Atsuko's Recommended Sushi & Japanese Restaurants in London
- Atsuko Ikeda
- Oct 27
- 3 min read
Updated: 13 hours 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.
Key features: refined sushi craftsmanship, ideal for a date or special evening.
Endo at the Rotunda (White City)
For a truly elevated omakase experience, Endo at the Rotunda stands out. Led by sushi master Endo Kazutoshi, every element is considered from fish sourcing to presentation. This is a destination for serious Japanese dining. Reservations well in advance are advised. Dress and decor expect a higher-end tone.
Key features: premium, immersive, memorable, ideal for a celebration.
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.
Key features: modern flair, strong quality, accessible luxury.
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.
Key features: superb quality in a more accessible, social setting.
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.
Key features: consistency, authenticity and a strong reference point for Japanese cuisine in London.
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.
Key features: top-tier sushi bar experience, great for impressing guests or hosting select clients.
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.
Key features: sophistication, innovation and high-end dining at its best.
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.
Key features: versatility, strong culinary pedigree, great for sharing courses.
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.
Key features: kappo-style dining, seasonal ingredients, elegant and intimate setting.
Sushi Show (London)
Sushi Show brings quality sushi and sashimi into a modern, approachable format perfect for informal dining, group bookings or social gatherings.
Key features: excellent value, modern approach, great for a broader sushi lovers.
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.
Key features: accessible yet high quality, modern approach, great for a quick bite of nigiri at the counter.
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.
Key features: Intimate omakase counter, bold fusion of Japanese tradition and global influences, creative and personal storytelling through sushi.
Final note from Atsuko: When choosing a Japanese restaurant in London, pay attention to rice preparation, balance, seasonality, and presentation, these subtle details reveal the chef’s true skill and elevate a good dinner into a memorable experience.
If you’d like to learn how to make sushi yourself, join our sushi-making class.
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.
Comments