🔖 9 min read

London is known for its insane variety of restaurants with way too many cuisines to choose from. Japanese food in London has always been a standout, offering different kinds of classic dishes that capture the essence of Japan. 

No matter what kind of Japanese dish you’re craving, there’s always an impressive array of what the best Japanese restaurants London has to offer. From sushi to ramen, here are 14 of our top picks of the best Japanese restaurants in London each known for their standout specialty dishes.

Sushi Show London: For All Sushi Enthusiasts

Nothing beats a good plate of sushi or sashimi, and what better way to get one in London by eating at Sushi Show? As a sushi takeaway shop, Sushi Show is the best Japanese restaurant in London for producing the finest sushi for all Londoners at an affordable price by pre-preparing sushi boxes for customers to grab and go. This gives customers the flexibility to choose to purchase takeout sushi or dine in.

Photo Credit: Sushi Show

The Sushi Show Shoreditch branch also offers sit down areas for a quick lunch. Sushi Show run by a professional fish supplier, ensuring that every dish is made with the freshest ingredients. Offering customers a casual yet authentic experience, Sushi Show London is the perfect spot for enjoying high-quality sushi without breaking the bank. 

Visit Sushi Show for more details.

Sushi Show has two branches – Sushi Show Angel, and Sushi Show Shoreditch. 

Check out our preferred branch here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/cKanoth1uTMJMgP29

OKAN: Introducing London Okonomiyaki Goodness

Craving Okonomiyaki? London, you’re in luck! Okan is here to give London the true experience of authentic Okonomiyaki, the popular savory Japanese pancake from Osaka.

Photo Credit: Quandoo

Okan is an okonomiyaki restaurant in London that ensures their menu items are made with the freshest ingredients like cabbage, batter, and various toppings, offering the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Besides okonomiyaki, Okan also offers onigiri, teppanyaki, and donburi.

Whether you’re a fan of classic toppings like pork belly or seafood, or you prefer vegetarian options, Okan’s London Okonomiyaki delivers an unmatched taste of Osaka street food. For lovers of Japanese cuisine, this dish alone makes Okan a must-visit spot in London.

Learn more at Okan.

Okan has three branches around London. 

Visit our preferred branch at Brixton East: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9XygnrvRf4gN9MEV8

Hiden Curry: Where to Find The Best Japanese Curry in London

Hiden Curry has the best katsu curry London has to offer, celebrated for its flavorful, perfectly spiced sauces. You can choose what kind of katsu cut you want, whether it’s their signature beef, chicken, or the vegan option of red lentils. Their crispy breaded katsu combined with their curry provides the ultimate katsu curry London experience, bringing you the comforting flavors of authentic Japanese curry.

Photo Credit: Hiden Curry

With two branches located in Kings Cross and Finsbury Park, Hiden Curry has built a reputation for serving the best katsu curry in London, using only the freshest ingredients and preparing every single batch from scratch.  

For more information, visit Hiden Curry.

Check out where to find Hiden Curry here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fWDNkTDzALSF2dD8A

Kanada-Ya: Authentic Ramen in London UK

Kanada-Ya London is widely regarded as offering the best ramen in London, specializing in authentic tonkotsu ramen with a 14-hour slow-cooked pork broth. What makes Kanada-Ya London’s best ramen is its rich, creamy, and silky broth combined with chewy noodles that make each bowl stand out. Top your bowl with high-quality chashu pork and you’re in for a delicious ramen ride.

Photo Credit: Kanada-Ya

The Kanada-Ya London Menu definitely takes pride in their ramen, but they also have other Japanese dishes such as chicken karaage, agedashi tofu, and abura soba. They also offer an allergen menu which shows their attention to detail when it comes to serving guests. If you’re craving for Japanese ramen, Kanada-Ya is a must-visit for a soul-warming and flavorful experience.

Learn more about the best London ramen at Kanada-Ya.

Kanada-Ya boasts a series of locations in different parts of the world! 

Check out our preferred branch in Kanada-Ya Piccadilly: https://maps.app.goo.gl/S7GzyJVtDTqPo9TX7

Jin Kichi: For All Your Yakitori London Cravings

Looking for delicious Yakitori in London? Fear not, Yakitori Lovers, because Jin Kichi is here to give you the Yakitori London experience you’ve been craving for! Jin Kichi is a cozy, family-run Japanese restaurant in London known for its traditional and minimalist Japanese vibes. The Jin Kichi London menu consists of authentic yakitori skewers and sushi, as well as traditional rice dishes and noodles.

