A taste of the Mediterranean

Laid-back dining is the order of the day at the stylish new Ukkō restaurant in Bryanston.

Serving up Mediterranean Tapas and Sushi as well as a comprehensive wine list and expertly made cocktails, Ukkō has steadily grown in popularity since opening last year – in fact, it’s also caught the attention of the 2022 Eat Out Awards judges!
So what’s on the menu? Diners have a wide range of small plates to choose from, ideal for snacking and sharing – although if you’re feeling hungry, you can easily order large plates as well. Crudo, ceviche and lamb riblets are all on offer, as is cheesy baked camembert in a balsamic dressing, Crispy Zucchini Ribbons with lemon aioli and chicken dumplings. Grilled chicken wings, salmon and prawn cakes and squid heads in a wasabi aioli also feature, as do crispy prawns. There’s truly a huge variety of dishes and tastes to choose from, all packed with flavour and giving the restaurant broad appeal.

There’s a considered selection of wine on offer, but if you’re not a fan of vino rather choose from the restaurant’s curated selection of cocktails. Two of the most popular are the aptly named Akka (female deity of Ukkō) features vodka, strawberry and rose essence, and Ukkonen (Thunder), features tequila, gin, passionfruit, elder fruit, prosecco and aromatic bitters.

While the name might not seem like that of a traditional Mediterranean restaurant, there is a story behind it. Ukkō gets its name from “Ukkonen”, a Finnish myth that references the god of the sky, weather, harvest and thunder. As the myth says, it was customary to come together to eat food and drink alcoholic beverages as a sacrifice, and the celebration was believed to guarantee good weather and harvest for the year ahead. Thus the name Ukkō is an extension of the idea of a space where people come together to celebrate special moments.

The man behind the restaurant

Ukkō’s owner, Mun Manal, completed his Associate’s Degree in Accounting and Finance, and he naturally gravitated towards a service-oriented business. Today, the entrepreneur and restaurateur has over 20 years of experience in the industry and is the heartbeat of this vibrant new restaurant.

After a few years of working in the restaurant industry, he gained extensive knowledge and understanding of the management and operations of the franchise concept and restaurant business, working within the Plaka and Mezepoli brands. However, his overall passion lies with people, whether it’s behind the scenes or on the floor. His ability to deal with pressure has enabled him to keep pace with the changing needs of the markets and the employees who contribute to the success of the restaurant brands.