The Best Japanese Restaurants In London
A trip to Japan sits right at the top of the travel bucket list for a lot of people, and its dynamic, creative and delicious cuisine is a big reason why. While you may not have that trip booked just yet, thankfully London is full of brilliant restaurants that can take at least your tastebuds on a journey from Tokyo to Osaka.
From Michelin-star favourites to more affordable options, all bringing the authentic flavours of traditional Japanese cooking, these are our picks of the best Japanese restaurants in London:
Moi
MOI continues to impress as a space: quietly striking, with an atmosphere that invites a longer stay. Beyond the main dining room, the late-night record bar stands out as one of the more visually compelling in the city, while the omakase counter offers yet another reason to return.
Seasonality runs throughout the menu, with a clear focus on fresh seafood and carefully sourced produce. The cocktail list followed suit, it’s inventive without feeling overworked. “Them Apples” — a mix of sparkling green tea, whiskey, tomato liqueur and marigold — was a particular highlight: unexpectedly light, refreshing, and memorable in its originality.
Where: 84 Wardour St, London W1F 0TQ
Website: www.moirestaurant.com
I’ll be thinking about for a long time. The space itself is stunning, and I’m already looking for an excuse to go back to check out their late-night record bar.
Caitlin, Senior Campaign Success Manager
Kumori
At Kumori, it’s as much about the atmosphere as it is the food. The space is lined with vinyl, the soundtrack is genuinely great, and it’s filled with exactly the kind of crowd it’s clearly built for: cool, young, and in-the-know. On a Wednesday night, it was already packed — always a good sign. Drinks lean a little more interesting too, with a standout sake matcha cocktail, while the handrolls — including an unagi and foie gras combination — feel original and memorable. It’s a spot that knows its audience and delivers on it.
Where: 26 Denman St, London W1D 7HX
Website: www.kumorirestaurant.com
This was the perfect spot to post up at the bar with a cocktail or a carafe of sake. The hand rolls were so memorable and the chefs behind the bar were so much fun to watch.
Mallory, Junior Food & Drink Editor
MA/NA
If you want to go ‘all-out’ for your next Japanese booking, this is the spot to know. As one of Mayfair’s newest additions, you can expect breathtaking interiors, brilliant sashimi and nigiri, and a price tag to match. Start your evening with a Japanese-inspired cocktail or glass of Nyetimber at the bar before moving to your table for a feast spanning fresh sushi, dishes from the robata and premium larger plates like Norwegian King Crab legs and melt-in-your-mouth wagyu.
I highly recommend ordering the 0-toro tartare (also one of the restaurant’s most Instagrammable dishes – pictured above) along with the A5 Australian Wagyu, which is incredibly flavourful.
Natasha, Digital Editor
WHERE: 30 Upper Grosvenor St, London W1K 7PH
WEBSITE: www.manarestaurants.com
Roketsu
You’ve heard of Omakase style dining, which translates to ‘I leave it up to you’ (‘you’ being the chef), but Roketsu in Marylebone champions a different approach, titled Kappo-style. The difference? Kappo is about encouraging conversation between the chef and the guest so the guest can create their own menu, according to their preferences. Top menu items include the yellowtail yuzu (the best our Editor’s ever had), and freshly made nigiri. Plus, this is a must-visit for sake lovers, with Roketsu stocking all 47 official Japanese sake brands.
where: 12 New Quebec St, London W1H 7RW
website: www.roketsu.co.uk
Nijū
Mayfair has a strong Japanese restaurant scene, and Nijū is one of its strongest contenders. With beautifully considered interiors and some of the best sushi in town, it’s a solid option for a special occasion. Our recommendation? Skip the set menu and go straight for the nigiri (particularly the fatty tuna with caviar – one of the best pieces of food our Editor has ever eaten). If you want to mix it up with another course or dessert, you can’t go wrong with the A4 wagyu sirloin, or, for something sweeter, the milk chocolate delice, with hazelnut ganache and miso caramel ice cream. Then, after dinner, head downstairs for a nightcap at the cosy chic Nipperkin bar, complete with homemade concoctions and an atmospheric record player.
