Handroll Bars Are Taking Over London Right Now
Is it just me, or are handroll bars popping up everywhere right now? In the last few months, not one, or two, but four notable openings have entered the chat in London’s coolest areas, all spotlighting the same speciality: temaki. Perhaps it’s the inevitable evolution from the culinary chokehold omakases have had on the capital in recent years, or the fact that foodies are leaning into more personal, casual dining formats. Here’s our rundown on the new handroll spots to know right now.
Maki Nori
Kicking off the list is Soho’s Maki Nori. With a 20-seat sushi counter, you can see each dish made by hand right in front of you. Founded by Teddy Lee, also behind Maki & Ramen, this is a promising new addition to the area – offering speedy service without compromising on quality – perfect for a pre-show feed or post-work catch-up. The most important element? The ’15-second roll’ rule, which is an efficient turnaround from making each temaki to it landing in your mouth while maintaining its crispiness.
I highly recommend the tuna crudo and flame cooked wagyu nigiri for anyone’s first visit to Maki Nori.
Natasha, Digital Editor
WHERE: 15 Moor St, London W1D 5ND
Website: www.makinori.co.uk
Kumori
Perhaps the most Instagrammable (of an already aesthetic bunch) is Kumori. Sitting pretty on Denman Street, the buzzy 30-seater spot boasts atmospheric interiors, a banging playlist, innovative cocktails and, most importantly, made-to-order rolls. Behind the counter is Head Chef John Randy De Guzman, formerly of Nobu and Tobi Masa, who merges traditional skills with classic combinations and indulgent signatures (think: baked crab handroll, and toro with torched bone marrow). Here, the nori is cut differently from standard sushi formats to achieve maximum snap and structural integrity.
Kumori is the definition of the modern hand roll bar — it’s edgy, young and a bit sexy. The music is fabulous and the counter is full to the brim of Soho strutting cocktail drinkers waiting on spicy tuna or burnt salmon hand rolls made directly in front of them. Very if-you-know-you-know and a very cosmopolitan add to the central London scene.
Mallory, Junior Food & Drink Editor
WHERE: 26 Denman St, London W1D 7HX
Website: www.kumorirestaurant.com
Romeo San | The Temaki Bar
Nestled in the heart of Marylebone is Romeo San – a new spot named after a young Japanese chef the family knew years ago. You can’t book; it’s walk-ins only, making for a laid-back mood and bums on seats. Opt for either the set menu options or order as you go. The must-try dish is the signature otoro (AKA fatty tuna) with caviar.
WHERE: 38 George St, London W1U 7DS
Website: www.romeosan.com
Temaki
Last on the list, but arguably the earliest on the scene, is Temaki, which claims to be London’s first dedicated hand-roll sushi bar. Following the success of its Brixton Market outpost, which opened back in 2021, the spot is moving camp and reopening in Mayfair on 1st June, 2026. Inspired by Californian-style sushi spots, Temaki serves handrolls alongside dishes like A4 wagyu sliders and crispy rice topped with premium fish.
WHERE: 11 Maddox St, London W1S 2QF
Website: www.temaki.co.uk
