Review of Sticks'n'Sushi in Islington

We had the pleasure of being invited to the latest addition to the Sticks'n'Sushi empire, located on Islington's buzzing Upper Street, just a short stroll from Angel tube station. Behind its modest black façade lies an elegant, beautifully lit space that exudes understated sophistication. The restaurant offers a range of seating options, from the stylish bar at the front, perfect for casual dining, to high tables ideal for group gatherings, and more traditional seating near the open kitchen, where the magic unfolds.

We sampled the Set for Success menu, an indulgent array of eleven expertly crafted dishes, showcasing the best of Sticks'n'Sushi's offerings.

The experience began with the exquisite Shake Tataki—delicate salmon paired with trout roe, daikon, miso, ponzu, and daikon cress. This dish was an immediate standout, with the freshness of the salmon melting in the mouth, complemented by the vibrant flavours of the roe and ponzu. It was followed by Shake Beef, tenderly thin sliced beef served with miso aioli, artichoke chips, and a truffle ponzu sauce—a true showstopper with what was easily the most succulent meat we've ever tasted.

Next, we enjoyed the Ebi Shrimp—crispy, tempura-battered prawns accompanied by a subtly spicy chilli dip, perfectly balanced by the griddled broccoli served with a tangy umami-rich Goma sauce, which we also dipped the shrimp, enhancing each bite with extra depth.

Then came a delightful trio of grilled sticks: flavourful chicken meatballs seasoned with coriander, Argentinian shrimp grilled to perfection in garlic and spicy gochujang butter, and tender Iberico pork finished with a hint of miso and lemon. Each skewer offered a distinct yet harmonious flavour profile, inviting us to mix and match for a dynamic experience.

The real highlight of the evening arrived with the sushi and sashimi rolls. From classic combinations like chicken and avocado or smoked salmon and cream cheese to the signature Hell's Kitchen roll—tempura shrimp wrapped in rice, avocado, and spicy sauce, crowned with tuna and a delicate touch of barbecue sauce—every bite was a revelation. The Hell's Kitchen roll, in particular, was nothing short of extraordinary, its rich layers of texture and flavour leaving a lasting impression. We savoured every one of the rolls, and had fun ranking them.

For dessert, we followed our waiter's expert recommendation and shared two decadent treats: the velvety Goma Vanilla Crème Brûlée with a black sesame crumble and the indulgent Dark Chocolate Fondant with a molten matcha core, vanilla ice cream, and a matcha cookie crumble. Both desserts were the perfect finale to an unforgettable meal, offering a sweet, sophisticated close to an already exceptional dining experience.

For more information or to book visit https://sticksnsushi.com/en

Address: 77 Upper St, London, N1 0NU

Written by Claire Selby

Photography courtesy of Sticks'n'Sushi