If you’re looking for stunning Edinburgh views, fusion cuisine and a lovely cocktail menu or a quirky afternoon tea, you need not look further than Sushisamba! Tucked away on the 10th floor of the W hotel by the Westfield St James Quarter sits this Japanese meets Brazilian and Peruvian fusion restaurant. You can enjoy the gorgeous views across the city centre of Edinburgh with both the castle, the Balmoral clock tower and the Pentland hills in sight. Perfect for a special occasion dinner or for a plate of sushi with a cocktail when you’re feeling peckish whilst shopping. Let me tell you about my experience of dining at Sushisamba and wether I would recommend it – or not.
Sushisamba in Edinburgh
I first visited Sushisamba just a couple of months after it had opened as I gave a surprise lunch to my husband as a gift. It was a great way to experience the view whilst trying this highly anticipated addition to Edinburgh’s restaurant scene. We actually were not super impressed with our first visit as the service was very slow and a bit cold, although the restaurant was not busy at all. Perhaps this was due to the restaurant recently having opened, but I’m glad to say that my more recent visits have been a lot improved in service.
How to get here
To find the restaurant you can either enter through the W hotel lobby and take the lift up to the 10th floor. There is also an entrance on Level 4 through St James Quarter, however this door is not always open so the best way in is through the hotel.
The location
If you’re looking for a spot with a view in Edinburgh, you really can’t go wrong with Sushisamba. Since it is located inside the W hotel, this ribbon-like building which towers over the St James Quarter has some incredibly views in all directions. The dramatic Edinburgh Castle to the west and Calton Hill as well as the seemingly endless horizon over the North Sea to the east. In the summers you can sit outside on the balcony which snakes all around the building, and in the colder months there is plenty of seating available indoors across multiple dining areas.
Bonus tip: If you really want to admire the view, then take the stairs in the main staircase all the way up. There is a terrace at the very top which gives unobstructed views in pretty much all directions.
The restaurant & menu at Sushisamba Edinburgh
Sushisamba is the restaurant where a sushi dinner combines with a little Brazilian flair and a dash of Peruvian flavour. The restaurant group has become known for its playful fusion of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine, with menus featuring everything from beautifully prepared sushi and sashimi to ceviche, grilled dishes and vibrant cocktails. It’s a concept that feels just as much about the experience as the food itself, with colourful interiors, lively atmospheres and a sense of occasion wherever you go. And now, Edinburgh has its very own Sushisamba. Having made its Scottish debut at the W Edinburgh in November 2023, the restaurant sits high above the city on the tenth floor, offering spectacular views across Edinburgh’s rooftops alongside its signature mix of international flavours. It’s a rather exciting addition to the city’s dining scene, and one that brings a little taste of the world to the Scottish capital.
I will say that it is not the most affordable restaurant in Edinburgh, especially as I would recommend that for the best experience you want to order a couple of different dishes which quickly adds up. However for a special occasion meal it’s a really nice dining experience.
I honestly struggled to pick out my favourites below, so I included all my top picks! Just writing about them again, makes me hungry.
Moa’s top recommendations
- The Crab Taquitos were my top favourites during my last visit and have a lovely citrus kick
- The A5 Wagyu Gyoza were like a burst of flavour and I could’ve eaten so many of these.
- I always like Tuna Seviche, and this one did not disappoint.
- The Jumbo Tiger Prawn were very nicely cooked and really enjoyable.
- The Tomahawk Rib Steak is a show stopper and was cooked to perfection!
- The Chocolate Rabanada had a properly indulgent chocolate flavour and was a great way to finish the meal.
- Umeshu (plum sake) is delicious and I would highly recommend trying before your meal or as a digestif.
Afternoon Tea at Sushisamba Edinburgh
Sushisamba also offers an afternoon tea experience with their signature fusion twist, rather than your classic sandwiches and scones. I have not yet had the pleasure of trying it, however it is on my list and I will report back as soon as I can.
The afternoon tea menu is a mix of savoury and sweet with more classics like a lemon poppy seed scone but also their signature Edinburgh sushi rolls and wagyu tataki bun.
João’s Place
Joaos Place is one of Edinburgh’s best hidden gems, that is hiding right in plain sight. At least, if you know where to look. Tucked away one floor up from Sushisamba next to the W lounge, is where you’ll find Joaos Place. I would recommend booking a table, and the staff by the door will be able to show you where to go. It’s one of Edinburgh’s best cocktail bars with a view, as it overlooks Calton Hill. A fun menu awaits, also inspired by the same theme of flavours as Sushisamba, and in the warmer months of the year you can sit outside on the balcony and admire the Edinburgh view.
W hotel
You can hardly miss W Edinburgh when wandering around St James Quarter. With its distinctive ribbon-like exterior, the hotel has certainly made an impression on the city’s skyline and it’s just as interesting once you step inside. Part of the international W Hotels brand, the five-star property combines contemporary luxury with a playful design inspired by Edinburgh’s culture and heritage. Spread across three buildings, including a historic Georgian townhouse, there’s a lovely contrast between old and new, with bold interiors and plenty of personality throughout. The hotel is home to several dining and drinking spots, including Sushisamba, the W Lounge and João’s Place. Its rooftop spaces are another highlight, offering panoramic views across Edinburgh that make the hotel feel like a destination in its own right, rather than simply somewhere to check in for the night.
We have stayed at various W hotels in the past, like the W Amsterdam, W Ibiza and W Dubai.
FAQ – Sushisamba in Edinburgh
Yes, the restaurant can cater to dietary requirements and the menu is marked to show what is gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and dairy-free.
I always recommend booking in advance, to make sure you get a table and your preferred time. For the afternoon tea, booking is essential.
If you want to visit for a cocktail or drink, I would recommend the W Lounge or Joâo’s Place that are both located just one floor up. But you can also visit Sushisamba just for a drink as well.
Want to find more inspiration for your Edinburgh trip?
- The Best Hotels in Edinburgh: My 2026 Guide to the City’s Most Charming Stays
- The best cocktail bars in Edinburgh: recommendations from a local
- The best time to visit Edinburgh: A seasonal travel guide
- Things to do in Edinburgh: insider recommendations from a local
Meet Moa, our multi-talented writer from Sweden who now calls Edinburgh, Scotland home. With over a decade exploring Europe’s hidden corners—from Nordic landscapes to alpine villages—Moa brings a unique perspective shaped by her years as a travel guide in the Swiss and Austrian Alps. As a whisky book author and freelance drinks writer, she has an eye for exceptional food and beverage experiences, while her background as a photographer ensures she never misses a scenic moment. Whether she’s discovering old European cities or chasing golden hour in mountain villages, Moa’s stories blend cultural insight with a dash of adventure and plenty of authenticity.
