Ukai (Soho)

Wife and I went there last night on Tastecard. Despite our reservations given the low ratings.

Good decor, though the music was way too loud.

Both of us have trouble with our backs so we requested an empty booth next to us (it was 9 pm on a Sunday evening - the restaurant was a third full at best). The junior waiter seemed eager to help and offered us the booth but then the manager appeared and said they couldn't give us the booth as it was for four, and that they're expecting guests.

He offered me a cushion, though how that would help my back, I don't quite know. He also motioned "no" with his head to the junior waiter, presumably lest he contradict him re the booth. My wife then asked the manager if he was definitely expecting guests- and he said yes, they have bookings. When I requested a chair instead of the usual block stools, he flatly said no they didn't have any. (Until the junior waiter magically appeared with one). By the time we left an hour and a half later (1030 pm) , no guests had materialized to occuopy the booth.

We ordered salmon sahimi and California rolls for starters. Sashimi average, California rolls outright bad- the rice looked like it had been pulverized.

For mains we ordered as sides chicken gyoza and tofu tempura, which were both nice. The mains (black cod and Japanese chicken curry) were both distinctly average, though the ingredients seemed fresh.

All in all, given the high standards of many other, cheaper Japanese restaurants in London, thoroughly avoidable.
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AL
2 Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 3
Monday, September 19, 2011

I must say that I am extremely disappointed with this restaurant and their booking policies regarding taste card customers.

After being in Ukai about 4 times, and celebrating birthdays there, I tried to book once again a table for 4 people with 2 taste cards. Apparently, they have a new policy which doesn’t allow more than one taste card holder per table, and that extra cardholders will have to be seated in a different table?!? I really don’t understand what the logic behind this new policy is, as it doesn’t make any sense or difference to the final bill whether the people are seated together or in different tables, or whether you get separate or combined bills as it 2 for 1!!. When I heard this ridiculous policy, I then requested having 2 separate bookings with tables one next to another, but the staff refused to do this as well.

After such an irrational behaviour from the staff at Ukai, I will not be visiting the restaurant, neither recommending this place to anyone. The sushi is average and the only reason we ever went there was because of the taste card offer of 2 for 1.
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4 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 2
Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Charming service and ambiance, good sushi but tasteless udon.

I'd go again but stick to sashimi!
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8 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Monday, August 15, 2011

Came with a friend early on Tuesday evening and was surprised to see how busy it was. We had booked but apparently, not a table - just chairs and were told to go upstairs to eat at the bar. The bartender upstairs didn't want us there as there was a large group so he took us back down and we eventually got a table.

The sushi we had was ok. My friends ramen soup looked huge and she said it was tasty, although she had nearly finished by the time my soft shell crab arrived, which was excellent with an unusual dip to accompany it. The cocktails were nice but not very alcoholic. We asked if we could order some more during happy hour, which was advertised outside, only to be told that happy hour is only for the bar upstairs.

They don't accept Amex but on the plus side, we were not encouraged to leave even after we had paid and sat for quite a while, just having a chat.
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Sarah
6 Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 5
Tuesday, April 05, 2011

Went here on a Friday night for dinner and drinks. The restaurant was buzzing and had a really good vibe. Food was delicious - especially the black cod - to die for! Also had one of the tastiest cocktails ever - can't remember the name but it was a gin and cucumber base - highly recommend it. The staff were also extremely friendly and attentive without being overly so. Would also recommend going to the bar upstairs for a pre or post dinner drink - again it has a great vibe and the mixologist does a great job. I would definitely recommend this place and plan to go back again soon.
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MissChivs - View all reviews by this user
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Monday, January 31, 2011

I was impressed by the ambiance and atmosphere of the restaurant.

The decoration is minimalistic and beautiful. Very Cozy and relaxing.

The staff is very friendly, attentive and they seem to enjoy working there. The manager is very professional, polite and good looking.

The food is fresh and well presented. I really liked my "Salmon Teriyaki". We had 4 different Cocktails and they were amazing.

Only negative point is that we had to wait 15minutes on the bar, even if have booked a table and also that they didnt accept my AMEX card.

Good value for money. I would definitely go there again! Recommended!
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SushiLover - View all reviews by this user
9 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Saturday, January 29, 2011

food is good, but the service is a no no...

considering it is a medium high end restaurant, the service is very average.

waiting for the drinks for 30 min, even the food come first. we not even finish the food and they already want to clean up the table and wanting us to leave.

there is plenty of room to improve.
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food lover
3 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 0
Thursday, December 09, 2010

Went last week, I will give this place 0 stars I would. Went tonight on the Groupon offer - £40 worth of sushi for £16 (prepaid).

First of all, My partner and I went in and the decor is quite ambience.. but unfortunately there is only 2 waiters.. We have given a choice . .salmon or vegetarian platter.. To my surprise, the platter contains 2 small tiny pieces of salmon nigiri and 2 sashimi and 2 salmon maki. As the picture shown, in groupon website, .. it was massive lots of it!! Service is slow, not asked whether we want the cocktails.. waited and waited.. I dun know whether to blame the waiter as the other waitress was doing the cocktails drinks.. I guess we had the coupon and maybe they prefer serving customers who are paying full price.

Despite it being a sunday lunch and being there for a hour for free 4 cocktails and a small platter customers a, it seemed they didn't really want to deal with us. The restaurant is a con, the voucher is a con, the service is rubbish and I would never go there again..even if someone paid me.
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enjoyfoodlady - View all reviews by this user
1 Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 0
Monday, November 08, 2010

I visited it last week and the environment was very good. Their waiters are quite friendly but the whole management of the restaurant is a caos. Restaurant manager is rude and lack of communication. Food was served very slowly with a portion in the size of you cannot imagine how small it was. So overall, the hardware is good with rubbish software. Personally, I would never go there again.
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Rooney
5 Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 3
Sunday, October 24, 2010

Good points: Good decor; clean; friendly staff.

Bad points: Small menu selection; sushi and nigri are poor (too hard;) taste not authentic; very small portion with its price; ingredients not fresh.

Overall, I would not recommend and will not visit again. Sorry.
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B
5 Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 1
Sunday, August 01, 2010