The 20 Best Japanese Restaurants in London 2026
London’s Japanese dining scene has matured into one of the most sophisticated outside Japan itself. What was once defined largely by sushi counters has evolved into a rich landscape of kaiseki-led fine dining, precision-driven omakase, modern izakayas, and quietly confident neighbourhood restaurants that honour tradition while embracing London’s global palate.
At Balance Journal, we look beyond hype. Our editors seek out Japanese restaurants that value craft, restraint and intention, where every detail, from knife work to service, feels considered. These are places designed for presence and appreciation, whether you’re seated at a counter watching a chef at work or settling into a softly lit dining room for an unhurried evening.
Below, we share our 20 best Japanese restaurants in London, a curated mix of fine dining institutions, contemporary icons and cult favourites, selected for quality, atmosphere and consistency.
Editor’s Choice:
At Balance Journal, our editors seek out Japanese restaurants that offer more than just excellent food, they celebrate craftsmanship, atmosphere, and a dining experience that lingers in memory. From intimate sushi bars to contemporary izakayas, these are the restaurants where precision, seasonality, and presentation come together in perfect harmony.
| No. | Restaurant | Location | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
EDITOR'S PICK Endo at The Rotunda |
White City | Michelin-starred omakase & elevated Japanese dining |
| 2 | Nobu Portman Square | Marylebone | Luxury Japanese-Peruvian cuisine & special occasions |
| 3 | Sushi Kanesaka | Mayfair | Traditional Edomae sushi & purist omakase |
| 4 | ROKA – Charlotte Street | Fitzrovia | Robata-grilled sharing plates & stylish date nights |
| 5 | Sumi by Endo | Notting Hill | Intimate counter dining & seasonal Japanese cooking |
The 10 Best Japanese Restaurants in London
1. Endo at The Rotunda — White City
Endo at The Rotunda offers one of the most elevated Japanese dining experiences in London — both literally and philosophically. Perched high above the city, the circular counter creates an intimate, almost meditative environment, removed from distraction. The room is serene and minimal, allowing the focus to remain entirely on the craft unfolding before you.
Chef Endo Kazutoshi’s approach to omakase is deeply respectful of tradition while remaining quietly contemporary. Fish is sourced directly from Japan several times a week, treated with precision and restraint. Each course flows seamlessly into the next, encouraging guests to be fully present rather than anticipating what comes next.
Why Balance Journal Recommends It:
Endo represents Japanese dining at its most mindful — refined, disciplined and deeply human. It’s an experience that rewards stillness and attention.
2. Nobu Portman Square — Marylebone
Nobu Portman Square balances global recognition with local refinement. The dining room is expansive yet composed, blending contemporary luxury with subtle Japanese detailing. It feels celebratory without excess, ideal for long dinners that unfold at an unhurried pace.
The menu remains faithful to Nobu Matsuhisa’s Japanese-Peruvian vision, offering confident flavours and immaculate consistency. Dishes are designed for sharing, creating a social rhythm that feels relaxed yet indulgent.
Must-Try Dish: We recommend the black cod miso as its rich, delicate and endlessly satisfying.
Book your table at Nobu Portman Square
3. Sushi Kanesaka — Mayfair
Sushi Kanesaka is a masterclass in Edomae sushi. The counter is formal, quiet and focused, offering a setting where discipline and technique take centre stage. There are no distractions here — only the chef, the fish and the moment.
Each piece of sushi is prepared using traditional ageing and curing methods, resulting in flavours that are subtle yet deeply expressive. The experience feels ceremonial, grounded in generations of knowledge.
Why Balance Journal Recommends It:
For those who appreciate purity and precision, Sushi Kanesaka offers one of London’s most authentic sushi experiences.
Book your table to visit Sushi Kanesaka
4. Roka — Charlotte Street
Roka’s atmosphere is warm, energetic and inviting, centred around its open robata grill. The design encourages conversation and connection, making it ideal for lively dinners that still feel refined.
The menu showcases bold flavours cooked over charcoal, balanced by lighter sushi and sashimi options. It’s Japanese dining with confidence and generosity.
Must-Try Dish: Black cod marinated in yuzu miso, cooked over robata is our favourite, make sure to add this to your order.
Book your table at Roka Charlotte Street
5. Sumi by Endo — Notting Hill
Sumi by Endo presents a more relaxed expression of Chef Endo Kazutoshi’s philosophy. Focused on yakitori and binchotan grilling, the space is intimate, understated and quietly elegant.
The menu celebrates simplicity — perfectly grilled meats, seasonal vegetables and thoughtfully balanced flavours. It’s informal, but never casual in execution.
Why Balance Journal Recommends it: Sumi offers depth without formality, making it ideal for slow, intimate evenings rooted in craft.
Book your table at Sumi by Endo
6. The Araki — Mayfair
The Araki remains one of London’s most revered sushi counters. With only a handful of seats, the experience is intensely personal, immersive and deeply focused.
Chef Mitsuhiro Araki’s legacy continues through meticulous technique and exceptional sourcing. Every movement is deliberate, every course carefully paced.
