London‘s culinary scene is a melting pot of diverse flavors, and when it comes to Japanese cuisine, the city boasts an array of restaurants that promise an authentic and delightful dining experience. From traditional sushi bars to modern izakayas, London has become a hub for those seeking the delicate artistry and exquisite taste of Japanese dishes. Here, I’m exploring the top Japanese restaurants in London, each offering a unique blend of tradition and innovation!
Top Japanese Restaurants in London
The Aubrey (Knightsbridge)
Nestled in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel near Hyde Park, The Aubrey offers an opulent dining experience. Featuring beautifully presented nigiri and classic dishes with a luxurious twist, the restaurant goes beyond expectations. From a unique take on chicken karaage to innovative use of ingredients like passionfruit and ants, The Aubrey delights in pushing culinary boundaries. Notably, it is home to the UK’s only female sushi master, Miho Sato. Despite the lively sounds of a nearby live DJ, the team’s charm and meticulous attention to detail ensure a memorable visit.
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Location: 66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA
Sushi Kanesaka (Mayfair)
Nestled near Hyde Park in Mayfair, Sushi Kanesaka boasts the UK’s most expensive omakase menu. Despite the hefty price tag, the intimate 10-seat restaurant offers meticulous care and consideration, embodying the spirit of omotenashi, or artful compassion. Dining at Kanesaka is a unique gastronomic experience. As one of the finest Japanese restaurants in London, Sushi Kanesaka has the magical ability to transport you. An Edomae-style omakase meal will leave you both elated and slightly dazed, with a keepsake menu printed on delicate washi paper to commemorate the unique culinary journey.
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Location: 45 Park Ln, London W1K 1PN
Junsei (Marylebone)
In Marylebone, Junsei is an elegant Japanese restaurant with a relaxed vibe. Specializing in yakitori, they focus on zero waste, using every part of the chicken for their skewers. Cooked over Binchōtan charcoal, the skewers have a succulent texture. For a surprise, try the Omakase with eight seasonal dishes prepared at the counter. The restaurant also offers an extensive sake and shochu menu, including unique selections like Tamagawa ‘Red Label’ Heirloom Yamahai Genshu, the only sake made by an English sake master.
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Location: 132 Seymour Pl, London W1H 1NS
TOKii (Marble Arch)
Located within The Prince Akatoki Hotel, TOKii is an upscale Japanese fine-dining experience. Embracing simplicity in Japanese design, the restaurant boasts sophisticated décor, subtle lighting, and minimalist furnishings. TOKii offers more than just ordinary cuisine, blending tradition with mastery. Beyond lunch and dinner, it presents an authentic Japanese breakfast, afternoon tea, and in-house sushi masterclasses. The Malt Bar & Lounge within the hotel is a haven for whisky enthusiasts, featuring a floor-to-ceiling cabinet with blends from around the world and a cocktail list inspired by Japanese minimalism. TOKii’s menu combines home-grown produce with Japanese flavors, showcasing dishes like caramelized black cod with miso, sweetcorn fried rice, and vegetarian options like robata grilled aubergine with chili and ginger miso. For breakfast or brunch, indulge in familiar English dishes or traditional Japanese fare, such as the Japanese layered ‘Tamago’ omelette or rice and grilled salmon, accompanied by sparkling sake.
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Location: 50 Great Cumberland Pl, Marble Arch, London W1H 7FD
KOYN (Mayfair)
KOYN, a Japanese restaurant led by ex-Nobu chef Rhys Cattermoul, exudes sophistication with its stylish interiors and exceptional culinary and beverage offerings. Drawing inspiration from Mount Fuji’s dual nature—its serene slopes and fiery core—KOYN is situated in the former US embassy, cleverly divided into two distinctive areas. Upstairs, MIDORI embodies tranquility, evoking Japanese zen gardens through iridescent oyster shell walls, blue banquette seating, and a sleek marble sushi bar. Descend the staircase to MAGMA for a change of mood; this subterranean space mirrors the volcanic interior of Mount Fuji with a vibrant robata grill, black oak ceilings, terracotta walls, and burnt orange leather stools.
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Location: 38 Grosvenor St, London W1K 4QA
Aqua Kyoto (West End)
Aqua Kyoto offers a high-end Japanese dining experience. Part of the Aqua group, which includes Aqua Nueva, The Shard’s Aqua, and Hutong, this restaurant features a marble-clad sushi counter and a mirrored lighting installation. The extensive menu includes chef’s favorites like rock shrimp tempura and grilled yuzu scallops. The Experience Menu simplifies choices, offering the chef’s picks with sake, wine, and champagne pairings. For solo diners, the omakase platters showcase culinary artistry with Scottish salmon and Orkney scallop rolls, wagyu beef sashimi, and lobster tempura.
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Location: 5th Floor, 240 Regent St., London W1B 3BR
Umu (Mayfair)
Tucked away in Mayfair, Umu is a haven for kaiseki lovers. The place is famous for its Michelin-starred Kyoto-style kaiseki, offering an elegant multi-course dinner. The Executive Chef strongly supports the humane ikejime method, which you can notice throughout your dining experience. Don’t miss the dessert menu, featuring creative takes on classics like matcha tiramisu and chocolate fondant with buckwheat ice cream.
