Sticks’n’Sushi Covent Garden is a stylish Japanese restaurant on Henrietta Street and a convenient choice for dinner before a West End show. I visited before seeing Cabaret again, and the combination of sushi, grilled dishes and relaxed service made it a lovely start to our evening. In this review, I’ll share what we ordered and how the restaurant worked for a pre-theatre dinner.
Why It Works for a Pre-Theatre Dinner
Tucked just steps away from Ave Mario on charming Henrietta Street, Sticks’n’Sushi is a sleek and modern spot that balances bold flavours with elegant presentation. It’s ideal for a pre-theatre dinner, especially if your show is starting around 7:30 pm. We arrived at about 4:30, which I highly recommend. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to relax, enjoy your meal, and stroll over to the theatre without rushing.
The Mixed Emotions Set Menu
We chose the Mixed Emotions set menu, which was £30 per person when I visited. It included a generous selection of sushi, grilled dishes and sides, making it a useful option for anyone who prefers not to choose everything individually.
- Here’s what was included:
- Edamame, lightly salted with a touch of lemon.
- Kani Korokke, crispy crab croquettes with a wasabi Caesar dip
- Shake Tataki, salmon and trout marinated in sake-tamari with daikon, miso, and ponzu.
- Nigiri, including Shake (salmon) and Maguro (yellowfin tuna)
- Spicy Tuna, a roll with cucumber, masago, and kataifi
- Pink Alaska, rich with salmon, avocado, cream cheese, and lumpfish roe
- Chirashi, seared fish tossed in spicy sauce with pickled red onions and snow peas
- Tsukune, juicy chicken meatballs glazed in teriyaki
- Shake Teriyaki, and grilled salmon with teriyaki and spring onion.
Extras, Drinks and Dessert
We also added a couple of extras out of curiosity, the asparagus with pancetta and a delicate tuna tartare, but honestly, the set menu alone was more than satisfying. Every dish was thoughtfully plated and bursting with fresh flavour. The
only hard part was choosing what to eat first.
To drink, we had the Sakura & Lychee Martini, a non-alcoholic cocktail made with Everleaf Mountain spirit. It was floral, tart, and incredibly refreshing, just what we needed to balance the richness of our dishes.
We ended with the Goma, a vanilla crème brûlée with black sesame crumble. Smooth, subtly sweet, and with a lovely textural contrast, this was a perfect finish. The atmosphere was lively yet not too loud, with friendly staff and a clean, modern interior that lets the food do the talking. Everything felt thoughtful without being fussy.
Sticks’n’Sushi Covent Garden Practical Information
Address: 11 Henrietta Street, London WC2E 8PY
Opening hours: Monday–Saturday, 12 pm–11:30 pm; Sunday, 12 pm–10:30 pm
Kitchen closes: 11 pm Monday–Saturday and 10 pm Sunday
Price paid: £30 per person for the Mixed Emotions set menu, plus drinks and extras
Best for: Sushi, sharing menus and pre- or post-theatre dining
Booking: I recommend reserving an early table if you have a fixed showtime.
CHECK THE MENU & BOOK A TABLE →
If you are considering other Asian dining options around the West End, read my Leong’s Legend bottomless dim sum review for current prices, menu highlights and ordering rules.
My Pre-Theatre Verdict
If you’re heading to the West End and want a stylish, flavour-packed dinner that’s both satisfying and efficient, Sticks’n’Sushi Covent Garden London is a brilliant choice. The location is ideal, the set menus offer great value, and the variety makes it easy to please different palates. Pair it with a great show and you’ve got yourself a perfect London evening.
Just make sure your theatre is nearby, and aim to arrive by 4:30 if your show starts at 7:30. Trust me, your future self will thank you.
