Ukkō Review: Good Food and a Warm Welcome Await in Bryanston

What to expect at Ukkō

Unwind and feel unencumbered at Ukkō, where leisure invites you to linger a little longer in its light, reminding you that life’s finest pleasures are often found in simply being. I visited Ukkō for the first time at the Winifred Mandela Precinct in the leafy suburb of Bryanston. Warmly welcomed with smiles and open arms, I felt right at home as I stepped into the romantic setting, with moody lighting and ambient music to match.

According to Ukkō’s account of its mythological inspiration, people gathered to share food and drink as a sacrifice believed to bring good weather and a good harvest. The restaurant serves Mediterranean-inspired contemporary fusion cuisine, with strong Asian influences.

As a lover of (extra) crispy chips, I was delighted as our server, Sabrina, placed a complimentary bowl of large, wafer-thin potato crisps on the table. We snacked on the lightly salted, crunchy crisps as Sabrina poured our still water while we decided what to eat.

With eyes much bigger than my stomach, I wanted to order more than I could eat. Finally, we ordered:

• Crispy Roses
• Camembert in Phyllo
• Ribeye
• Lamb Chops

I looked forward to an evening of good food and thoughtful hospitality.

Food

Starters: Crispy Roses and Camembert in Phyllo

True to ye ol’ adage, our eyes feasted first as the Crispy Roses made a grand entrance. The two crunchy tempura prawns made a show of the dish. Wrapped in velvety salmon with creamy avo and laid on a bed of spicy wasabi mayo, sweet chilli and teriyaki sauce, they framed a salmon rose topped with mayo and black caviar. The sweet, spicy and savoury flavours complemented each other very well. The sweetness softened the spicy notes; the savoury flavours added depth and a subtle richness, while the heat delivered a delicate kick that gradually built up. Together with the contrasting textures of crunchy tempura and soft salmon, these flavours made for a satisfying experience on the palate.

The Camembert in Phyllo is a decadent indulgence. The delicate crunch gives way to an earthy-flavoured cheesy lava that flows out. Brightened by the citrus honey that has a light floral scent, it’s a cheese lover’s dream, especially for those with a sweet tooth.

Mains: Ribeye and Lamb Chops

Succulent.

I could honestly end it there. But instead, I’ll continue by reiterating: tender, juicy. Cooked medium, just as we’d requested, both the ribeye and lamb chops were simply melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Both meats were simply seasoned with salt and pepper, with the 28-day-aged ribeye lightly basted. The fat on the lamb chops could have done with more of a sear to get that wonderful crispy texture. We accompanied the meat with a side of fries and garlic char-grilled tenderstem broccoli. The fries had a nice light crisp to them that made way for a soft inside. The broccoli, although overcooked, had a delicious savoury taste to it.

Dessert

To end the night, we enjoyed a velvety lemon sorbet that was just the right amount of sweet and tart. Smooth in texture, the frozen dessert embraced my palate with a lightness that I quite enjoyed.

Service: Served with Smiles

As much as I enjoyed the food, I must say it’s the staff that stole my heart. From the moment we arrived, everyone was attentive without being overbearing. The wonderful Sabrina treated us with warmth and patience, answering our questions about the menu and helping us make our choices. Our water and wine glasses never had the opportunity to run dry. How could they? Sabrina was always on hand and ready to fill them up as they threatened to empty out.

Value for Your Time

With the Crispy Roses at R185, Camembert in Phyllo at R130, 300g ribeye at R320 and four lamb chops at R350, a meal at Ukkō is worth budgeting for. Our fries (R45) and tenderstem broccoli (R60) brought those dishes to R1,090 for two, before dessert, drinks and a tip. Despite the overcooked broccoli and lamb fat needing a little more crispness, the enjoyable food, romantic setting and thoughtful service made it feel worth the spend for a special evening out.

The perfect setting for romance, catching up with friends or a much-needed solo date, Ukkō is great for an intimate time out. And trust me when I say, you’ll feel right at home.

Where to Find Ukkō

Due to its popularity, a reservation is recommended.

Location: Visit Ukkō at Winifred Mandela Precinct at Bryanston, Johannesburg. Some online listings still refer to it as Nicolway Shopping Centre.

Reservation: Due to its popularity, a reservation is recommended. You can secure your table via Ukko Restaurant Reservations Page or through Dineplan.

Payment policy: The restaurant is fully cashless (accepting debit cards, credit cards, and electronic payments only).