Best Japanese Restaurants In London

On the hunt for a first-class authentic Japanese restaurant in London? You're in luck, as Yuu Kitchen has a mouthwatering menu of Southeast Asian bites created by Head  Chef Jon de Villa, who previously worked at Nobu. From soft shell crab bao buns to spicy tuna tostadas and miso soup, this Commercial Street venue won't disappoint hungry folk. And for a little weekend fun, be sure to check out their bottomless brunches every Saturday too.

This esteemed hotel is all about luxury, and the restaurants at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge are no different. Head to Ichi Sushi for amazing views of Big ben and beyond, paired with high-quality fresh sushi and sashimi, made fresh to order by award-winning chefs. Start off with edamame or scallops with jalapeno, before indulging in salmon nigiri platters, avocado maki, donburi bowls and so much more - with a six-piece omakase selection available for just £8 if you can't decide.

Named after the traditional townhouses found in Kyoto, Machiya in Piccadilly Circus is a top choice for your next evening in search of Japanese fare, with dishes that are inspired by the food halls of Japan. This laid-back space has everything from wagyu beef katsu to panko chicken thigh and Agedashi tofu on the menu, alongside indulgent chocolate yuzu cheesecake or matcha desserts that'll only set you back £6. What's more, there's an extensive selection of sake to choose from, as well as their signature toasted rice green tea.

Found on the trendy Northcote Road, KIBOU offers some of the finest Japanese food around, alongside colourful murals on the wall which depict Asian-inspired artwork in a graffiti style. From steaming hot bowls of ramen and melt-in-the-mouth bao buns, to fresh seafood platters and healthy poke bowls, their delicious dishes are delivering the goods just as much as their interiors. You can even nab bottomless sushi every Sunday for just £34 per person, alongside a matcha afternoon tea for £22.50.

Offering you a modern take on izakaya dining, 8 at The Londoner is one of the top Japanese restaurants in the area with stunning views of the city centre to boot. Set on a Leicester Square rooftop, you can tuck into small bites, omakase and robata-grilled dishes, washed down with one of the most impressive collections of sake and Japanese whisky in the city, as well as an extensive selection of cocktails. And if you head outside? Their Shima garden replicates Japan's changing seasons in a unique sensory experience.

Sushi lovers, you've found your new favourite spot. Shiro near Liverpool Street serves up expertly crafted sushi and Japanese-inspired dishes in a stylish and vibrant setting. Their menu features classic options like California rolls and spicy tuna rolls, but it's their speciality rolls – like the shiro rainbow roll – that really shine.

Pair your meal with a refreshing Yuzu Mojito or a crisp Japanese beer for the perfect complement to your meal. Whether you're in the mood for a casual bite or an elaborate feast, Shiro offers an exceptional dining experience that'll transport your taste buds straight to Japan.

When only a Japanese restaurant in Mayfair, Fitzrovia or Canary Wharf will do, Roka is calling. These guys have been in the game for more than 20 years, founded by Rainer Becker after the success of their first venue Zuma. Robatayaki is the name of the game here, alongside extensive tasting menus and fresh sushi to boot. Pair dishes like tiger prawn tempura, wagyu sushi and grilled lime tofu with a range of fine international wines in relaxed but elegant surrounds.

If you're on the hunt for a Japanese restaurant in Central London with a little extra wow-factor, Aqua Kyoto is just the place. Perfectly perched on a rooftop just off Regent Street, the venue serves up tasty omakase sushi, bento boxes, tempura and specials from the robata grill. Even better? They serve up free-flowing brunches every weekend where their delicious bites are paired with live DJ sets and bottomless drinks, starting from £72 per person.

If you're looking for an elegant restaurant to visit where you can indulge in delicious ribbons of sashimi and sumptuous bits of nigiri then head to The Fuji Grill At Beaverbrook Town House. This pretty eatery is the counterpart to the famous estate in Surrey and its interiors are designed by the talented Nicola Harding and Sir Frank Lowe too. Dine from its nine-course omakase menu which includes Japanese yellow tail and black cod tempura, or pick a few plates from the divine a la carte. And if you're pushing the boat out, try their 'cook at the table' A5 barbecue wagyu.

