Dining
The 5 Best Japanese Restaurants in London
Beyond sushi: izakaya, robata and kaiseki, and where to eat the best Japanese food in London.
In short: our top picks are Roka, Zuma and Koya. 5 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
London’s Japanese cooking goes far beyond the sushi counter, into smoky robata, convivial izakaya and precise kaiseki. The best rooms treat it with real seriousness. These are the places worth seeking out for Japanese food cooked the way it should be.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Roka | Fitzrovia | ££££ |
| Zuma | Knightsbridge | ££££ |
| Koya | Soho | ££ |
| Sticks'n'Sushi | £££ | |
| Sushi Tetsu | Clerkenwell | £££ |
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Editor’s choice
Roka
Why we pick itThe original Charlotte Street robatayaki; contemporary Japanese around a central grill.
-
Zuma
Why we pick itA glamorous izakaya that spawned a global brand; the robata is the order.
-
Koya
Why we pick itHand-made udon and a short, perfect menu; one of Soho's most satisfying counters.
-
Sticks'n'Sushi
Why we pick itA polished crowd-pleaser bridging sushi and yakitori; reliable and design-led.
-
Sushi Tetsu
Why we pick itA tiny seven-seat counter and one of London's hardest, finest bookings.
Before you book
Sit at the counter where you can; at the grills and sushi bars the seat is the experience. Order a spread of small plates to share at the izakaya, and take the sake recommendation. And book the destinations well ahead; the best counters are small.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Roka is our editor's choice: The original Charlotte Street robatayaki; contemporary Japanese around a central grill. Roka, Zuma and Koya lead the guide, with 5 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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