Friday, August 30, 2013

A belated 30th on the 38th floor...

You may remember me mentioning that loverboy made dinner reservations for my birthday at the beginning of the month, which we missed, as we lost track of time(!!!).  Well, he re-booked, so I was treated to a wonderful belated birthday date night dinner earlier this week.


I was super excited, as I had been wanting to visit this restaurant for a very long time - and let me tell you, it did not disappoint!


SushiSamba is located on the 38th floor of the Heron Tower, and boasts spectacular views across London.  I was a little nervous about taking the super fast lift, which is encased in glass on the outside of the building, but it was fun!  It added to the whole experience, although I will admit that the first couple of seconds of the descent made me squeal a little!

Arriving at the 38th floor!

Sunset when we were leaving...

Waiting for the lift to arrive...

Going down!

The decor of the restaurant is bright, clean and modern with bamboo arches encasing the room, and lots of lightbulbs dangling from the ceiling.  There are two balconies - one where you can dine al fresco, and another which is a bar, featuring a wacky orange tree right in the centre.

 Can you spot the cheeky monkey swinging in the tree?

The food is a fusion of Japanese, Peruvian and Brazilian, and it was all super delicious!  I have not had such visually pleasing, yummy and interesting flavour combinations at a restaurant in a long time.

These grilled Padrón peppers were a simple but very tasty little snack whilst perusing the menu.

Kuromitsu glazed pork belly wraps - OMG NOM!

Gotta love a gyoza - especially when they are stuffed full of wagyu beef.

A selection of seviches with really interesting flavour combinations, including watermelon, mandarin and wasabi peas together with the seafood. Doesn't it look like abstract art?!

The grilled miso Chilean seabass might just be one of the yummiest things I've ever eaten...

Samba London rolls!  A carnival in my mouth!

Warm El Topo rolls with salmon, jalapeño, shiso leaf, fresh melted mozzarella and crispy onion.

 Dessert! Organic red chocolate chili peppers, peruvian chili mousse, red pepper tuile, raspberry-red pepper sorbet, chocolate crumble.  It might sound strange, but the balance of flavours was so delicate, interesting and well-executed - we loved it!

The cocktails are also yummy, in case you wondered...


Our waiter for the evening was knowledgeable about everything on the menu, and was helpful and attentive without being overbearing.  The service really couldn't be beaten - they even refolded our napkins when we left the table briefly to take photos on the balcony!


The hubs made sure that the evening still felt like a birthday surprise, and made arrangements for a birthday macaron to be delivered to me during dessert - at which point he presented me with a gift!  A gorgeous Bakelite bracelet from a gorgeous, thoughtful man.

Belated birthday macaron - which I totally dunked into the white chocolate 'happy birthday'!

A coffee heart for a coffee-lovin' sweetheart!

It really was the most perfect evening and we enjoyed ourselves so much!  Our dinner date at SushiSamba was definitely worth the wait, and this restaurant has earned a place at the top of my 'favourites' list.


I can't wait to return for more deliciousness and breathtaking views across London.... 

16 comments:

  1. Wow I'm getting hungry just looking at all this amazing food!! Love the Birthday macaroon!

    And your outfit looks great as always :)

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    1. Hehehhe! It was definitely delicious - I am hungry looking at the pics too! :) Thank you!!!

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  2. That restaurant looks amazing! I have been scoping out their website ever since I saw you there on Instagram. Our London list just keeps on growing!

    So fun to keep the birthday celebration going. Another amazing bracelet from your adoring husband. Such great taste! You both look fabulous for your special date.;-)

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    1. Hahhaah! When I was posting this, I had a feeling that it might be added to your list! :P It's a little pricey, but I think it is totally worth it as a treat! If you get the chance, I would highly recommend visiting here on your trip!

      Awww thank you! You are so sweet! Aaron has been following you on Instagram now too - we are both super excited to meet up with you and your hubs when you get here! :D

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  3. That place looks amazing. I'm so happy that you enjoyed every bit of it. I love going to a restaurant and they met even surpass your expectations. You both looked great like always.

    My husband took me to a really nice 5 star restaurant in Laguna Beach soon after we eloped. It was one of the best meals I've ever had and wish we could go again. The ambiance and service were impeccable. One of my favorite dates with him.

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    1. Oh it was! Thank you, that is such a kind thing to say! :) It was a super special treat, as we don't eat out *too* often, and we certainly don't usually visit fancy restaurants like this.

      That is the sign of a great date, when you cherish the memory and it stands out in your mind. It is definitely worth going to top quality restaurants from time to time, after all, life is about experiencing wonderful things! :)

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  4. wow, such a romantic post and delicious looking sushi on the pictures.
    love your dress ....

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    1. Thank you!!! :) It was romantic and it was most certainly delicious!

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  5. My word, does that meal look jaw-droppingly (literally! :)) awesome. What a special, memorable place to share a belated celebration dinner. I'm so glad you two had a marvelous time!

    Happy Labour Day weekend wishes,
    ♥ Jessica

    *PS* Love your fantastic dress!!!

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    1. Hehehe! It was one of the best meals that I have had! :)

      Thank you! I hope you had a great Labour Day weekend!

      The dress is fairly new to me, having bought it at a vintage shop a few weeks ago in the sales. This was the first chance I had to wear it, and I think it was the perfect occasion! :)

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  6. Wow-that building is amazing!!! And the food! Swoon! That looked like one fantastic dinner! Yeah! Your honey rocks! Seeing the view of London makes me miss it so much. I have been gone too long...I cannot wait to get back there! xox

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    1. It is - the view is just spectacular! Yes, the food was delicious, and loverboy really treated me to a wonderful evening!

      When was the last time you were in London? We have been experiencing a fantastic summer, so the city is even more fun at the moment. Maybe when your little ones are a bit older, you can vacation here again?! I would love to meet you, Bunny! :) xxx

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  7. I adore everything about this post!! Such lush and gorgeous photos! I am glad you had a lovely birthday and at Sushi Samba no less!

    I have been to both the New York and Vegas locations and the food was so good! As a sushi fanatic (I eat it twice a week), I had to be sure not to order too much! Everything looked too delicious!

    Nevertheless, I am so glad your special day was amazing!!

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    1. Thank you Tara! :) It was a perfect night out!

      Oooh, now I am thinking that I might have to check out the Sushi Samba in Vegas next year, when we go to VLV... ;)

      xxx

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  8. OMG the views, the food, the BAKELITE!!!

    What a wonderful way to celebrate you and your birthday.

    Wendi

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    1. The views, THE VIEWS! Seriously, my new favourite restaurant! In a way it all worked out well that we missed the original booking, as it extended the celebrations! :)

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