New additions to London’s bustling restaurant scene are always good news, but they’re even better news when they combine two of our favourite things: rooftop terraces and sushi. That’s exactly what Bisushima was going for when they opened in early 2020 (before closing again due to a series of lockdowns…). The Japanese restaurant and bar sits atop the Phase8 Hotel in Covent Garden, offering prime 360° views of Trafalgar Square and the city skyline from their wrap-around terrace.
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Now, Bisushima isn’t just a random name. According to the restaurant’s website, it combines two elements: “Bisu” represents the “Egyptian god of hedonism and party”, while “Shima” is the Japanese word for “island and sanctuary”. Thrown together, Bisushima’s concept takes guests on a journey from Shima (day) to Bisu (night).
Serving everything from appetisers to hot dishes and cold plates, Bisushima focuses on artful Japanese cooking with locally-sourced and Japanese ingredients. Diners looking to raid the extensive sushi bar can taste traditional Edomae-style bites, which incorporate a special aging process that promises to bring out the full flavours of raw fish. If that sounds too adventurous for you, you’ll find plenty of delicious dishes that might suit your taste, such as their lobster tempura with sautéed scallops or grilled Iberico pork.
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Of course where there’s a rooftop terrace, there’s also plenty of booze! Enjoy a drink from Bisushima’s signature cocktail menu or one of their many sakes, which come even more in handy on DJ nights (check their Instagram to stay up to date with current events and happenings). What a way to honour the Bisu in Bisushima!
The restaurant is currently also offering “Shima hour”, an innovative take on the classic Italian aperitivo. Guests can try a signature cocktail with a small plate of either squid or chicken kara-age, crispy tofu, wagyu gyoza or pork tonkatsu, for £20. The special menu is available from 6pm until 7.30pm, Tuesdays through Saturdays.
Bisushima, 8 St. Martin’s Place, WC2N 4JH. Find more info on their website.