Why Balance Journal Recommends It: A rare opportunity to experience sushi at its most uncompromising and intimate.
Book your table for dinner at The Araki
7. Umu — Mayfair
Umu offers refined kaiseki dining in a tranquil, minimalist setting. The room feels calm and ceremonial, allowing the seasonal menu to unfold naturally.
Each dish is rooted in tradition, yet subtly adapted for a modern London audience. The experience feels thoughtful, restrained and deeply cultural.
Why Balance Journal Recommends It:
Umu is Japanese fine dining with soul, poetic, seasonal and quietly luxurious.
Book your visit to Umu
8. Zuma — Knightsbridge
Zuma is polished, energetic and consistently excellent. The open kitchen and robata grill create movement and warmth, while the service remains seamless.
The menu is expansive yet dependable, making Zuma ideal for celebratory evenings that still prioritise quality.
Must-Try Dish: Spicy beef tenderloin with sesame, red chilli and sweet soy.
Book your table at Zuma
9. Taku — Mayfair
Taku offers an intimate omakase experience inspired by Kyoto-style cuisine. The counter setting encourages quiet observation and interaction with the chef.
Flavours are restrained and elegant, with a strong emphasis on seasonality and balance.
Why Balance Journal Recommends It: Taku is ideal for diners who value subtlety, precision and presence.
Book your next visit to Taku
10. Kiku — Mayfair
Kiku is discreet, traditional and quietly confident. The dining room feels private and calm, making it a favourite among those seeking authenticity without performance.
The menu spans sushi, tempura and classic hot dishes, all prepared with consistency and care.
Why Balance Journal Recommends It: A timeless Japanese restaurant that prioritises craft over trends.
Book your next meal at Kiku in Mayfair
The 20 Best Japanese Restaurants in London
At Balance Journal, we’ve curated a list of the 20 best Japanese restaurants in London, each selected for its exceptional flavours, thoughtful presentation, and dining experience that combines authenticity with a touch of modern elegance. These are the places where every meal is a journey, and every visit is memorable.
11. Dinings SW3 — Knightsbridge
Dinings SW3 offers a quietly confident take on modern Japanese dining, tucked away on a residential street in Knightsbridge. The dining room is understated and intimate, favouring warm wood tones, soft lighting and a relaxed, neighbourhood feel rather than theatrical luxury. It’s the kind of space that invites repeat visits — familiar yet never complacent.
The menu reflects chef Masaki Sugisaki’s distinctive style, blending classical Japanese techniques with European ingredients and subtle global influences. Sushi and sashimi sit comfortably alongside small plates and inventive hot dishes, creating a menu that feels exploratory without losing its sense of grounding. There’s a playfulness here, but it’s always guided by precision and balance.
Why Balance Journal Recommends It:
Dinings SW3 is ideal for diners who appreciate Japanese cuisine that evolves naturally rather than dramatically. It’s refined without rigidity, creative without excess — a restaurant that feels personal, thoughtful and deeply consistent.
12. Akira at Japan House — Kensington
Akira at Japan House offers one of London’s most culturally immersive Japanese dining experiences. Located within the architectural calm of Japan House on Kensington High Street, the restaurant feels serene and intentional from the moment you arrive. Floor-to-ceiling windows, pale woods and minimal design create a space that feels restorative rather than performative.
The menu is rooted in Japanese tradition, but with a modern lens that celebrates seasonality, craftsmanship and provenance. Ingredients are sourced directly from Japan where possible, allowing diners to experience flavours rarely seen outside the country. Dishes are elegant and restrained, designed to be savoured slowly.
Must-Try Dish:
The seasonal bento or donburi, which highlights exceptional Japanese produce with quiet precision.
Why Balance Journal Recommends It:
Akira is a place of learning as much as dining — offering depth, context and calm. It’s ideal for those seeking a mindful, culturally rich experience that goes beyond trend-driven Japanese cuisine.
Book your next meal at Akira at Japan House
13. Sushi Atelier — Marylebone
Sushi Atelier is discreet, focused and deeply rooted in Edomae tradition. Hidden just off Marylebone High Street, the restaurant centres around a small counter where craftsmanship is the sole point of attention. The atmosphere is calm and respectful, encouraging diners to slow down and observe.
The omakase experience highlights the chef’s knife work, rice preparation and fish selection — each element carefully calibrated. There’s an emphasis on balance and texture rather than overt luxury, making each course feel thoughtful rather than indulgent.
Why Balance Journal Recommends It:
Sushi Atelier offers one of the most authentic counter experiences in London without unnecessary ceremony. It’s ideal for diners who value precision, humility and tradition over spectacle.
Book your table at Sushi Atelier
14. Jin Kichi — Hampstead
Jin Kichi has long been a favourite among those who value authenticity over trend. Located in Hampstead, it offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels distinctly local — a rarity among Japanese restaurants of this calibre.
