London's Best Japanese Restaurants

Koya Soho is a relaxed spot in central London known for its freshly made Japanese udon noodles and small plates, served at communal tables. The menu highlights seasonal ingredients throughout the day, reflecting a simple and straightforward approach. It offers a casual setting where people can enjoy comforting food in the heart of Soho.

Recommended by

Jonathan Alphandery

Foodie, restaurateur

Fresh house made Udon like in Japan, using seasonal produce.I love Koya. The serve fresh house made Udon like in Japan, using seasonal produce, a must go when in town. On Frith Street in Soho and also in Hackney and City.

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Evernight in London’s Nine Elms puts a fresh spin on Japanese izakaya dishes by using British ingredients. The space has a clean, modern feel, and there’s a carefully chosen selection of wines and sakes. With a menu that changes often, it offers a straightforward yet inviting dining experience.

Recommended by

Ian Bailey

Gourmand

Modern British izakaya in the heart of Nine ElmsNew venture in the Embassy Gardens development of Nine Elms from Chase Lovecky and Lynus Lim. A shiny new site has been styled to create a minimally designed interior perfectly suited for this super modern spin on an izakaya. A frequently changing menu delivers well priced takes on Japanese classics using well sourced British ingredients. The sweetbread katsu buns were off the chart! All backed up by a short but well thought out selection of wines and sakes this is clearly a great addition to the area.

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Sumi Restaurant in London is appreciated for its relaxed setting and consistently high-quality sushi. Guests often highlight the fast and friendly service, which makes it a comfortable spot for a quick bite. The team’s skill and attention to detail add to its appeal for those seeking fresh flavors in a welcoming atmosphere.

Recommended by

Margaux Koopman

Foodie

The most amazing sushi!Beautiful platesEverything on the menu is delicious! Great serviceExpensive but worth every penny!

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Endo at the Rotunda offers an omakase experience that many compare to top sushi spots in Tokyo. Led by Chef Endo Kazutoshi, it’s praised for its skillful approach and careful sourcing. Located in the Television Centre, the restaurant’s welcoming atmosphere adds to its appeal.

Recommended by

Sachin Obaid

Founder

Impeccable omakase experience. Endo Kazutoshi is a legend now in the London dining landscape with numerous projects and this is his crown jewel!

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Zuma London, located in Knightsbridge, has provided a casual Japanese izakaya-style dining experience for more than a decade. Its open kitchen and warm wooden interiors create a relaxed yet lively atmosphere. The design blends traditional elements with a modern finish, making it a comfortable spot to enjoy Japanese-inspired fare in the heart of the city.

Recommended by

Mika Ihamuotila

Foodie

London’s coolest Japanese restaurant Located in Knightsbridge, Zuma has offered great Izakaya-style innovative Japanese cuisine for more than a decade. Cool but warm wooden interior and very nice ambience.

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KOYN is a modern restaurant in the heart of Mayfair, offering both Japanese and Thai influences in a sleek, contemporary setting. It’s known for its emphasis on fresh flavors and has a well-regarded wine cellar. The atmosphere is upscale yet welcoming, making it a popular choice for a memorable meal.

Recommended by

Mika Ihamuotila

Foodie

Fantastic modern and cool Japanese in MayfairKoyn is a cool and contemporary Japanese culinary institution in the heart of upscale Mayfair. I think Nobu has originally inspired its cuisine even though it is original as itself, too. Very good wine cellar. Try the salmon tataki in mustard sauce, waguy fim sungs, Japanese beef tenderloin. Very nice desserts too, which is not that typical for Japanese restaurants. Very expensive but worth it.

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Sushi Show is a cozy Japanese eatery in Camden Passage, run by an experienced fish supplier who understands freshness and quality. It has a relaxed atmosphere, fair prices, and doesn’t require booking, making it easy to drop by. Locals enjoy its welcoming vibe for a casual meal any day of the week.

