Portobello Road has never been short on places to eat, but Ukai is bringing something a little different to the Notting Hill dining scene.
This nifty little Notting Hill spot is an expert in modern robata cooking, with Mediterranean and South American influences that make the menu feel that little bit more special. The menu is for sharing, and encourages tables to order a bit of everything and pass plates back and forth in a more sociable manner than your standard sit-down meal.
The kitchen is led by Alessandro Verros, whose background includes time at Nobu and Roka, and that pedigree shows in the balance between clean flavours and careful presentation. The cooking feels elegant without tipping into serious fine-dining territory, landing somewhere comfortable between a neighbourhood restaurant and a special occasion dinner spot. There's lobster tempura served with yuzu mayo, neat rows of sashimi and nigiri, and dishes from the grill that arrive smoky and hot.
Drinks are given equal love, with a cocktail list developed by bar manager Panos Klazidis that leans into inventive combos that echo the menu's mix of influences. On Friday and Saturday nights, live DJs shift the vibe, and what begins as dinner starts to feel more like an evening out.
In a part of London where restaurants often double as social spaces, Ukai fits neatly into the rhythm of Notting Hill nights.