Where: 20 Berkeley St, London W1J 8EE
Website: www.nijulondon.com
Kanpai Classic
Meat eaters, this one’s for you. Kanpai Classic, a Japanese Yakiniku restaurant that has created quite the name for itself in Taiwan and China, launched in London last year. Kanpai Classic has a meat-heavy menu and serves the most incredible Wagyu cuts that are perfectly marbled and cooked to perfection right at your table. We’re talking beautiful pieces of beef that melt in your mouth and have a lovely, caramelized flavour that makes it impossible to stop at one. The meat, aged for a minimum of 40 days, is cut to your requirement, then expertly sliced and seasoned using a smokeless, odourless charcoal griller. Led by chef Nicolo Bolognesi, formerly of Nobu Hotel Portman Square, Kanpai Classic’s two-floor London outpost serves an exquisite 14-course Omakase menu that is literal perfection – expect art on your table!
Where: 147-149 Wardour St, soho, London W1F
Website: www.kanpaiclassic.co.uk
The Fuji Grill
Tucked inside Beaverbrook Town House on Sloane Street, this is a Japanese dining destination for those who like to cosy away from a flashier crowd. Chic, calm and sophisticated, with zen pale green decor by Nicola Harding and Sir Frank Lowe, The Fuji Grill showcases excellent Japanese cuisine from Head Chef Pavel Kanja – including a sensational 6-course Fuji Grill Omakase menu.
Service is low-key perfection, and the menu is ever-changing to feature dishes that complement the season and perfectly suit individual tastes. Plus, we dare you not to pit stop for a glass of fizz at Sir Frank’s Bar on your way through to The Fuji Grill at the back. The perfect pre or post-omakase sharpener.
where: 115-116 Sloane St, London SW1X 9PJ
website: www.beaverbrooktownhouse.co.uk
Nobu London Old Park Lane
Known internationally for being the first European venture from renowned Japanese Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Nobu London Old Park Lane remains one of our favourites when it comes to Japanese dining in the capital. The menu brings traditional Japanese techniques and Peruvian flavours to play.
Choose a selection of dishes, from lobster quinoa ceviche to vegetable hand rolls, black cod miso to beef toban yaki, or delight in one of their signature bento boxes for a real authentic treat.
Where: 19 Old Park Lane, W1K 1LB
Website: www.noburestaurants.com
Piraña
In the heart of St James’, Piraña has Mark Morrans (ex Nobu and MNKY HSE) at the helm delivering show-stopping Japanese-Peruvian dishes that are beautifully presented and incredibly moreish. Decor here is a hedonistic mix of jagged slate, curved walls and pulsating lighting that can be topped only by the eerie wall-to-wall tank of actual piranhas dividing the mens & womens toilets. Staff are energised and the atmosphere is electric – DJs spin epic tunes before an immersive nighttime show kicks in daily at 10pm. Menu highlights include sea bass ceviche with aji amarillo leche de tigre, sweet potato and choclo corn; rock shrimp tempura and the mouth-watering salmon teriyaki.
Where: 7-9 St James’s St, London SW1A 1EE
Website: www.piranalondon.com/
Sushi Amamoto
Under the leadership of Chef Patron Shogo Amamoto (who previously held two Michelin stars in Taiwan), Sushi Amamato is a 16-seat counter, featuring a 17-course Tasting Omakase at lunch and a 22-course Prestige Omakase for both lunch and dinner. A fabulous, high-end and elegant choice for a Japanese Omakase in the city.
where: Ground Floor, 36 Albemarle St, London
website: www.amamotolondon.com
Heddon Yokocho
Found on Heddon Street, the restaurant is inspired by the ramen bars dotted around Tokyo in the 1970s, and brings the sights and sounds of the retro bars to London.