Recommended by

Santiago Lastra

Chef

Something a bit more niche that I really like is Sushi Show. I think people should talk more about places that give you more value for money. This place in Camden Passage in Islington is one of my favorite places for everyday Japanese food. They do nigiris, sushi, udon bowls, all these very traditional Japanese dishes, and you can also buy amazing Japanese ingredients. You don’t have to book—you can just go.

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ROKA Canary Wharf is a Japanese restaurant in London’s financial district, set in a warm, minimalistic space with wooden accents. It’s part of a small group of ROKA venues across the city and has gained a reputation for its wide range of Japanese-style offerings and a good wine list. Many consider it the go-to spot in Canary Wharf for a relaxed and inviting dining experience.

Recommended by

Mika Ihamuotila

Foodie

Canary Wharf’s best Japanese.Roka has three restaurants in London. Charming minimalistic, wooden interior, true Japanese with many genres from kaiseki to sushi and more. Nice wine list. The ”go to” place in Canary Wharf.

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Kinoya Ramen Bar is a casual spot inside Harrods where you can enjoy a comforting bowl of ramen right in the heart of London. It’s known for using high-quality ingredients to create an elevated yet relaxed dining experience. Prices can be on the higher side, but many visitors find the atmosphere and attention to detail worthwhile.

Recommended by

Hani AlMalki

Writer @BedouinFoodie

There’s nothing better than a bowl of ramen when it’s freezing cold outside. That’s exactly what I had in London a couple of weeks ago. It’s a ramen bar within Harrods where you’ll have an elevated dining experience and a very high quality product. Be prepared to pay a high price though. Besides the ramen I highly recommend the chicken wings.

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Roketsu is a Japanese restaurant in London that specializes in kaiseki-style meals, highlighting seasonal ingredients in a thoughtful way. Led by Chef Daisuke Hayashi, who trained in Kyoto, the restaurant blends traditional techniques with a pleasant, modern setting. Its calm atmosphere and Kyoto-inspired furnishings make it a welcoming spot for anyone looking to experience authentic Japanese dining.

Recommended by

Tom Jenkins

Food Writer

A truly authentic kaiseki experience in London. Chef Daisuke Hayashi trained at Kikunoi in Kyoto and has exported the restaurant's incredible reverence for produce and purity of flavour to the UK capital. The 10-course menu is a masterclass in Japanese Kaiseki and you'll leave nourished and spoiled.

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Sushi Tetsu is a tiny, seven-seat sushi spot in London run by a welcoming husband-and-wife team. With just a few seats at the wooden counter, the experience feels personal and relaxed, and they enjoy sharing tips and stories with guests. It can be tough to book, but many say it’s worth the effort for an authentic and friendly meal.

Recommended by

David P. Leja

@thegastrojourney

Our favourite sushi spot in London! The most authentic sushi omakase in a tiny 7-seater wooden counter restaurant.This might be the hardest to book restaurant we've dealt with, they only accept reservations by phone every Monday for the following week, and you can only book once a month. We've called up to 200 times to book some days.The restaurant is run by a couple where Harumi (wife) takes care of the service, and a nice sake selection, and Toru (husband) Takahashi who takes care of all the sushi. They are the most lovely couple ever, and they are so so kind and always engage conversation and give you tips for future trips.Definitely a must if you like sushi and are in London!

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Roji is a small, ten-seat restaurant tucked away near Bond Street in London, run by a husband-and-wife team. They craft a seasonal omakase-style experience that stays true to Japanese techniques while using locally sourced ingredients. The intimate setting and careful attention to detail create a welcoming atmosphere for guests.

Recommended by

Ian Bailey

Gourmand

Intimate and modern omakaseHusband and wife Tamas and Tomoko have created a 10 seat gem tucked away down an alley near Bond Street. The setting feels very back street Tokyo but their seasonal omakase menus err to a far less traditional take on Japanese counter style dining, although without losing the respect for techniques and seasoning you would expect to find. Expect locally sourced ingredients and a killer sake pairing.

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