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Location: 14-16 Bruton Pl, London W1J 6LX
Moto (Covent Garden)
Moto is a great place for some fantastic cocktails, but you might also end up staying for the incredible food. It’s mainly a sake bar and bottle shop, showcasing the close connection between Japanese food and booze culture. Moto’s otsumami menu, featuring Japanese-style tapas, is all about enhancing your sake experience with homey, comforting dishes. While the bento boxes are a good choice for a hearty meal, it’s the smaller dishes that really shine. Once you’ve had a couple of cocktails, you’ll find yourself craving chawanmushi (savoury egg custard), butakushi (pork skewers with asparagus), and nasu no nibitashi (simmered aubergine). The team at this cozy spot in Covent Garden is friendly and knowledgeable, always ready with thoughtful suggestions to pair with your chosen sake.
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Location: 7 Maiden Ln, London WC2E 7NA
Dinings SW3 (Chelsea)
Dinings SW3 stands out among London’s sushi restaurants, radiating warmth and thoughtfulness in every detail. Located in Knightsbridge, this restaurant exudes charm, from its elegant and understated interior to its unassuming yet delightful staff and sleek table settings. Styled as a modern interpretation of a traditional izakaya, Dinings SW3 offers seasonal sushi and sashimi crafted from the freshest seafood sourced from Cornish day boats. The menu also features delectable dishes like hand-dived scallops, flavorful wagyu beef, and potted lobster in a rich, buttery sauce. To complement the meal, the restaurant offers an array of unusual wines from around the world, alongside crowd-pleasers and signature cocktails, such as the Dinings SW3 Negroni with Roku gin, ginger, Campari, nori seaweed, and blended Mancino vermouth. An evening at Dinings SW3 is always time well spent!
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Location: Walton House, Lennox Gardens Mews, Walton St, London SW3 2JH
SUSHISAMBA (The City)
Situated atop a skyscraper in the City of London, SushiSamba offers a unique blend of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisines. The restaurant’s panoramic views of the city skyline complement the innovative menu that includes sushi, sashimi, and robata dishes. SushiSamba’s vibrant atmosphere, signature cocktails, and fusion of flavors make it a memorable destination for those seeking an elevated dining experience. it features one of Europe’s highest outdoor dining terraces!
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Location: Heron Tower, Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
Zuma (Knightsbridge)
Located just moments from Harrods is Zuma, one of the most acclaimed Japanese restaurants in London. Its expansive venue boasts a sushi counter, robata grill, and a sparkling sake bar, consistently drawing in a mix of stylish locals, Japanese cuisine enthusiasts, and high-end shoppers clad in designer attire. Zuma’s stellar global reputation (with 12 other restaurants worldwide) is well-deserved, as confirmed by its modern yet authentic menu. Whether you’re seeking an Instagram-worthy post or embarking on a true foodie pilgrimage, Zuma delivers. While acknowledging that the dining experience comes with a price tag, indulging in the menu is a must. Opt for delights like seared wagyu with truffle, fatty tuna with chili, coriander and sesame, the house-recommended mixed sushi and sashimi, spicy beef tenderloin, and conclude with the classic Zuma melt-in-the-middle chocolate cake. And, of course, don’t overlook the cocktails!
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Location: 5 Raphael St, London SW7 1DL
Nobu (Mayfair)
Finally, we have the renowned Nobu restaurant! Located in the upscale neighborhood of Mayfair within the luxurious COMO Metropolitan hotel, it combines traditional Japanese flavors with Peruvian influences, creating a menu that is both sophisticated and dynamic.The venue offers a minimalist and sleek atmosphere with wooden tables and scenic views of Hyde Park. While the design may be less flashy compared to its sister restaurants, this subtle setting allows the food to shine. Nobu represents Japanese fine dining at its pinnacle. Although it may sound clichéd, indulging in the restaurant’s cherished black cod is a must, along with trying the soft shell crab roll and the enticing ‘New Style’ sashimi featured on the menu.
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Location: 19 Old Park Ln, London W1K 1LB
Roka (Various Locations)
Roka, with its contemporary izakaya-style dining, has become a favorite among Londoners seeking a modern twist on traditional Japanese dishes. With locations in Fitzrovia, Canary Wharf, and Aldwych, Roka offers an extensive menu featuring robata-grilled dishes, sushi, and sashimi. The stylish ambiance and innovative cocktails contribute to Roka’s appeal as a vibrant culinary destination.
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Location: Various
Whether you’re in the mood for traditional sushi, modern izakaya-style dining, or a fusion of global flavors, these top Japanese restaurants in London cater to a variety of tastes. With their commitment to quality, innovation, and authenticity, these establishments continue to redefine the city’s gastronomic scene, inviting guests to embark on a journey through the exquisite world of Japanese cuisine.