Looking for a Japanese restaurant in Soho? Inamo has something that nearly no other venues have: interactive tables. Not only can you play games or watch the chefs work from your seat, but these guys are also coming at you with sushi platters, yuzu pork belly and aubergine katsu curry to die for. Plus, there's an entertainment room of karaoke and more for afters - here and at their sister restaurant in Covent Garden. This place is so good that they even won a Restaurant Marketer and Innovator Award in 2019, so make sure to check out what all the hype is about.

Offering the full range of authentic Japanese dining, RAI is a modern restaurant found just moments away from Tottenham Court Road station. Dine at the sushi counter with chef Pedam, where there are just 10 seats, promising an intimate omakase experience that starts from £59 per person for nine courses.

They also offer seasonal tasting menus and an a la carte option, which can be enjoyed in their stunning Japanese Garden-inspired restaurant, filled with pink blossom trees and rocks. Indulge in seared salmon sashimi, soft-shell crab tempura, wagyu dumplings and much more, paired with five-year aged soy sauce aged in a 100-year-old cedar barrels.

Looking for a Japanese restaurant in Covent Garden? Flesh & Buns is a laidback restaurant with dishes that are designed to be shared, inspired by Japanese izakayas and created by the team behind Bone Daddies. Perfect for casual date nights and group meals, expect everything from steamed bao buns with a selection of delicious fillings to delicious raw sushi platters, as well as a selection of whiskies and tasty cocktails like the frozen yuzu margarita. They've even got a venue in Fitzrovia too, where they also host fantastic supper clubs.

Situated in the affluent Marylebone, Tokii is a pretty sophisticated spot for your next meal out. Their back wall is inspired by the ocean and matches the bespoke wooden tables and other dark decor, with robata grill options and a whole sushi counter menu to choose from. Munch on teriyaki pork belly skewers, yellowtail carpaccio and root vegetable curry, among other delectable bites, or you can even nab a Japanese afternoon tea starting from £60 per person.

A true taste of Japan awaits at Ginza, one of London's most exceptional Japanese restaurants. Nestled in the heart of Mayfair, this refined dining spot serves up elegant, contemporary takes on Japanese classics.

From melt-in-your-mouth sashimi to expertly grilled wagyu and delicately balanced sushi, every dish is a masterpiece of flavour and presentation. Paired with premium sake and rare Japanese whiskies, Ginza delivers an authentic and luxurious dining experience that transports you straight to Tokyo.

Sticks'n'Sushi in Shoreditch, alongside their sister venues in Islington and Kingston, boast a wide variety of carefully curated Japanese delicacies from tuna tartare bites to seared salmon nigiri and plenty of veggie options like grilled ginger broccoli too.

You can even watch your food being prepared from their open kitchen, or take a seat at their striking central bar for a tropical Fuji Punch cocktail. Each of their locations are totally unique, though they all follow the brand's signature Scandinavian design - inspired by the original venue in Denmark. 

Created by the team behind Zuma, Inko Nito's combination of relaxed dining and unconventional robata make it a must for this guide. Think Japanese breadcrumb fried chicken or whole tiger prawns with shiso wafu dressing, alongside a huge selection of sushi rolls like yellowfin tuna sashimi and salmon with avocado and yuzu mayo - all washed down with sake or cocktails of course. Their interiors were designed by Los Angeles-based Studio Mai, inspired by the buzzing atmosphere of dining in a street food market.

A fusion of Japanese and Italian cuisines, Angelina is a destination that's famous for being one of the most unique on this list. This Dalston venue brings more than 20 nationalities together, with a particular focus on Japanese fare in their multi-course Kaiseki menu. From tomato and wasabi caviar or smoked eel polenta to black sugar panna cotta, the chef's have got all bases covered. They've also got a secretive drinking den where you can sip whisky or cocktails under low lighting, inspired by bars in Tokyo's Shinjuku district.

Named after the fermentation starter used to make sake, Moto in Covent Garden is a stylish restaurant bar comprising of an intimate counter and cosy tables, where you can enjoy the finest Japanese shochu, whisky, sake and cocktails alongside your meal. Everything you order here is guaranteed to be beautifully presented, from the pork, chicken or vegetable obento boxes down to the simmering aubergine broth.

