Cocktails, California rolls and sheepishly requesting a fork with your chopsticks- what’s better than a sushi night with the girls? Plus, pristinely-packed rolls of grade A salmon and avocado aren’t exactly the easiest dish to re-create at home, so you know you’re getting your money’s worth. However, one qualm of a sushi restaurant is that no matter how chic the interior and tasty the cocktail- the thought of raw fish must appeal to your entire party. And of course, despite the international popularity of sushi, raw fish will always be a controversial ingredient. Luckily, there is a restaurant that understands this, and has gone the extra mile in ensuring their menu caters to all. Sticks’n’Sushi- the self-proclaimed “sushi restaurant- even for those who don’t like fish”, is hands down the best restaurant for a girls night that’s destined to escalate.

Each Sticks’n’Sushi location has a unique aesthetic to complement the neighbourhood in which it’s situated. Soho’s is dark, clubby, and sleek. Islington’s is calming, spacious, and low-lit. That evening we opted for the Islington branch, and despite its relatively new status, the restaurant was full to the brim. The atmosphere was alive and well with the buzz of a Friday evening, yet hushed enough to easily hear those around your table.

If you’re unfamiliar with Sticks and Sushi, their menu is based on a unique combination of classic and creative sushi along with sticks from the grill (hence the name). That’s why this restaurant is such a popular choice for large groups and date-nights alike, with a selection of chicken, pork, beef and vegetable skewers as well as gluten-free and vegan menus, there’s something for everyone. After refreshing our hands with the invigorating mini towels served to us by our waiter (a classy touch that was much-appreciated), we were ready to begin. 

To start, we opted for a dish of char-grilled cauliflower and broccoli. Essentially, a course of no-nonsense fibre, and every child’s worst nightmare. However, lying under the pile of cauliflower was a pool of black truffle sauce which was quite frankly, sensational, while the broccoli had a salty crisp to it that was irresistibly moreish. The most stubborn of children would wolf this down. Believe me when I say, do not sleep on the vegetables.

Next, it was the Kani & Ikura Temaki- four sheets of crisp seaweed topped with airy snow crab in a light mayonnaise, salty trout roe and sushi rice. This came alongside the Tuna Tartare Bites- six crispy flat breads topped with a creamy medley of flavours that were a sheer delight. Paired with a crisp Pinot Grigio to effortlessly complement the fresh fish, it’s needless to say that at this point, we were in our element.

Saving the best until last, we finished with the infamous sticks and sushi. For our selection of sticks, we opted for the Gyu Habu- a succulent beef filet- and Hotate Bacon- juicy scallops and tasty bacon- both with a miso herb butter.

For sushi, we devoured the miso-marinated black cod with artichoke chips and pickled red onion, a dish that exceeded all expectations. By the meal’s end, we were left with that perfect feeling of sufficiently fed and satisfied, yet light enough to continue on to enjoy the rest of our night. 

Secure your table today at https://www.sticksnsushi.com/.