Best Japanese Restaurants In London

Whether you're a sushi professional on the hunt for the best in sashimi, looking to chow down on a classic katsu and teriyaki, or want to try dishes straight from the robata grill, this city has plenty of dining spots that celebrate the cuisine of Tokyo, Osaka and beyond. From pride in ingredients to new ways of fusion dining, Japanese food is about staying true to culture and characteristic umami flavours. Check out our recommendations for the best Japanese restaurants in London, including everything from high-end eateries to izakayas.

Last edited by Scarlett Welch

Last updated on 3rd June 2024




Ayllu

Bank Holiday Bottomless Brunch

Experience a fusion of South American and Japanese flavours at this unique spot in Paddington, decked out in dark green decor and featuring lily pads on the walls. Ayllu celebrates the finest in Nikkei cuisine with star dishes that include grilled miso aubergine skewers, alongside sashimi or nigiri sharers and crispy chicken bao buns. There are samba bottomless brunches here on weekends too, as well as dining with live entertainment on Saturday nights.

YO! Sushi

For an affordable Japanese restaurant in London, YO! Sushi is where to go - whether you're in Stratford, Bromley, Bond Street or beyond. Not only do they have their namesake cuisine across loads of menu items, including yellowfin tuna sashimi, avocado maki, salmon nigiri and more, but also the choice of katsu curries, teriyaki or noodles. You can add a little fun to your meal here too, thanks to their signature belt which stretches around the venue to deliver dishes straight to your table.

Dim T Charlotte Street

Dim T on Charlotte Street, Victoria and Hampstead are all sitting pretty waiting for your visit, serving a range of Pan-Asian dishes that cover all your Japanese favourites. Relax in their laidback eatery after a long day of shopping, with walls decorated in cherry blossom print and a delicious menu to get stuck into. Think hand made dim sum, chicken katsu curry and gyoza noodle soup, all accompanied by everything from cocktails to wine.

8 at The Londoner

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.

Yuu Kitchen

The BIG LUNCH Offer and 1 other offer

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.

Bamboo Mat Stratford

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.

The Fuji Grill At Beaverbrook Town House

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. 

Machiya

Situated in Piccadilly Circus, Machiya is a top choice for your next evening in search of Japanese food at London restaurants. 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.

Sican

Boasting charcoal grilled chicken, maki rolls and crispy prawn bao buns, Sican is an excellent choice for authentic Japanese eats with a South American twist. Head into their sleek interiors and be sure to pair your Nikkei-style meal with a signature cocktail - we recommend the wasabi margarita for something spicy. This sophisticated space is spread across two floors, with private booths and even an intimate lounge with regular DJ sets, ideal for a classy date night. And if you fancy getting hands on, try out their sushi masterclasses every Thursday evening, which cost just £40 per person.

Sticks'n'Sushi Shoreditch

Sticks'n'Sushi in Shoreditch, alongside their sister venue in 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.

Aqua Kyoto

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.

Market Place Harrow

Home to Little Tokyo alongside plenty of other street food-style vendors, Market Place Harrow is a top choice for Japanese food. Expect gorgeous interiors here too, like elegant hanging lampshades and booth seating wrapped in foliage. As for the menu, you can expect tempura prawn and chicken katsu bao buns, alongside teriyaki salmon bowls served with yakisoba and more.

Bloomsbury Street Kitchen

Group offer £50 : 25% off beverages and 6 other offers

Bloomsbury Street Kitchen is whipping up authentic Japanese flavours with Mediterranean influences, paired with DJ sets on the weekend and a beautiful outdoor terrace. Stars of the show here include the yellowfin tuna sashimi ribbons and baby chicken roasted with lemon and miso butter, finishing up with a chocolate bento box for dessert. You can even enjoy an omakase tasting menu at the Kitchen Table, where chefs will whip up a delicious meal right in front of your eyes.

KIBOU - Battersea

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, and you can even nab bottomless sushi every Sunday for just £34 per person.

Apothecary East

Highball Brunch and 5 other offers

In East London and on the hunt for Japanese fare? Then Apothecary hits the spot with their izakaya-style bar. Head over to tuck into delicious small plates, such as green chilli tuna sushi rolls and umami cauliflower or wagyu stir fry, as well as knocking back a couple of glasses of rare Asian spirits, beers and cocktails. What's more, you can find DJs playing the best of retro disco, funk and soul every weekend as well.

TOKii

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 £55 per person.

Inamo Soho

Unlimited Asian tapas & sushi with free-flowing wine or beer £49.95 per person and 2 other offers

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. 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.

SUSHISAMBA

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. Nearer theatreland? Check out the Covent Garden venue instead.

Chotto Matte

Head over to Soho where Frith Street restaurant Chotto Matte is marrying the cultures of Peru and Japan through its vibrant interiors and Nikkei plates. Tuck into king oyster mushroom tostada, as well as yellowtail tuna sashimi or A5 wagyu sirloin - all of which can be paired with one of the huge number of wines on offer. They've even got a second venue in Marylebone too, as well as several other international spots.

Sushi Atelier

A Great Portland Street staple, 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.

CLAP Restaurant

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 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.

The Aubrey

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, alongside 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 izakaya-style spot, and don't miss out on their tantalising cocktails either.

Hot Stone

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 17 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.

INKO NITO

On the hunt for a Japanese restaurant in London's Soho? 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.

Tonkotsu Peckham

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.

Endo At the Rotunda

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 a 15 to 20-course tasting menu that's served omakase-style and changes on a regular basis.

Zuma

Having earned a mention in the Michelin guide, Zuma is vying for the spot of best Japanese restaurant in London. 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.

Flesh & Buns

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.

Koya

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.

Angelina

A fusion of Japanese and Italian cuisines, Angelina is a destination that's famous for being one of the most unique on this list. From tomato and wasabi caviar or smoked eel polenta to black sugar panna cotta, the menu has 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.