[FOOD] Sticks 'n' Sushi Review

Been hearing a lot about this restaurant, and seeing a vast amount of pictures posted onto instagram - I just had to visit the restaurant myself. And not to forget to mention, I love sushi so so so much.

Sticks 'n' Sushi is a Japanese restaurant located in Covent Garden, London and is notably known in their grilled yakitori sticks and sushi (quite evidently their reason in name of restaurant). They also have other side menus alongside. 

The restaurant has a slight dim lighting (it might be because I went during the evening) but it gives a nicer atmosphere and vibe to it.

I have already looked at the menu beforehand so I knew what they serve and the price ranges. Usually most people get their set sharing platters as it has a bit of everything. Their sharing platter has a good variety of yakitori sticks and sushi. My boyfriend and I mixed it up a bit by choosing the small sharing platters, and opted for some side food too from their a la carte menu. I am quite familiar with Japanese cuisine therefore pretty much had a rough idea what I would like. I am all about sashimi aka raw fish, however, as the restaurant is known for their yakitori too; couldn't leave the restaurant without giving it a try.

Salmon Carpaccio

This was heavenly - the topping on top of the raw salmon was such an amazing combination (daikon, chives, lime marinade, trout roe). Honestly the first bite just melted straight away in my mouth. I kid you not. It was the perfect way to start the meal, and I would definitely recommend this dish.

Left to Right: (1) Mini maki de luxe (2) Softshell Crab Rice Paper Rolls (3) Hamachi (yellowtail) Sashimi

Following shortly after the ridiculously amazing starter, the mains started rolling in. So I thought the starter was already amazing enough, but danggg the mini maki de luxe won me overrrrrr!! Either I was really hungry (generally am 24/7) but yet again, the first bite, and I fell in love. I think it was a bad idea to have the maki de luxe before the softshell crab rice paper rolls; because my expectation for that fell. And can I say softshell crab is one of my ultimate favourite filling to have in sushi but for some strange reason it was not as great as I imagined it to be. Don't get me wrong, it still tasted nice but did not live up to my expectations. The taste in the maki de luxe was so overwhelming that it must have overpowered the softshell crab. For the hamachi sashimi, there definitely was no complaint for that as I stated in the beginning my love for sashimi is real. Moreover, hamachi ranks relatively high in my favourite sashimi.

The Big Chicken and Little Duck

Quite frankly I was disappointed with the yakitori set. I love my grilled and burnt out meat, however, this just wasn't something that I enjoyed as much as I thought I would. The chicken meatballs and chicken with leeks was relatively nice. Whereas, the rest I was not that fond of. My boyfriend felt the same too and he is a hardcore barbecue freak. I guess we both enjoyed the "sushi side" of the restaurant rather than the yakitori side. Obviously, our thoughts may differ to someone else out there - or maybe we should try a different yakitori dish, and may have a change in an opinion.

(1) Black sesame ice-cream with nougatine, (2) Marcel chocolate cake with crystalised white chocolate

At this point we were both full up surprisingly but you can't leave the restaurant without having dessert surely? Me and dessert go so well, I love sweet stuff with a passion (hence why it is my biggest weakness when it comes to attempting to dieting). There is a wide range of small desserts to choose from, and the two that we did end up choosing did not disappoint. You can't really go wrong with chocolate cake (the safe option) whereas my black sesame ice-cream may not be pleasing to everyone *points to le boyfriend* but it is fine because more for me to nom by myself *cackles*It was definitely a great way to end a lovely meal. 

Overall I would give Sticks 'n' Sushi a big thumbs up for the quality of their food, not so much for their yakitori, although I might give it another chance. The service was also very pleasant - the waiter who served us gave us a lovely brief on what he would recommend and throughout the meal he ensured if everything was okay so kudos to him.

Hope this review has also been a pleasant to read, and I shall try and continue to do more reviews on restaurants in London.

Sayounaraaaaa~