Ukkō: The Hottest New Spot to Add to Your Eat-Out List in Johannesburg

Johannesburg welcomes a hot new dining spot to its streets: Ukkō, a stylish Mediterranean Tapas and Sushi restaurant with a wine and mixology bar. The restaurant brings a sense of tranquillity and style to the upmarket Nicolway Shopping Centre through its calming and natural elements and design.

Ukkō is the brainchild and latest solo venture of seasoned restaurateur, Mun Manal, who has been in the restaurant industry for over 22 years (previously operated by Mezepoli and Plaka Group). Ukkō gets its name from “Ukkonen”, a Finnish mythology referencing the god of the sky, weather, harvest and thunder. In the same mythology, it was customary to come together and consume food and alcoholic beverages as a sacrifice. The celebration was believed to guarantee good weather and harvest for the year ahead. The symbol, an “anchor-looking hammer”, represents the weapon Ukkō used to strike lightning.

“The name Ukkō is an extension of the idea of a space where people come together to celebrate special moments”.

says Manal

The restaurant promises a unique dining and culinary experience, with memorable service and a perfectly balanced tapas-style offering. Food prepared with quality ingredients, meticulously put together to deliver mouthwatering flavours, paired with the finest South African wines and crafted cocktails.

The menu: Ukkō

On the menu, discover the signature Mediterr-asian Raw Bar offering Salmon, Tuna and Beef as a Crudo, as well as Tataki, and Peruvian Ceviche. The Tapas-style serving is a focus and well-crafted to cater for all palates through extensive offerings of Mediterranean small dishes – such as Fish and Prawn Croquette, Roasted Bone Marrow Pangrattato and a gorgeous Onion Bloom. Asian influence dictates the Sushi offering on the menu with a modern twist; teriyaki brushed, ponzu drenched and torch-seared finish.

At the mixology bar, look out for the signature cocktails. There’s the aptly named Akka (female deity of Ukkō), featuring vodka, strawberry, rose essence, and lime. As well as Ether (God of Air), featuring Gin, fresh passion fruit, elderflower, prosecco and aromatic bitters.

In conclusion, the restaurant’s interior has a modern Med-Asian feel, with warm wood tones and natural stone finishes. This results in a relaxed setting, giving the space a cosy yet trendy feel that transports you to a tranquil space. Ukkō is the perfect place to share the simple joy of great food with family and friends.

Ukkō

Opening times: Monday to Sunday 11 am to 10 pm
Website: http://ukkorestaurant.co.za/
Location: Nicolway Bryanston, William Nicol Dr &, Wedgewood Link Rd, Bryanston, Sandton 010 335 0770
Follow them on social media: @ukkosa