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London's Japanese dining has matured into something special, from hushed sushi counters seating a handful of guests to buzzing robata grills and steaming bowls of ramen. This guide covers the destinations worth booking and the casual spots worth seeking out, across sushi, izakaya and grill.
Destination dining and robata
Roka and its glamorous sibling Zuma in Knightsbridge brought the robata grill and a see-and-be-seen energy to London, and both remain reliably excellent. For pure sushi craft, Sushi Tetsu in Clerkenwell is a tiny counter run by a master, near-impossible to book but unforgettable, while Endo at the Rotunda offers a high-end omakase with a view. Our guide to the best sushi in London covers the counters in detail.
Izakaya, ramen and everyday Japanese
For relaxed eating, Koya in Soho is the benchmark for udon, and the city's ramen scene is thriving, led by Kanada-Ya, Bone Daddies and Tonkotsu, all covered in our best ramen guide. For an izakaya evening of small plates and sake, Soho and Fitzrovia hold a cluster of characterful rooms perfect for grazing and drinking.
Where is the best sushi in London?
Tiny counters such as Sushi Tetsu and high-end omakase rooms like Endo at the Rotunda are the connoisseur's choice, while Roka and Zuma offer superb sushi in a livelier setting. For the full picture see our guide to the best sushi in London.
Is Japanese food expensive in London?
It can be, at the destination sushi counters and omakase rooms, where you are paying for rare skill and ingredients. But everyday Japanese food is very affordable, from a bowl of ramen or udon to a katsu curry, so there is excellent Japanese eating at every budget.
Where to go next
Go deeper with the best sushi in London and the best ramen in London, or browse the best restaurants in London.
