SUSHISAMBA and Joao’s Place Elevate Edinburgh’s Luxury Dining Landscape

Edinburgh has long been a cultural cornerstone of the UK, internationally recognised for its history, architecture, and of course, the annual Festival Fringe. But the Scottish capital has evolved well beyond its seasonal draw. In recent years, it has cemented its position as a world-class, year-round destination, underpinned by the emergence of high-calibre hospitality offerings that blend design, experience, and excellence. One such landmark is W Edinburgh, which in 2025 earned the distinction of Scottish Hotel of the Year, a fitting accolade for a property that exemplifies the future of urban luxury in Scotland.

Located in the striking, copper-clad Ribbon building in the heart of the St James Quarter, W Edinburgh has quickly become a hospitality benchmark. Alongside its celebrated AWAY Spa and dynamic programming, two of its standout venues, SUSHISAMBA and Joao’s Place, have played a critical role in its ascent.

SUSHISAMBA: Elevated Dining with Global Influence

Occupying the 10th floor of W Edinburgh, SUSHISAMBA is a bold addition to the city’s dining scene. Known globally for its unique fusion of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisines, the Edinburgh outpost adheres to the brand’s signature identity while responding thoughtfully to its local context.

The restaurant’s panoramic views, arguably among the best in the city, offer a visual introduction to the SUSHISAMBA experience: expansive, elevated, and meticulously curated. Edinburgh’s skyline, from Arthur’s Seat to Edinburgh Castle, provides a remarkable backdrop to a dining journey rooted in culinary craftsmanship and innovation.

The menu showcases a confident interplay of flavours and techniques. Dishes like the miso-marinated black cod, wagyu taquitos, and the moqueca-inspired maki rolls reflect the restaurant’s commitment to precision and originality. Each plate is presented with a level of finesse that aligns with the property’s wider aesthetic: modern, vibrant, and highly stylised.

Service throughout the restaurant is polished and intuitive. Staff are knowledgeable and well-versed in the origins and composition of each dish, providing guidance without intrusion. The atmosphere: sophisticated without being overly formal, strikes a balance that resonates well with both international visitors and discerning local diners.

Joao’s Place: A Refined Approach to Cocktail Culture

I think this is one of the best bars I’ve ever visited. Above SUSHISAMBA, tucked away on the 11th floor, is Joao’s Place, a speakeasy-style bar that recently earned the title of Cocktail Bar of the Year 2025. While its entrance is discreet, the bar itself is anything but understated. Inspired by the energy and elegance of São Paulo, Joao’s Place is a space designed for reflection and refinement, a marked contrast to the more vibrant energy of the hotel’s other social spaces.

The cocktail list has been carefully curated, with judges praising the drinks for being both “finely curated and artistically presented.” The Brazilian Bambo – crafted with Abelha Cachaça, Umeshu Sake and orange bitters, is a standout example. Judges noted its “fruity, apricot taste” and “rounded texture,” owing to the quality of the sake and balanced integration of flavours. Other signature cocktails draw from regional ingredients and global inspirations, reinforcing the bar’s position at the forefront of contemporary mixology in Scotland.

Service at Joao’s Place is discreet and attentive. Bartenders exhibit a deep understanding of the spirits they work with and a passion for craftsmanship that is clearly evident in the final product. The bar itself – low-lit and tastefully styled – is ideal for pre-dinner drinks, post-event relaxation, or an elevated nightcap.

While W Edinburgh’s immediate impact during major events such as the Fringe is undeniable, its true strength lies in its ability to attract guests beyond peak seasons. With venues like SUSHISAMBA and Joao’s Place, the hotel offers consistent excellence year-round, inviting both residents and travellers to engage with a new standard of hospitality in the city.

This is further validated by W Edinburgh’s suite of 2025 accolades, which also include Lifestyle Luxury Hotel of the Year and the Spa Treatments Award of the Year – achievements that highlight the hotel’s integrated approach to service, design, and experience.

SUSHISAMBA and Joao’s Place are not merely restaurants and bars within a hotel – they are destination venues in their own right, offering world-class cuisine and cocktail experiences that align with Edinburgh’s evolving identity as a modern, globally connected city. For those seeking a distinctive and elevated encounter with Scotland’s capital – whether during the cultural high of the Festival Fringe or in its quieter moments, W Edinburgh delivers with assurance, style, and substance.

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