Famed for their signature ramen menu, head here for dishes such as Kumamoto tonkotsu, a rich pork broth with garlic oil and fried garlic; Sapporo miso, a miso-based chicken and pork broth with beansprouts, bbq pork belly, minced pork, corn, pak choi, egg, butter, nori and spring onion; or go veggie with the vegan napoli, a tomato based veggie broth with grilled tomatoes, grilled mushroom, basil and vegan cheese.
Where: 8 HEDDON STREET, W1B 4BU
Website: www.ramenyokocho.com
The Aubrey
Delicious food is combined with late-night fun at the Aubrey, as the space transforms from a restaurant to an Izakaya complete with late-night DJs and Japanese-inspired cocktails. There is also a two-hour cocktail tasting experience that takes place in a secret six-seater bar, where guests are taken on a deeply immersive and interactive ever-changing experience through the expansive world of Japanese spirits.
where: 66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA
website: theaubreycollection.com
Umu
Michelin-star Umu is all about honouring the traditions and delicate cuisine of Kyoto, while also including creative flourishes from Chef Ryo Kamatsu. The philosophy of kaiseki is preserved and celebrated, and only the highest quality indigenous, line-caught fish from Cornwall and around the British Isles is used.
Expect delicious dishes like Hashiyasume – cornish squid, sea urchin, Udo, and kinome; Atsumono – Hirosu, winter vegetables and black truffle; and Tsukuri – Chef’s selection of sashimi.
Where: 14-16 Bruton Place, Mayfair, W1J 6LX
Website: www.umurestaurant.com
Kokin
Thanks to the welcome efficiency of the Elizabeth line, Kokin’s tranquil location is a swift ten-minute ride from central London. Ascending to the seventh floor, you find an instantly calming dining room, with the notable bonus of a fabulous roof terrace. This is the sort of place where every dish has a wow factor and is beautifully presented over crushed ice, served in shells, has a flower display or all of the above! As a restaurant focused on Japanese wood-fired small plates, we recommend you explore dishes from all sections of the menu. They have a broad range of high-quality fish and meat, with a visible walk-in fridge that puts the quality of the cuts on full display. Be sure to try a cocktail or mocktail, all with a Japanese twist; the Miojito with yuzu is a deliciously refreshing example.
Kokin really puts on a show for you, every dish is created with skill and precision, presented like a work of art and tastes delectable. Some standouts were the sea bream sashimi, lobster tempura, grilled tuna and the build your own sushi rolls, which included a little brush to paint on wasabi and soy sauce.
Imogen, Graphic Designer
where: The Stratford, 20 International Wy, London E20 1FD
website: www.kokin.co.uk
Jidori
Jidori, taking its name from the special breed of free-range chickens known for their intense flavours in Japan, is a Dalston favourite. They are renowned for their freshness, using local ingredients and regularly changing their menu to fit the season’s produce.
Bringing the fiery and fun atmosphere of yakitori-yas to London, their menu comprises dishes cooked on their custom-made Kama-Asa Shoten grills.
Where: 89 Kingsland High Street, Dalston, E8 2PB
WEBSITE:WWW.JIDORI.CO.UK
SUSHISAMBA
Bridging together Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine delicately together is Handbook favourite, SUSHISAMBA.
Known worldwide thanks to its Las Vegas and Dubai branches, SUSHISAMBA also plays host to two London locations in Covent Garden and Heron Tower. From tropical vibes to ornate bamboo ceilings, no expense was spared when designing their interiors, and the same can be said for their food. Using fine, top-quality ingredients, their menu boasts stunning dishes of wagyu gyoza; tuna seviche; traditional pork belly with butterscotch miso robata; and samba rolls.
Where: Heron Tower & Covent Garden
Website: www.sushisamba.com
Shiro Sushi
Located in Liverpool Street, restaurant and bar Shiro is contemporary but true to the roots of Japanese cuisine, right in the heart of the City of London.
