Atsuko's Recommended Sushi & Japanese Restaurants in London
Updated: 2 days ago
London has become home to some truly exceptional Japanese dining from traditional sushi counters to modern izakaya and elegant omakase experiences. Here are my personal recommendations, each reflecting craftsmanship, seasonality, and the beauty of Japanese cuisine.
Yashin Ocean House (South Kensington)
Yashin Ocean presents beautifully composed sushi in an elegantly minimalist space. For those who appreciate the subtlety of fish, rice, and technique, this is an excellent choice. Expect precision, premium ingredients, and a calm setting. Ask about the chef’s omakase-style offerings to experience the full depth of their skill.
Dinings SW3 (Knightsbridge)
Dinings SW3 offers contemporary Japanese cuisine in a stylish yet relaxed environment. Fresh seafood, excellent presentation, and modern Japanese flavours make it a strong recommendation for clients, events, or refined dinners.
HIMI (Soho)
HIMI brings a vibrant, modern izakaya-style energy to Japanese dining in London. Quality fish, exemplary rice, and a friendly atmosphere make it perfect for a lively evening with friends or a relaxed post-class meal.
Ikeda (Mayfair)
A longstanding Japanese restaurant in London, Ikeda offers classic Japanese dining with a calm, authentic atmosphere. Excellent fish, impeccable service, and trust built over time.
Cubé (Mayfair)
Cubé is an intimate sushi bar in Mayfair that excels in purity and craftsmanship. They offer a serene and elegant setting where you can enjoy a personal experience a genuine glimpse into Japanese culture and its culinary traditions.
Maru (Mayfair)
Maru provides an exclusive 20-course omakase dining experience that blends British seasonal ingredients with Japanese technique. Exceptional for those seeking something special. Use this recommendation for high-tier clients, celebrations or when you want to show off London’s best Japanese dining.
Niju (Mayfair)
Niju blends sushi excellence with Japanese home-style sharing plates making it versatile for both casual and special occasions. Under the guidance of Endo Kazutoshi, the approach is one of thoughtful hospitality and refined flavour.
Roketsu (Marylebone)
Roketsu has recently transitioned from a formal kaiseki format to a more relaxed kappo-style dining experience, offering a closer connection between chef and guest. The menu continues to highlight seasonal Japanese ingredients, prepared with precision and served in an intimate, counter-style setting featuring beautifully crafted hinoki wood interiors.
Sushi Show (London)
Sushi Show brings quality sushi and sashimi into a modern, approachable format perfect for informal dining, group bookings or social gatherings.
Eel Sushi Bar (London)
Eel Sushi Bar offers fantastic sushi in a more relaxed, minimalist setting. A wonderful option when you want quality without the ultra-formal dress code or price tag of an omakase.
Kurisu Omakase (Brixton)
Kurisu Omakase is a hidden gem located on Atlantic Road, Brixton, offering an 18-course omakase experience that feels both intimate and inventive. Chef Chris Restrepo, who draws inspiration from his Colombian and Thai heritage as well as traditional Japanese sushi craft, presents each course as a story elegant, surprising, and deeply personal. The tiny counter-style setting seats just a handful of guests, allowing for close interaction with the chef and a truly immersive experience.
Final Note from Atsuko
When choosing a Japanese restaurant in London, look beyond the menu. Pay attention to the details: how the rice is prepared, the balance of flavours, the seasonality of the ingredients, and the presentation of each dish.
These subtle details reveal the chef’s true skill. They are what can transform a good dinner in London into a truly memorable Japanese dining experience.
And there is one more thing I always look for: the spirit of Japanese hospitality, omotenashi.
In London, where Japanese restaurants range from traditional establishments to modern interpretations, omotenashi can be an important part of the experience. It is not simply about being polite or providing good service. It is about anticipating a guest’s needs, taking care over every detail, and creating an experience that makes them feel genuinely welcomed and cared for.
For me, this is at the heart of Japanese cuisine. Great Japanese cooking is not only about what is on the plate, it is about the thought, craftsmanship, seasonality and hospitality behind it.
More recommendations to come, such as noodles, streetfood, onigiri bar, and Japanese cafes! I’m constantly discovering new gems in London’s Japanese dining scene, so check back soon for updates.