sure on the 'smart casual' dress code they have - I mean, what does that even mean? Service was great, friendly and helpful, plus we had a funny waiter which was a bonus. The dinner experience was a delight.

RATING: 4 out of 5

Orange Tree in the patio area