London’s Japanese dining scene has flourished in recent years, with restaurants serving everything from perfectly sliced sashimi to robata-grilled delights, and innovative fusion dishes. Whether you're after a refined omakase experience or a casual izakaya-style meal, Central London has something for every palate. Here’s a curated list of the Top 10 Japanese restaurants in Central London, showcasing the best of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and contemporary culinary innovation.
1. Nobu, Mayfair
No discussion of Japanese restaurants in London is complete without mentioning Nobu, the iconic fusion of Japanese-Peruvian cuisine. Renowned for signature dishes like the buttery black cod miso and yellowtail jalapeño, Nobu delivers a luxurious and refined dining experience. The sleek design and polished service provide the perfect backdrop for sushi and sashimi that exemplify the artistry of Japanese cuisine.
Location: 19 Old Park Ln, Mayfair
Best for: Japanese-Peruvian fusion with a glamorous vibe.
Don’t miss: The black cod miso, which has earned its legendary status.
2. Sushi Tetsu, Clerkenwell
An intimate gem hidden in Clerkenwell, Sushi Tetsu is an exclusive seven-seat sushi bar where chef Toru Takahashi personally prepares each bite in front of you. Specializing in the omakase (chef’s choice) menu, Sushi Tetsu is a celebration of sushi purity, where each piece is a perfectly crafted work of art. Getting a reservation is notoriously difficult, but it’s worth the effort for a sublime sushi experience like no other.
Location: 12 Jerusalem Passage, Clerkenwell
Best for: An intimate and traditional omakase experience.
Don’t miss: The toro (fatty tuna) nigiri—simple, elegant, and melt-in-the-mouth.
3. Sticks’n’Sushi, Covent Garden
Combining the best of Japanese sushi and Danish design, Sticks’n’Sushi offers a unique blend of sushi and yakitori sticks, providing a fun, vibrant dining experience. The menu is extensive, offering everything from colorful sushi platters to skewers of grilled chicken, pork belly, and wagyu. With a modern, stylish interior and laid-back vibe, it’s perfect for group dining or a lively night out. The fusion of flavors and textures is refreshing, making it a hit for both sushi lovers and those looking to explore beyond the usual.
Location: 11 Henrietta St, Covent Garden
Best for: A lively fusion of sushi and yakitori in a contemporary setting.
Don’t miss: The black cod skewers and the Ebi bites—deliciously crispy prawns with spicy miso.
4. Zuma, Knightsbridge
A cornerstone of modern Japanese dining in London, Zuma is known for its robata grill and beautifully presented sushi. The open kitchen lets you witness the chefs at work, grilling tender meats and fish over charcoal flames. Signature dishes like the Wagyu beef with truffle and the miso-marinated black cod showcase the blend of Japanese precision with rich, global flavors. Zuma’s sleek, contemporary vibe and vibrant atmosphere make it one of the most popular spots in Central London.
Location: 5 Raphael St, Knightsbridge
Best for: High-end Japanese dining with a lively vibe.
Don’t miss: The spicy beef tenderloin with sesame and the perfectly grilled miso cod.
5. Inaru, Shoreditch
A fresh addition to London’s Japanese dining scene, Inaru takes sushi and kaiseki dining to new heights, with a focus on sustainability and ethically sourced ingredients. The chefs at Inaru combine contemporary techniques with traditional Japanese methods, resulting in dishes that are both visually stunning and packed with flavor. From sashimi platters that showcase the freshest seafood to inventive dishes like yuzu-marinated trout and charcoal-grilled octopus, Inaru has quickly gained a reputation for its innovative, thoughtful menu.
Location: Shoreditch
Best for: Modern Japanese cuisine with a focus on sustainability.
Don’t miss: The yuzu-marinated trout sashimi—a zesty, refreshing take on a classic dish.
6. Roka, Fitzrovia
With its open robata grill, Roka is known for delivering some of the best chargrilled dishes in town, from succulent lamb cutlets with Korean spices to delicate grilled scallops with wasabi. Alongside the robata menu, the sushi and sashimi options are equally impressive, with dishes like yellowtail sashimi with yuzu truffle combining freshness with rich umami flavors. The vibrant, industrial-chic setting makes it perfect for both casual dining and special occasions.
Location: 37 Charlotte St, Fitzrovia
Best for: Robata-grilled dishes and sushi in a stylish, lively atmosphere.
Don’t miss: The grilled lamb cutlets with Korean spices—a smoky, tender favourite.
7. Dinings SW3, Chelsea
For a refined and elegant take on Japanese fusion, Dinings SW3 in Chelsea seamlessly blends Japanese flavors with European techniques. This Michelin-starred venue focuses on seasonal ingredients and creative small plates that highlight seafood, with signature dishes like seared scallops with truffle ponzu and wagyu beef tataki. The stylish, contemporary decor makes it an ideal spot for intimate dinners or special celebrations, with every dish meticulously prepared and artfully presented.
Location: Lennox Gardens Mews, Chelsea
Best for: Japanese fusion with European flair in a Michelin-starred setting.
Don’t miss: The seared scallops with truffle ponzu—a decadent, beautifully balanced dish.
8. Sake No Hana, St. James’s
Sake No Hana is where high-end Japanese cuisine meets contemporary elegance. The restaurant, designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, offers a serene escape with its minimalist design and airy, bamboo-filled space. The menu focuses on kaiseki-style dining with beautifully crafted sushi, sashimi, and robata-grilled dishes. The charcoal-grilled Wagyu beef and Hokkaido scallops are particular highlights, and the extensive sake menu adds a luxurious touch to the dining experience.
Location: 23 St James’s St, St. James’s
Best for: Luxurious, serene dining with a modern take on kaiseki.
Don’t miss: The charcoal-grilled Wagyu beef paired with a premium sake.
9. Flesh & Buns, Covent Garden
For a fun, izakaya-style experience with bold flavors, Flesh & Buns in Covent Garden is the go-to spot. Known for its DIY bao buns, diners can fill their fluffy bao with options like crispy duck, smoked pork belly, and Korean fried wings. The vibe is casual and energetic, perfect for groups or laid-back dinners. The sushi rolls and small plates, such as spicy tuna tataki and crispy squid, are also crowd-pleasers, making it a versatile spot for Japanese-inspired street food with a twist.
Location: 41 Earlham St, Covent Garden
Best for: A casual izakaya experience with bold, punchy flavours.
Don’t miss: The crispy duck leg bao—a fun and flavorful DIY dish.
10. Kanada-Ya, Soho
For ramen enthusiasts, Kanada-Ya is a must-visit. Known for its signature Tonkotsu ramen, which boasts a rich, pork-bone broth simmered for 18 hours, this cozy spot in Soho delivers an authentic taste of Japan’s beloved comfort food. The handmade noodles are perfectly springy, and the rich, umami-packed broth is served with melt-in-your-mouth chashu pork, spring onions, and marinated eggs. It's the perfect place to warm up with a bowl of ramen after exploring the bustling streets of Soho.
Location: 64 St Giles High St, Soho
Best for: Authentic Tonkotsu ramen in a cozy, casual setting.
Don’t miss: The Tonkotsu ramen with extra chashu pork—a rich, comforting bowl of goodness.