The menu focuses on home-style Japanese cooking, from yakitori and donburi to comforting noodle dishes. The food is deeply satisfying, with flavours that feel honest and familiar rather than experimental.
Why Balance Journal Recommends It:
Jin Kichi proves that romance and excellence can exist without luxury trappings. It’s soulful, comforting and quietly confident — perfect for relaxed, meaningful meals.
Book your meal at Jin Kichi
15. Koyn — Mayfair
Koyn brings a modern, design-led approach to Japanese dining in Mayfair. The space is dramatic yet polished, with clean lines, rich materials and an atmosphere that feels energetic without being overwhelming.
The menu balances robata grilling, sushi and contemporary small plates, showcasing bold flavours and premium ingredients. There’s a sense of confidence here — dishes are expressive, but still rooted in technique.
Why Balance Journal Recommends It:
Koyn is ideal for diners who enjoy Japanese cuisine with a contemporary London sensibility — stylish, social and assured.
Book your next meal at Koyn
16. Los Mochis — Notting Hill
Los Mochis offers a vibrant fusion of Japanese and Mexican influences, creating a dining experience that feels bold yet balanced. The Notting Hill location blends lively energy with thoughtful design, making it ideal for celebratory evenings.
The menu is playful and inventive, with sushi rolls, tacos and sharing plates that showcase confident flavour combinations. Despite its creativity, the execution remains disciplined and precise.
Why Balance Journal Recommends It:
Los Mochis proves that fusion can be both fun and refined. It’s a joyful, social interpretation of Japanese dining that still respects technique.
Book your table at Los Mochis
17. Omakase at Tendai — Soho
Omakase at Tendai is one of London’s most intimate Japanese dining experiences. With limited seating and a strong focus on seasonality, the atmosphere feels personal and deeply immersive.
The menu changes frequently, reflecting the chef’s sourcing and inspiration. Each course is presented with clarity and restraint, encouraging guests to engage fully with the flavours.
Why Balance Journal Recommends It:
Tendai offers a quietly luxurious omakase experience — focused, sincere and deeply rewarding for attentive diners.
Book your table at Omakase at Tendai
18. Chisou — Mayfair
Chisou is a long-standing Mayfair institution, known for its understated elegance and consistent quality. The dining room feels calm and private, ideal for unhurried meals.
The menu spans traditional Japanese dishes, from sushi to grilled fish and seasonal specials. There’s a sense of familiarity and trust here — food that comforts without boring.
Why Balance Journal Recommends It:
Chisou is timeless. It’s Japanese dining that values continuity, craft and quiet excellence.
Book your table at Chisou
19. Monohon Ramen — Old Street
Monohon Ramen offers a stripped-back, deeply focused approach to one of Japan’s most beloved dishes. The space is minimalist, allowing the food to speak entirely for itself.
Broths are slow-cooked and deeply flavoured, noodles perfectly textured, and toppings restrained. It’s ramen as craft rather than trend.
Why Balance Journal Recommends It:
For those seeking purity and depth in Japanese comfort food, Monohon delivers clarity and soul.
Book your table at Monohon Ramen
20. A Wong — Victoria
While A Wong is primarily celebrated for its Chinese cuisine, its tasting menus increasingly incorporate Japanese techniques and philosophy — particularly in knife work, balance and seasonality.
The dining experience is immersive and narrative-driven, encouraging diners to engage with flavour, texture and pacing.
Why Balance Journal Recommends It:
A Wong represents cross-cultural mastery — where Japanese influence enhances rather than overshadows tradition.
Book your table at A Wong in Victoria
Summary:
London’s Japanese dining scene in 2026 is defined by maturity, restraint and confidence. From deeply traditional sushi counters to modern interpretations grounded in respect for craft, these restaurants offer moments of calm, connection and quiet indulgence.
This Balance Journal edit reflects not just technical excellence, but atmosphere, intention and consistency. Whether you’re seeking ceremony, comfort or contemporary flair, these are the Japanese restaurants shaping London’s dining landscape today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Japanese restaurants in London are best for sushi?
For sushi lovers, the city offers both traditional and contemporary experiences. Sushi Tetsu, Sushisamba, and Dinings SW3 are widely praised for their precision, freshness, and craftsmanship, providing a truly immersive sushi experience.
Where can I find the best Japanese tasting menus in London?
Michelin-starred restaurants like Nobu, Roka, and Zuma provide exceptional tasting menus, often combining classic Japanese techniques with modern European influences. These menus are perfect for celebrations, date nights, or simply indulging in a memorable culinary journey.
Are there Japanese restaurants in London suitable for groups or private dining?
Yes, many restaurants, including Zuma, Roka, and Sake No Hana, offer private dining rooms or spaces that are ideal for special occasions, corporate events, or intimate gatherings with friends and family.
Which Japanese restaurants in London are best for vegetarians?
While Japanese cuisine is often seafood-heavy, many London restaurants cater to vegetarians with creative options. Restaurants like Shoryu Ramen, Dinings SW3, and Zuma offer delicious plant-based dishes and vegetarian tasting menus.