Japanese restaurants in the City of London provides the type of flavour injection that the Far East fare has become famous for.
Looking for your soy-mate? There are an abundance of fantastic Japanese joints in the Square Mile and we’re spoilt for choice.
As the calibre gets stronger we wanted to put a spotlight on the local Asian joints so you can find your favourite.
Here are the best Japanese restaurants in the City of London.
There are an abundance of fantastic Japanese restaurants dotted across the City of London – so many in fact that we’re spoilt for choice.
As the calibre of these well-loved establishments continues to grow, we wanted to shine the spotlight on some of our favourites.
From sushi close to the stratosphere to more affordable on-the-go bites, there’s no shortage of options for those wanting to jump into a Japanese journey.
Ready to get on a (sushi) roll?
Apothecary East
In the heart of Shoreditch, you’ll find Apothecary East. A drinking and dining den housed in an old Victorian warehouse, the Japanese restaurant is complete with a neon-lit bar for late night drinks and a buzzing tavern restaurant serving Japanese small plates. Make sure you order the Yellowtail Tiradito. The raw fish is deliciously light but has a sharp and spicy bite. Plus, cocktails are a must at Apothecary. The extensive drinks menu is packed with wonderful drinks created with serious ingredients. Try the Zen Garden made with Roku gin as it packs a powerful punch.
36 Charlotte Road EC2A 3PG
apothecaryeast.co.uk
Mei Ume
Offering both Chinese and Japanese dishes, the contemporary pan-Asian restaurant at Four Seasons Trinity Square is a must for lovers of the cuisine. The restaurant has its own Japanese Sushi Bar and Chinese Main Kitchen and prides itself on its signature cocktails inspired by the continent, which includes sake, shochu and Japanese whiskies. The modern contemporary includes reds, golds and bamboo-printed screens. And, if you’re looking for Christmas party venues this year, its private dining room can seat up to 13 guests.
10 Trinity Square EC3N 4AJ
meiume.com
Kaia
If you haven’t been inside The Ned’s massive food hall then you must take a peek inside, as you’ll find the incredible, Kaia. Kaia serves deliciously fresh Asian cuisine. Expect poke bowls and grilled delights created in an open kitchen, so you can watch in awe. Make sure you wash it down with a glass of sake at the swish restaurant. If you’re looking for something different, try the Afternoon Tea for a twist on the usual.
27 Poultry Street EC2R 8AJ
thened.com/restaurants/kaia
SUSHISAMBA London
Offering a Peruvian, Brazilian and Japanese fusion, SUSHISAMBA sits on top of the Heron Tower and offers panoramic views of the entire City. A favourite with the financial district, the bustling, cool dining experience is on a bucket list for many. To take advantage of its Japanese offering, tuck into the tempura, sushi or Kobe beef. The restaurant actually prides itself on being one of the few in the world to serve authentic Kobe beef certified by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. When you’ve finished your meal, enjoy some of the entertainment on offer or take a glass of something refreshing to the terrace and enjoy the glittering lights of the city at night.
Heron Tower EC2N 4AY
sushisamba.com/locations/uk/london-heron-tower
Koya
Koya remains one of the few places in London to get authentic udon made fresh on the premises each day using traditional methods, part of which includes chefs pummelling the dough with their feet. For authentic Japanese tastes, try the Agedashi tofu, lifted by the richness of the homemade dashi broth. Or perhaps the Ten Mori, which comes with juicy prawns and vegetables coated and fried in the batter. Run, don’t walk, to Koya.
10-12 Bloomberg Arcade, London EC4N 8AR
koya.co.uk
Itsu
Inspired by a visit to Tokyo, Itsu has gone on to become a go-to for hungry City workers when lunch time rolls around. The bright and colourful pots you’ll see punters carrying back to their desks are reflective of the vibrant morsels that fill them, with the menu chocked full of healthy options alongside more guilt pleasures (we always go overboard on the gyoza, but YOLO, right?). Whatever your fancy, a solid pick.
Various locations
itsu.com
Kuramaya
Kurumaya excels in authentic Japanese cuisine, helped in no small part by a kitchen of dedicated professionals that boast decades of experience in the art of sushi preparation between them. The Kaiten bar serves expert cuts of sushi, maki and sashimi alongside a stomach-growl-invoking selection of hot dishes, including all your Far East faves. The intimacy of the setting only serves to heighten the authenticity – think sunken Tatmi seating area – and if you are on a bit of a roll with Japanese bites right now, this is one to put on your radar.
Locations at the Barbican and St Paul’s
kurumaya.co.uk
Miyako
A sophisticated journey through Japan’s culinary delights awaits at Miyako, where freshly hand-made sushi and rolls, sashimi, teriyaki and more are greeted with applause from diners. Led by Head Chef Kosei Sakamoto, Miyako sticks to the basics, but it’s this simplicity that has people coming back again and again. The restaurant
also offers a large selection of bento boxes and drinks, such as Japan’s favourite wine, sake. In a hugely competitive scene, this one isn’t one to overlook, especially when staying a night at the Andaz London.
Andaz London, 40 Liverpool Street
EC2M 7QN
hyattrestaurants.com/en/dining
Waka
Why stick to just Japanese food when you can inject a spicy Peruvian twist? Yes, this riff on fusion cuisine adds plenty into the mix for lovers of both the Japan and Peruvian foodie scene. Founded by a pair of siblings, there is plenty to love about a menu that encapsulates the best of both worlds, bringing new levels of flavour to fore. Come hungry, and come again, because one sitting won’t be enough to fully indulge in the flavour experimentation going on at this hot spot.
120 Houndsditch EC3A 7BT
waka-uk.com
Wasabi Sushi & Bento
Perhaps not as glamourous as some of its Japanese dining scene stablemates, but Wasabi Sushi & Bento still has plenty of kick – if you like your fare that way. The lunchtime alternative to some of the City’s bigger names, Wasabi is no frills but plenty of flavour. Born from Camden Market, Wasabi has carved out a firm following and has numerous locations across town. Pick of the menu are the bento (of course), providing plenty of bang for your lunch money buck.
Various locations
wasabi.uk.com
Yen London
Press your nose up on the glass-walled kitchen and admire the speed and skill of Yen’s top chefs as they expertly make their signature buckwheat soba noodles (served either hot or cold). They’ve brought the recipe for these bad boys all the way over from Japan, by way of Paris – where their original restaurant was born. Now, in London, the high-end but unfussy food has become a huge hit with the help of their long menu of traditional Japanese dishes and long list of sakes. You’re going to lose your noodle at Yen.
190 Strand, 5 Arundel Street WC2R 3DX
yen-london.co.uk
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