Dining
The 6 Best Omakase in London
Hinoki counters, Edomae precision and Tokyo chefs: London's best omakase sushi.
In short: our top picks are Sushi Kanesaka, Taku and The Araki. 6 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
Omakase is sushi at its most serious, a chef’s-choice procession served over a hinoki counter with barely a menu in sight. London now has real depth, from Shinji Kanesaka’s Ginza import to Taku’s rapid Michelin star and the meditative hush of The Araki. It is an occasion and priced like one, so come for a birthday or an anniversary. Sit at the counter, trust the chef, and let the meal unfold at its own pace.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sushi Kanesaka | Mayfair | ££££ |
| Taku | Mayfair | ££££ |
| The Araki | Mayfair | ££££ |
| Sushi Tetsu | Clerkenwell | £££ |
| Mayha | Marylebone | ££££ |
| Dinings SW3 | Chelsea | ££££ |
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Editor’s choice
Sushi Kanesaka
Why we pick itShinji Kanesaka's first European counter, a thirteen-seat hinoki bar in Mayfair for traditional Edomae sushi.
Worth knowingAt £420 a head before the saké pairing, some who have paid describe the experience as accomplished but reserved, even tame against other London counters.
Edomae omakase
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Taku
Why we pick itChef Takuya Watanabe won a Michelin star within months, an intimate Mayfair counter for precise Edomae sushi.
Edomae omakase
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The Araki
Why we pick itAn austere, meditative sushi counter off Regent Street, long revered even after its founder returned to Tokyo.
meditative omakase
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Sushi Tetsu
Why we pick itA seven-seat Clerkenwell counter so sought-after that booking is a sport, exquisite Edomae from Toru Takahashi.
tiny Edomae counter
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Mayha
Why we pick itA ten-seat Marylebone counter serving a refined multi-course omakase from a Michelin-recognised kitchen.
omakase counter
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Dinings SW3
Why we pick itA Chelsea townhouse serving modern Japanese tapas upstairs and an omakase counter downstairs.
Worth knowingSmall plates add up faster than expected, and the mews entrance behind Walton Street is genuinely easy to miss on a first visit.
Japanese tapas and omakase
Before you book
These are small counters that book out well in advance, often weeks for the starred rooms, and many run set sittings at fixed times. Prices are high and usually set per person before drinks, so check the menu price when booking. Arrive on time, since the meal is paced for the whole counter together.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Sushi Kanesaka is our editor's choice: Shinji Kanesaka's first European counter, a thirteen-seat hinoki bar in Mayfair for traditional Edomae sushi. Sushi Kanesaka, Taku and The Araki lead the guide, with 6 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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