Review: UBA, Shoreditch

With its bold setting, Asian-inspired menu and impressive cocktail list, the newly-opened UBA restaurant in Shoreditch is somewhere you’ll want to visit pronto. Jenny O’Neill picks up her knife and fork and dives in…

I recently had the pleasure of dining at UBA Restaurant, a new gem that has only been open for a few months now in the heart of Shoreditch. Our visit was during the day, which meant it wasn’t as busy as it likely gets in the evening, but the atmosphere was still inviting and sophisticated. The restaurant’s modern decor, combined with thoughtful lighting and a comfortable seating arrangement, set the stage for our dining experience and there are nods to Asian culture and mythology across the space. You can easily imagine the vibrant buzz that must fill the space during the evening hours, adding an energetic vibe to the already delightful setting.

The menu here is a celebration of the vibrancy of South Asian cuisine, with punchy flavours, traditional combinations and theatrical twists that will leave you wanting more.

Whilst the whole menu deserves to be discovered, highlights include super sweet corn with Tokyo butter and wasabi furikake, a chilled spinach salad and handmade soba tofu with a goma dressing, as well as delicious dim sum, Hirata buns and ramen. Larger plates from UBA’s robata grill include the baby chicken with barley ginger miso, crispy rice noodles, coriander and sesame; and yuzu shisho marinated lamb cutlets with a complex nashi pear tomato miso kimchi sauce.

We had a selection of small and large plates, and it quickly became apparent that UBA Restaurant prides itself on generous portions. Each dish was not only beautifully presented but also packed with flavour, highlighting the quality and freshness of the ingredients used. The small plates were perfect for sharing, allowing us to sample a variety of carefully-thought out combos.

After the mains we had dessert, and I tried the vegan cheesecake. As someone who would normally order the full fat version, I was pleasantly surprised by how rich and creamy this cheesecake was, made with tofu. It had a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making it incredibly moreish.

The cocktail menu at UBA Restaurant deserves special mention. Each cocktail was a work of art, crafted with precision and creativity. The flavours were well-balanced, and the presentation was impeccable. Whether you’re a fan of classic cocktails or looking for something more adventurous, there’s something on the menu to suit. The non-alcoholic ones were great too. The cocktails added an extra layer of enjoyment to our meal and are undoubtedly one of the reasons why this restaurant will become a popular evening destination.

Despite the restaurant being relatively new, the service was top-notch. The staff were attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic about the food and drinks they were serving. Their recommendations were spot-on, and they contributed significantly to the overall positive experience.

In conclusion, UBA Restaurant is a dining experience that should not be missed. The generous portions, delectable cocktails and mouth-wateringly good desserts make it a standout choice for anyone looking to try something new. Whether you’re planning a quiet lunch or an energetic evening out, UBA Restaurant promises to deliver.

Find out more at ubarestaurant.com