Shoreditch spoils diners with choice. It’s one of its many appeals. By day, high-rise buildings overflow with workers looking for a quick bite. By night, graffitied, cobbled streets are lined with hungry foodies, queuing patiently for a prime eating spot. Sushi Revolution Shoreditch rolls out a menu suited to both the professional luncheon and the post-work, tie-off-button-down freedom that 6 p.m. brings.
Sushi Revolution comes to Shoreditch
Sushi Revolution began its uprising in Brixton. Unsurprisingly, popular demand for its dissidence meant they had to open a second joint in Shoreditch. East London boasts a spectrum of choices for sushi lovers; Sushi Revolution could just be their next favourite.
Sushi Revolution’s ethos – past meets present, tradition meets innovation – demands a little leeway from the diner. This is an establishment that is not afraid to twist traditional tastes and texture expectations.
Its high ceilings, black cracked tables, and brown bamboo tops establish it as one of Shoreditch’s cool kids. Even on a drizzly Wednesday evening, it has a Friday night feel. Sushi Revolution’s waiters wear this vibe, effortlessly. Not the you can’t sit with us snobbier counterparts evoke, but rather the laid-back, welcoming air of your best friend’s cool older brother. Shoutout to Robert for being the older brother.
The Cocktails
Sushi Revolution’s nonchalant air makes it the perfect pit-stop before a night out. It treats its cocktails with consideration. None are overly sweet. A-Kira Royale is what I imagine an Aperol Spritz to be in Japan, plum sake mixing with cassis and prosecco for a wonderfully fresh, crisp drink. The Picante Sour is light and punchy, made more complex by the smoked, spicy salt rim.
There is a long list of sakes to choose from, each with its own unique flavour profile. For those unfamiliar with sake, the House Yuzu Sake is a fantastic first choice, combining the dry, crisp notes of sake with the bittersweet aromatics of yuzu.
The Revolution Menu
Although I am a true sushi lover, I welcome the addition of anything fried, crispy, and saucy to the menu. Besides, sushi is healthy (right?) It’s fair to say it made its mark. Golden bonbons of deliciousness arrived in our Scallop Katafi, accompanied with a black garlic aioli. Sort of like scampi’s sexy, rich cousin.
Chicken Karaage Nanban also proved ridiculously moreish. Sticky and sweet, these bites were bathed in a tangy yuzu mayo. If the scallops were the upmarket kin of scampi, then consider the karaage, the sophisticated, complex version of a Chinese crispy chilli beef.
The Sushi
Sushi Revolution takes its menu intercontinental, with a Peruvian style Sea Bass Ceviche, plump and juicy with refreshing house leche de tigre, and a European style Tuna Tartar, rich with goats’ cheese and truffle soy sauce.
If the devils in the details, then Sushi Revolution certainly has sinful sights. Each sushi plate came adorned with its own embellishments, demanding that I, the diner, make sure to distinguish it from the last plate.
Soft Shell Crab House Roll was served alongside kimchee hummus; an unlikely pair, yes, but it made complete sense against the sweet, nutty crab. The Crispy Ebi Uramaki arrived with a gentle flourish, as wafer thin avocado slices decorated each sushi piece with mastery. The Spicy Tuna Kaburimaki stayed true to nature, giving Wasabi a run for its money.
The Revolution
It’s easy to leave sushi restaurants with your belly feeling as empty as your wallet. At Sushi Revolution Shoreditch, portions are generous, and the prices are even more impressive. With a 28-piece sushi platter for two totalling a grand sum of £40, it’s cheaper than two pizzas and a pint.
No corners on quality have been cut, nor have elements on the menu been overlooked. For less than £4, you can dig into their miso brownie bite. Fudgey and gooey, these brownies were everything a brownie should be, and more. To this date, it was (no exaggeration), the best brownie I have tasted in London.
At Sushi Revolution, service comes quick, but you’re never rushed out. It’s not for snobs but for people who enjoy each other’s company and, most importantly, the food they’re eating.
East London has a new revolution on its hands, and it’s one we will all be joining.
Great for: A quick lunch or dinner with a buzz
What to order: Chicken Karaage Nanban, The Sushi Platter for two
Why go? High-quality sushi, but at a low cost, is rare in London
To discover more, visit sushirevolution.co.uk
All imagery courtesy of Sushi Revolution.