Yujo Izakaya

Yujo Izakaya describes itself as a Japanese kitchen and cocktail bar with some West Coast flair, and it brings the relaxed izakaya format of small plates and drinks to Nakasero Hill. It sits at 36 Kyadondo Road, among the embassies, offices and hotels above the city centre, combining a full Japanese menu with a serious cocktail list.

The food menu covers the range you would expect: sushi from the sushi bar, ramen including a tonkotsu pork ramen, bento boxes, yakitori skewers and tempura. The official Visit Kampala listing also highlights wagyu katsu and buffalo wings among the signature dishes, which shows the West Coast influence. There is a separate teppanyaki menu, and the drinks list includes Japanese spirits and cocktails designed to go with the food. All three menus, food, drinks and teppanyaki, are linked from the restaurant's website.

Inside, the room is izakaya-style, with wooden decor, a sushi bar and low-table seating, and outside a terrace is surrounded by greenery. The restaurant also hosts live events and art nights, which suit the cocktail-bar side of the business. Prices sit in the mid-to-upper range for Kampala, so it works best for a night out or a special meal rather than an everyday lunch.

An izakaya is an informal Japanese pub where drinks and small dishes arrive through the evening, and teppanyaki is food cooked on a flat iron griddle. The format is ideal for sharing: order several small plates, a few skewers and a roll or two, then add a ramen if you are still hungry. Couples and small groups of friends will get the most from it, and the bar makes it a good place to start or finish an evening. Book ahead by phone for weekend evenings or larger groups, and ask whether an event or art night is planned if you would prefer a quieter table. If you prefer to eat in, the restaurant also delivers through Glovo.

Kyadondo Road is a short taxi ride from most central hotels. Bight of Benin is on the same road if you want a different cuisine another night, and the Kampala Serena Hotel and the bars of Kololo are close by for drinks afterwards.