Sticks’n’Sushi, Covent Garden

Denmark has a food scene that is second to none. While in Copenhagen for the weekend I tried Danish, Thai, American and Italian cuisines and every bite exceeded my expectations. It may be expensive to eat out there but goodness do the Danes know how to cook. If you are searching for sushi in Denmark, the locals will all direct you to the same place, Sticks’n’Sushi. A few years ago this Scandi brand opened an outlet in Wimbledon, finally introducing the cool concept to Britain.

Last week my friend and I went to check out the new Covent Garden branch of Sticks’n’Sushi. Initially she questioned the decision… ‘But Mills, you don’t eat fish,’ I assured her that the ‘sticks’ would be adequate for me, and her love of fish would cover the remainder of the menu. In fact, Sticks’n’Sushi is the perfect restaurant for those still sceptical about sushi, there are so many other delicious dishes on offer there really is no need to be a sushi fanatic. Saying that, all those sushi obsessives out there will delight in this restaurant which delivers the most pristine, pretty sushi plated up in the most elegant fashion.

There is something about the stark red and black colour scheme and logo that immediately makes a passer-by think of Asia. Inside the sleek and stylish design is very welcoming, with gaggles of girls enjoying platters of sushi at every table. First I must mention the beautiful pictorial menu which displays delectable photos of every dish, so you can decide dependant on look. We immediately ordered two of the fresh juices to accompany our meal. Then, with an enormous amount of guidance from our waitress, we ordered a variety of the favourite dishes. Spicy Edamame Beans with warm miso dip were satisfying but quite sweet, followed by Ebi Bites (tempura shrimp with chilli, coriander, pepper, miso aioli and fresh lime) – these were divine with a light crispy coating and a tasty creamy dip.

For main course we were treated to a huge platter ‘Table for 2’:

Nigiri: 2 shrimp, 2 salmon New York, 2 tuna, 2 salmon

Uramaki / inside out rolls: 2 black Alaska, 2 sparkling tuna, 2 mamma mia, 2 dreamy California

Futomaki / big rolls: 4 gypsy big

Yakitori / sticks: 2 chicken breast with chilli dip, 2 chicken tsukune, 2 wrapped asparagus

Needless to say, it was more than enough to satisfy our hunger pangs! The sushi was all incredibly fresh and full of flavour. Of the meat sticks we favoured the grilled chicken with chilli sauce, though the asparagus wrapped in bacon was a lovely addition. For dessert, the menu images persuaded us to indulge with Lemon, Yuzu and Meringue and the Four Tasters (mini pots of crème brulee, green tea ice-cream, chocolate fondant, white chocolate with popped rice). Of the large selection tried (!) I would recommend the gooey chocolate fondant or the Lemon, Yuzu and Meringue combination which was light and refreshing. A pot of mint tea completed the meal.

Those working in the Covent Garden vicinity will be pleased to hear that Sticks’n’Sushi offers a take-out service, so you can enjoy the food at your desk. For others I would recommend visiting the restaurant before or after the theatre, with a group of friends or just for a hip and healthy (optional) date. I never thought I would love a sushi restaurant but Sticks’n’Sushi really has perfected the recipe for a contemporary cool restaurant offering fresh and fun food.

More information and book here: sticksnsushi.com