The Best Japanese Restaurants in London

Knowing that this sushi restaurant has the same ownership as MICHELIN-Starred Dorian across the road is the first tick of reassurance. The second is that the owner clearly knows his seafood. The fish, including tuna from Spain, is aged for deeper flavour and the kitchen will occasionally apply a light torching for extra depth. Go for the Chef’s Selection and follow up with some artfully arranged sashimi. The 12 seats are divided between two counters, one looking out onto the street, the other facing the chefs. The abundance of pine could trick you into thinking you're in a sauna rather than a restaurant.

A fire in September 2025 resulted in the temporary closure of this Japanese restaurant inside the iconic Television Centre in White City – but hopefully 2026 will see its triumphant reopening. ‘Sushi in the Clouds’ is how Yokohama-born Endo Kazutoshi describes his restaurant on the top floor, where guests gather round a large counter to enjoy his beautifully crafted creations. He has worked closely with Cornish fishermen, who supply much of the fish, while the rice is from Fukuoka Prefecture. His personality puts first-timers at ease as he explains each beautiful piece.

There are few London restaurants that can match Humble Chicken’s unceasing evolution and development – this is somewhere that simply never stands still. Laser-focused chef Angelo Sato adds striking creativity and theatricality to the consistently impressive tasting menu at his Soho counter restaurant. The produce is of superb quality and the technical skills on show are there to enhance and accentuate those ingredients. The shokupan is stunning and his version of the ubiquitous chawanmushi is a delight. There are two expertly paced sittings per night.

Anyone who’s ever tried finding a restaurant in a Tokyo side street will recognise that growing sense of frustration when scurrying around Shepherd Market in desperate search of Maru’s front door. Add in the extra pressure of knowing that guests are all served together and you’ll understand the look of relief on the faces of your fellow diners as they arrive. The chef, an alumnus of both Nobu and Umu, is an engaging presence behind the counter and his nigiri – which uses largely European fish – is one of the highlights of the 18-course omakase menu which usually takes around 2 1/2 hours.

Endo Kazutoshi features twice on this list, as Sumi is his de facto diffusion line – a baby sister to Endo at the Rotunda. This Notting Hill restaurant comes with more of a laid-back, neighbourhood vibe and a younger crowd – and it’s also a lot easier to secure a booking here than at his flagship. The menu is largely sushi-based, with some dishes from the robata grill like pork loin or salmon that are certainly worth ordering too. Start with one of the imaginative cocktails and end with the matcha mille crepe – so popular it has never left the menu.

Of all the Japanese restaurants in London, this one comes closest to a high-end experience of the sort you’d get in Ginza in Tokyo. The 45 Park Lane hotel makes a fitting home for this smart London outpost from Chef Shinji Kanesaka. You can clearly see where your money has gone as the likes of Scottish lobster and Kobe beef make up some of the many immaculate servings. The ingredients are of outstanding quality and the gorgeous hinoki wood counter only enhances the feeling that you’re having a very special experience. The gracious service is also pitched just right.

The beautiful city of Kyoto, Japan’s former capital, is where many traditions are still faithfully honoured and that includes the art of kaiseki. Here at the impeccably run Umu, the subtlety and delicacy of Kyoto cuisine is exhibited through the use of top-quality produce from around the British Isles, such as Orkney scallops, Cornish squid and Scottish langoustines. There’s a great list of nihonshu to accompany the menu and while tables and chairs may be preferred to tatami, you’ll still leave feeling as though you’ve had a special Japanese experience.