Where are we meeting after work? Well, Ukkõ in Bryanston, of course! Located in Nicolway, Bryanston, Ukkõ Restaurant is that upmarket dining destination that jumps to mind for various types of occasions. Whether you’re looking for a lunch spot for a business meeting, a cocktail spot to meet friends at after work, or an eatery where you can spend a laid-back afternoon indulging in tapas and wine, this is it.
The Mediterranean Tapas and Sushi restaurant (with its rather extensive wine list) sets the bar high when it comes to tapas-style dining. In fact, here the choices are endless and you wouldn’t know where to begin. Luckily, their staff are friendly and very helpful, effortlessly guiding you through the menu and making suggestions where needed.
While the restaurant looks out on the shopping centre’s parking lot, it still has a lovely vibe that instantly transports you to a holiday in the Mediterranean. The tables tend to be a little tiny if the plan is to order more than three different tapas options. So, be sure to choose a bigger table even if you’re just two, because you’re going to want to order more. And then some.
The menu is filled with unique options, including a long list of divine sushi choices. They also have larger meals on the menu if tapas aren’t your thing. Think whole, flame grilled fish with olive oil, lemon, thyme and coriander, or Wagyu Sirloin, which they recommend you order medium-rare.
Our lunch started with a bottle of white wine from Kleine Zalze, setting the scene perfectly. Since sushi is one of the menu items we rarely treat ourselves to, we couldn’t resist the Roll ’n Roses. The dish consists of Rainbow Rolls and Salmon Roses with teriyaki sauce and a spicy mayo. Finally, we delved into the tapas, packing our table with all kinds of pretty plated dishes. From deliciously marinated aubergine, and haloumi with lemon and coriander, to chicken dumplings (which come highly recommended) and crispy prawns. While dessert was tempting with Tiramisu and cheesecake with caramel and toasted almonds on the menu, our tapas had us satisfied in no time.
In the end, we were spoiled to some decadent, caramel-covered Italian Kisses – the perfect finale to a lovely lunch.
Apart from Ukkõ’s impressive food menu and their extensive wine list, they also have a mixology bar with various cocktails to choose from. For the classic at heart, the Rum Old Fashioned will be a firm favourite, while the wild at heart will appreciate the Ukkõ Margarita. The latter comes with pistachio-infused El Jimador Tequila, Cointreau, lime, sugar and a pistachio rim.
It’s true then. Even in the urban jungle of Joburg, you can get a taste of the Mediterranean after all.
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