From its signature Crystal Sushi, invented by Shiro’s chefs, delicious ramen made with a 50-year-old family recipe, and being one of few restaurants to serve edomae sushi – the menus are reflective of contemporary Japanese cuisine true to the traditional root.
where: 100 Broadgate, London EC2M 2QS
website: shiro.co.uk
Roji
This 10-seater omakase counter restaurant is run by a husband-and-wife chef team, which prioritises locally sourced fish and traditional Japanese culinary techniques. There are two sittings at dinner, which features an 8-course menu including a nigiri and can be paired with handpicked Sake and wine.
where: 56B S Molton St, London
website: ro-ji.co.uk
ROKA Mayfair
Escape the mayhem of Oxford Street and wander over to ROKA Mayfair to enjoy an authentic taste of Japanese cuisine. The timeless restaurant is famed for taking its guests on a culinary journey through the tastes of robata-style cooking, sushi, rich wagyu and tempura delights.
Menu highlights include Suzuki namero, a sea bass sashimi with white miso yuzu and chilli; gyuhireniku no perikarya yakiniku, beef sirloin with chilli, ginger and spring onions; and the chocolate and green tea matcha pudding with crunchy jivara and pear ice cream.
Where: 30 N Audley Street, Mayfair, W1K 6HP
Website: www.rokarestaurant.com
Junsei
Just a stone’s throw away from Marylebone station, Junsei offers more than just a meal; it’s an immersive journey into Japanese culinary artistry. Every detail, from the serene ambience to the carefully curated menu, is designed to elevate the dining experience.
Their philosophy aligns with the core principles of yakitori, which is to extract amazing flavours from the most basic ingredients. Among its standout dishes is the Chicken Oyster skewer which, embracing a zero-waste philosophy, they prepare by grilling every part of the bird over scorching binchotan charcoal, infusing each skewer with depth and complexity.
where: 132 Seymour Pl, London W1H 1NS
website: junsei.co.uk
Ginza
Located in St. James’s, Ginza offers a culinary journey through the flavours of Japan with a modern twist.
The menu features a range of meticulously crafted dishes using the freshest and finest ingredients sourced locally and from Japan. Our Editor recommends the sashimi platter and tempura prawns for seafood lovers, with a creatively themed cocktail offering to complement the menu.
Where: 15 Bury St, St. James’s
website: ginza-stjames.com
EDO Izakaya
EDO Izakaya is based on embodying the traditional Japanese izakaya and the communal joy of tapas-style dining. Featuring a blend of authentic techniques and modern interpretations, the menu is curated into six sections, encouraging guests to share and savour the diverse flavours of Japan.
Take a journey through sashimi and Nigiri, small plates, signature rolls, bao buns, and hearty Izakaya large plates.
where: 154 Old St, London
website: edo-izakaya.co.uk
Sushi Kanesaka
When the Dorchester Collection decides to do Sushi, you know it’s going to be really good, and Sushi Kanesaka at 45 Park Lane lives up to the billing. The London outpost of the 2-Michelin Starred Tokyo restaurant, this is some of the highest quality sushi you’re likely to find in London or anywhere else in the world.
The menu changes every day depending on seasonality and availability, but what is assured is quality, creativity and the freshest of ingredients from a master chef.
where: 45 Park Ln, London
website: dorchestercollection.com
ROBATA
Transporting the flavours of Japan across the globe and to the heart of the West End is ROBATA. The restaurant, located on Soho’s Old Compton Street, prides itself on using the age-old Japanese techniques of preparing, cooking and serving, specialising in robata grilled charcoal cooking. It’s a tradition first introduced by ancient fishermen who used boxes of hot coals on their adventures to warm their food when out fishing.
The theatrics of the coal-fired kitchen are well in eye-sight for diners, offering a truly spectacular show-style dining experience. A few of our favourites from the menu include chilli pepper squid with yuzu and coriander; J.fried chicken bao with a sweet spicy glaze, kimchi and pickled daikon; and their signature wood flamed Iberico pork pluma with black pepper and sweet pickled green apple.
Where: 56 Old Compton Street, Soho, W1D 4UE
Website: www.robata.co.uk
