Ukkō restaurant

If there are three words to describe Ukkō restaurant, they would be aesthetics, vibes, and excellent service. From the moment I first came across the restaurant on Instagram, I was sold. The food photography alone was enough to make anyone hungry, and I knew immediately that I had to experience it for myself.

The vibe

I decided to visit on a Wednesday afternoon for a relaxed girls’ date. Since it was during the week, the restaurant was pleasantly calm and not overcrowded, which made the experience even more enjoyable. The reception staff welcomed us warmly, and our table had already been prepared as I had booked a week in advance. 

We were seated near the window, giving us a beautiful view of the lively atmosphere outside, complete with luxury cars and the unmistakable Sandton energy.

Before our meal officially began, we were served crispy hand-cut chips as a starter snack. As someone who loves snacks and comfort bites, I thoroughly enjoyed them. They were simple but delicious and set the tone for the rest of the experience.

The service throughout the afternoon was impressive. Our waiter, Ntombifikile Madlala, was attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu, and the food arrived without long delays, something I appreciated. To warm ourselves up on the chilly Johannesburg day, we started with tea before diving into the main experience: the food.

The food

Being a seafood lover, sushi and prawns were an absolute must for me. We ordered tempura prawns alongside sushi, and I can confidently say the sushi was one of the highlights of the day. It was fresh, flavourful, and genuinely different in the best possible way. Ukkō promises unique flavours on Instagram, and they absolutely delivered on that promise. 

What made the prawn experience even more memorable was that my companion does not usually enjoy seafood. However, after convincing her to try the tempura prawns, she ended up loving them. It became one of those moments where a restaurant creates a memory you know you will look back on fondly.

One thing I appreciated about Ukkō’s menu was the flexibility. They offer smaller portions without sides, allowing diners to sample a variety of dishes without committing to oversized meals or huge bills. It made the dining experience feel more adventurous and interactive.

We went on to try lamb, chicken wings, ribs, and chips. The lamb was enjoyable, whether medium or well done, while the chicken wings were flavourful and satisfying. The ribs were unique too - not the overly sweet style I normally gravitate toward, but still tasty and memorable.

But the undisputed star of the show was the whole fish.

After asking our waiter what one dish nobody should leave Ukkō restaurant without trying, she immediately recommended the tapas and the fish. Even though we were already full, I decided to take the risk and order the fish anyway - and it was the best decision of the afternoon. The fish deserves an 5/5.

Served whole and paired with an incredible sauce, it was rich, flavourful, perfectly cooked, and absolutely worth every cent. At around R350, it is definitely a premium dish, but the quality and taste justify the price completely. According to the waiter, it is one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes, and after tasting it myself, I completely understand why.

Time Out Tip

Beyond the food, the restaurant itself is stunning. The decor is modern, stylish, and thoughtfully curated, making it the perfect place for content creators, date nights, girls’ outings, or simply anyone looking for a beautiful dining experience in Johannesburg.

Overall, I would rate the general food experience a solid 4/5 - but the sushi and fish easily elevate themselves into a category of their own with a 5/5 rating. Combined with attentive service, beautiful aesthetics, and a welcoming atmosphere, Ukkō is definitely a restaurant worth visiting if you are in or around Johannesburg.

By the way, from Thursday until Sunday, the restaurant is sometimes fully booked, so if you plan to go on any of those days, it is advisable to book in advance.

The pictures may draw you in on Instagram, but the real-life experience truly lives up to the hype. And personally, I will absolutely be returning, especially to finally try the tapas.

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