UBA in Shoreditch delivered – it’s the perfect balance of classy and cool, with an atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve stepped out of the London grind and straight into something special.
UBA is a pan-Asian restaurant with a menu inspired by the bold flavours of Asian street food but elevated with beautiful presentation and a refined setting.
Their new “Taste of UBA” menu celebrates dishes from across East Asia and beyond, and it’s the kind of place that makes you want to order everything.
My friend and I went for the à la carte menu and shared a spread of dishes – a side each, a main, dessert, and two cocktails each.
It felt indulgent but not over-the-top, and every plate that came out was full of flavour and just the right portion size.
We started strong with the Korean crispy fried chicken with sesame and lime.
This was probably my favourite dish of the night – crunchy, tangy, and gone in seconds.
The beef tacos with aji panca, avocado and crispy onion were another highlight: rich, savoury, and beautifully balanced.
I also really loved the seared salmon belly maki — delicate, fresh, and with a nice kick from the chipotle mayo.
The vibe at UBA is effortlessly cool – stylish without trying too hard.
The service is top-tier and the food feels luxurious, but the whole experience is relaxed and welcoming.
It’s got that trendy Shoreditch energy, with a hint of glamour – perfect for date night, drinks with friends, or just treating yourself to something special midweek.
For mains, we shared the Yakiniku-glazed beef ribeye, which came medium rare and presented with a punchy wasabi furikake and peppery watercress.
I was surprised with how well the watercress paired with the steak – it was a simple trick yet utterly delicious.
For dessert, we both had the chocolate layer cake with miso ice cream – the ideal dish for those who love a sweet treat.
It was rich but not too heavy, with that salty-sweet balance that just works.
Cocktail-wise, UBA takes things seriously.
Each drink has its own story, and the flavours are complex without being fussy.
I had the Blushing Geisha, which was soft, floral and had hints of lychee – a favourite fruit of mine for a cocktail.
The Mango Fuji was elegant, and felt like golden hour in a glass, while the Shiso Spritz was light, refreshing, and the perfect drink to cleanse the palette ahead of the commute home.