Photo Credit: flickr

Jin Kichi is highly regarded for the quality and freshness of its dishes, which include a variety of delicious items such as sashimi, wagyu, and tempura. The attentive service and authentic preparation of their meals make it a top choice for Japanese cuisine lovers in London.

For more information, visit Jin Kichi Restaurant London.

Jin Kichi London is located in Hampstead, London. You can find the location pin here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/i8c5U6fvNUCjXAwf8

WA Cafe: The Best Place for Japanese Desserts

WA Cafe is an independent Japanese dessert patisserie in London, with locations in Ealing Broadway, Covent Garden, and Marylebone. They specialize in traditional Japanese desserts, pastries, and breads, offering a taste of Japan’s sweetest and yummiest!

Their menu includes delicacies like daifuku and hojicha-infused pastries, which are crafted daily by skilled Japanese bakers. For dessert lovers in London, this cafe is a must-visit to experience unique Japanese desserts that blend cultural authenticity with modern creativity.

Visit their website here for more details.

WA Cafe can be found in Ealing Broadway, Covent Garden, and Marylebone. Visit their preferred branch in Marylebone here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/a2CEuZKfW2DgiCQq7

Omotesando Koffee (OOO Koffee): For That Japanese Coffee Kick

If you’re an enthusiast for both Japan and coffee, then OOO Koffee is the store for you! This Japanese coffee shop in London is a standout spot for those interested in tasting Japanese coffee in London.

Photo Credit: Daniel Food Diary

Known for their store setup, which is similar to the original cub-shaped coffee bar to that of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, OOO Koffee takes pride in crafting Omotesando coffee that is perfect in taste, texture, and quality. If you want to experience the best Japanese coffee in London, OOO Koffee should be your first stop.

Check out their London offerings at OOO Koffee.

Looking for OOO Koffee? You can find the pin here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hnMyc1CK19USs6Ev7

KOYA: The Best Udon London Has to Offer

For udon lovers in London, Koya is a top destination for you, offering freshly made udon in London noodles paired with rich, umami-filled dashi broth. Koya London is proud to serve the best udon in London complemented by seasonal toppings and small plates of Japanese sides.

Photo Credit: Koya UK

Known for its simple yet elegant dishes, Koya provides a true taste of Japanese comfort food. Whether you enjoy hot or cold udon, the noodles have the perfect chew and texture. Let Koya serve you the best udon noodles London can deliver with quality, authenticity, and a laid-back dining experience.

Discover more at Koya Restaurant London.

Ready to dig in? Koya can be found here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MpVVbqhpsnT1WYZTA

Café Kitsuné: Our Pick For Your Matcha Latte London Experience

Café Kitsuné London is a top destination for matcha latte lovers, offering the best matcha latte London has for you. Made with high-quality matcha powder and steamed milk, Café Kitsuné’s matcha-based drinks are their best sellers for a reason. They also serve coffee and a delicious menu consisting of traditional Japanese dishes like onigiri rice balls to modern Western dishes such as croissants and burgers.

Photo Credit: SquareMeal

Known for its chic ambiance and minimalist design, it blends the elegance of Japanese tea culture with modern flair. Whether you’re looking for a serene spot to enjoy your matcha latte in London or try out their bento boxes, Café Kitsuné delivers an authentic and delightful experience.

Find more at Café Kitsuné.

Café Kitsuné has branches all over the world, including Japan, Korea, Paris, and China. 

You can find their London branch here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xDU3w2fp729sVwT96

Uzumaki London: The Anime Themed Restaurant London Needs

Uzumaki London is the ultimate spot for anime enthusiasts to immerse themselves in a vibrant, anime-themed dining experience. This anime ramen restaurant in London is designed to bring your favorite anime scenes to life, offering food inspired by popular shows like Naruto and Jujutsu Kaisen. The Uzumaki London menu includes their iconic Naruto Ramen, Chainsaw Curry Udon, and Panda Senpai Ramen.

Photo Credit: Uzumaki London Facebook

Many Uzumaki London reviews state that one of the most unique aspects of this anime restaurant in London is its vibrant decor. With posters, murals, and paintings of your favorite anime characters – you’re guaranteed that your Uzumaki London photos will catch the eyes of all anime lovers out there! 