You'll find the Michelin-starred Sushi Kanesaka tucked away behind an unassuming doorway on Park Lane, having earned its star just seven months after opening thanks to it serving some of the best sushi London has to offer. Renowned sushi chef Shinji Kanesaka and his team have brought their Tokyo-style traditions and recipes to the UK, served in the form of a 17-course omakase menu available at two sittings every evening. This experience will set you back £420 but trust us, it's well worth it. The menu changes daily, but you can expect to find anything from Cornish king crab with beluga caviar to miso shiru with chives at their intimate counter.

Brining a unique concept in Japanese dining to the streets of Angel, Hot Stone sears their dishes to perfection on, you guessed it, scorching hot stones. Their head chef Padam Raj Rai, who has been cooking for over 22 years, was the former head sushi chef at Tsukiji restaurant in Mayfair's five-star Westbury Hotel, so you know you're in for a treat here - think prawn tempura, wagyu tartare rolls and grilled aubergine. They're also one of the only places in the country that serve 100% Japanese wasabi and A5 Japanese Wagyu, as well as aged soy sauce brewed in 100-year-old cedar barrels.

Been searching for 'Japanese restaurant near me' lately? Whether you venture over to Hackney or Peckham, Tonkotsu's ramen is sure to hit the spot for a slurpable, warming bowl of Japanese goodness in laidback surrounds, with noodles that are cooked for exactly 32 seconds to ensure the perfect medium bite. There's even choices with vegan broth, or tofu or prawn-based dishes with chilli thrown in the mix for an extra spicy kick. What's more, you'll find plenty of vegan and halal options here too.

A Great Portland Street staple and one of the top Japanese restaurants London has to offer, Sushi Atelier does exactly what you'd expect from the name. Get down to this relaxed joint to perch in cosy booths or at bar stool seating while the chefs work on your seafood masterpieces - we're talking squid and pineapple tartare, butterfish carpaccio or mixed platters of California rolls, salmon nigiri and so much more. The menu changes on a regular basis to showcase their creativity, and if you just can't decide then why not try one of the omakase selections - starting from £23 per person.

With restaurants in Riyadh, Dubai, Ibiza and London, CLAP Restaurant has made a stamp on Japanese cuisine across the world. Expect stylish, sophisticated dining areas in the sixth floor Knightsbridge venue, with eye-catching decor and hanging plants paired with mellow house music playing while you eat. Munch your way through crispy salmon, wagyu nigiri, spicy tuna maki and more, paired with refined cocktails. Even better? You can head out onto their rooftop terrace for 180-degree views of the city.

Whether you're in Soho, Notting Hill Gate, Hammersmith or beyond, there's an Eat Tokyo for you. This casual Japanese spit has got eight different venues across the capital, promising laid-back wooden counters and a menu of affordable and delicious sushi, bento boxes and noodles at all of them. Tuck into 30-piece sashimi boats or small plates such as salmon nigiri, all washed down with one of their many different choices of sake.

Once a Soho staple and now found in the City of London, Koya's love of freshly made udon has made a delish meal for many locals. Plus, the small plates menu includes poached egg in chilled fish dashi, marinated mushrooms and miso soup - so there really is something for everyone here. Not in the area? Luckily, they've also got venues in Hackney and in the Bloomberg Arcade as well.

Found on the bustling Old Compton Street, Takumi is a friendly, intimate restaurant that focuses on fresh sushi. Take a seat at their robata grill, or one one of their cosy tables, to enjoy platters of raw fish alongside teriyaki skewers, vegetable maki rolls and more. You can choose from omakase selections which start at £43 per person, or choose from their many a la carte dishes, paired with one of their vast collection of sakes or whiskies.

Championing Omotenashi (the Japanese principle of warm hospitality), Dinings SW3 is a friendly restaurant in the heart of Chelsea, where you'll be greeted with swish interiors and high-quality Japanese eats with a modern European twist. Chef-owner Masaki Sugisaki has been traditionally trained, but decided to move away from Japan in pursuit of something more creative, resulting in this gem of a venue. Munch your way though a menu of temaki rolls, grilled fish, sashimi platters and omakase selections, made using local, seasonal ingredients where possible.

Situated in Kensington, Zuma is vying for the spot of best Japanese restaurant in London that Michelin have recognised in their guide. The original location of a now global brand, this place attracts glam diners to munch through the likes of thinly sliced seabass with yuzu, seared wagyu sirloin tataki and cod tempura with chilli ginger dressing, paired with a vast selection of sake-infused cocktails. As for the interiors? Expect cherry blossom trees covering the ceiling, alongside a striking central bar that's well-stocked with premium spirits.