With one of a kind J-POP performances and Japanese-themed events, Uzumaki delivers more than just a meal — it’s an interactive, cultural experience. Whether you’re there for the ramen or themed drinks, it’s a must-visit for any anime fan.

Photo Credit: MyLondon

Explore more at Uzumaki Restaurant London.

Experience Japan near you by checking out Uzumaki London Great Russell Street London’s location here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/g5BNYRSuAiMvTJfW6

Hachi: Our Favorite Japanese BBQ London Spot

Craving for Japanese Yakiniku? London houses Hachi, a Japanese Grill London Restaurant that specializes in delivering the finest cuts of Wagyu meat to London. Hachi London emphasizes premium ingredients, carefully selecting the ingredients they use to provide an exceptional standard of food to their customers.

Photo Credit: VenueReport

Hachi is top recommendation for Yakiniku in London, offering an authentic dining experience with high-quality cuts of Wagyu beef, pork, and seafood sourced from Japan and Europe. Hachi allows guests to grill their own meat at the table, ensuring a fun and interactive experience. London Yakiniku has never tasted this good with Hachi! 

Explore more at Hachi BBQ London.

Check out Hachi BBQ’s location here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XYpXsfm8CyX3gcMq6

Sushi Tetsu: Your Go-To Omakase Restaurant in London

Sushi Tetsu in London is the ultimate destination for an intimate London omakase experience. With only seven seats at the sushi bar, the intimate atmosphere is highly personal, where each dish is meticulously prepared by master chef Toru Takahashi, and service is provided by his wife Harumi.

Tucked away on a back street in Clerkenwell, Sushi Tetsu offers the most authentic Omakase experience you’ll find in London.

Photo Credit: The Infatuation

Omakase, which translates to “I leave it up to you,” is a Japanese dining format where the chef makes you whatever they want. This means that in Sushi Tetsu, your meal will be dependent on what the chef thinks you would like. Expect a mixture of sushi and non-sushi dishes that change along with the seasons. From delicate nigiri to rich sashimi, Sushi Tetsu is sure to bring you the best omakase in London. 

Learn more at Sushi Tetsu.

Sushi Tetsu can be found here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3p9tfnBsTb6h7o9y9

Moto London: A Top Japanese Cocktail Bar in London

Moto London is an exceptional spot for Japanese-inspired cocktails, being UK’s first independent Japanese sake bar, shop, and eatery! Delivering artisan beverages from Japan, Moto London gives you the opportunity to try a unique selection of handcrafted drinks that combine traditional Japanese spirits with modern twists.

Photo Credit: Moto London

From craft beers to specialty sake, Moto London gives you the best variety of Japanese liquor that will leave alcohol connoisseurs wanting more. Try out their signature cocktails crafted by their expert bartenders, along with their authentic Japanese menu. Experience the true meaning of kanpai with Moto London. 

Learn more at Moto Shop London.

Spend your evening at Moto London by checking out their location here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Nm9UsRaeejt2xjDE7

Marugame Udon: The Quick Lunch Fix You Need

Marugame Udon London is a perfect spot for a quick, satisfying lunch in London. Known for its freshly handmade udon noodles and rich broth, the Marugame Udon menu offers a variety of affordable meal options like Chicken Katsu Udon and tempura add-ons. The fast, cafeteria-style service ensures that even during busy lunch hours, you can grab a delicious meal quickly.

Photo Credit: Marugame Udon UK

With multiple locations around London, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking a comforting, authentic Japanese meal without the wait. There’s even a Marugame Udon student discount, perfect for students on a budget! So, whenever you’re craving udon, Marugame will always be there to get you that fix.

Visit Marugame Udon for more details.

Find Marugame Udon across London at Liverpool Street, Canary Wharf, and more! Check out their preferred branch (Marugame Udon / 丸亀製麺 Strand) here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FeNdiyuLTFDCesDi6

Find the Best Japanese Restaurant in London Near You!

Exploring  Japanese food in London is a must-try thanks to these Japanese restaurants that showcase the best Japanese culinary artistry. How each of these restaurants bring the flavors of Japan to London makes them the best Japanese restaurants in London, giving you the chance to indulge in the diversity of Japanese cuisine. 

Ready to take your taste buds on a journey? Make sure to drop by at least one of these 14 restaurants and discover the delicious world of Japanese food in London!