Originating in Japan and now boasting six locations across London, Kanada Ya is named after chef and owner Kanada-San, who opened his first venue in 2008 after training with expert ramen chefs. They specialise in authentic Tonkotsu ramen here, with a build-your-own menu that lets you choose the firmness of your noodles, as well as flavours like mushroom, truffle and spicy corn-fed chicken. They also serve hearty katsu curries and a selection of small plates, and don't miss out on the melting matcha fondant for dessert.

Make your way to the affluent area of Mayfair to experience Umu: a Michelin-star restaurant that's inspired by the customs and cuisine of Kyoto. Their Executive Chef Ryo Kamatsu prides himself on using traditional, humane methods of preparation and the finest British ingredients to create his a la carte and kaiseki menus, which include everything from grade 11 wagyu steak to homemade tofu with ginger, alongside a vast selection of sushi platters. As for the interiors, expect sleek wooden furnishings, cosy booths and an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs get to work.

Perfect for a pre-theatre meal or a bite to eat after a long day of shopping and sightseeing, Shoryu Ramen in Covent Garden specialises in - you guessed it - ramen. Their recipes follow the traditional methods of the Hakata district of Fukuoka - a city found on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu where Executive Chef Kanji Furukawa learned his culinary skills. Watch as the chefs whip up your meal in the open kitchen, while you dine surrounded by exposed brick walls, Asian-inspired artwork and simple wooden furnishings.

Led by sushi masters Executive and Chef Patron Takuya Watanabe and Head Chef Long Ng, Taku is one of only two Michelin-starred omakase restaurants in the city. Located in Mayfair, this intimate venue features a long counter with only sixteen wooden stalls to dine at, ensuring that every visit is highly personal and enjoyed as part of a small group.

You can choose from two different tasting menus here, starting from £160 per person and featuring either 17 or 20 courses. Dishes change on a regular basis, but some of our favourites include Japanese savoury custard, raw turbot and nigiri platters, with a focus on sustainability in their menu.

For creative Nikkei cuisine that's packed full of flavour, look no further than Bamboo Mat in Stratford, brought to you by chefs Denis Gobjila who previously worked at Chotto Matte, and Victor Rosca, formerly at Sushisamba and Lucky Cat. This slick space features colourful laser-style lighting and floral decor, with a menu which includes everything from crispy mozzarella maki to scallop sashimi or chicken teriyaki bento boxes.

If luxury is what you're after, then a trip to The Aubrey, which is found in Mandarin Oriental Hotel, is just the thing. Think the most opulent of surroundings - inspired by the home of acclaimed British illustrator, Aubrey Beardsley. Tuck into mouthwatering brunches, matcha souffles, mushroom or wagyu gyozas and signature sushi platters with twelve delicious bites to share. Sink back in the plush velvet seating at this swish, late-night izakaya-style spot, and don't miss out on their tantalising cocktails either.

For a romantic dining experience, it's got to be SUSHISAMBA. A unique blend with Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine is the focus here, alongside having plenty of stunning views to match at this rooftop space. Dive into a menu of wagyu gyoza, rock shrimp tempura or robata dishes served with Peruvian corn here, as well as refreshing signature cocktails like the Sake Spritz. You'll find this place at the top of Bishopsgate's Heron Tower, taking over the top three floors and boasting two outdoor terraces. Nearer theatreland? Check out the Covent Garden venue instead.

Possibly the best Michelin star Japanese restaurant in London, Endo At the Rotunda is definitely one for those special occasions. Not only are there views galore from this sky-high perch, but also the chance to tuck into chef Endo's spellbinding creations, which are prepared in the form of an 18-course tasting menu that's served omakase-style and changes on a regular basis. Head chef and owner Endo is a third-generation sushi master born in Yokohama, preparing recipes that are inspired by his father and grandfather in the Edomae style that's specific to Tokyo. The venue itself is just as beautiful, designed by architect Kengo Kuma, who designed the National Stadium for the Tokyo Olympics. It can be pretty hard to secure a spot here though so get booking early, as there are only 10 seats available at any time.