You might be asking yourself why on earth I would be writing a piece about the top Japanese restaurants in the city of London, right? Well, not only is the city one of my favorites in the world, visiting it a number of times and, at one point, even considering moving there, but Great Britain’s biggest city also happens to have one of the best food scenes on the planet, bringing together a variety of different cultures for both tourists and natives to appreciate. And since London has such a diverse menu in different neighborhoods around the city, I figured finding the best Japanese food would be the best idea, along with giving their location in the city—since everyone enjoys that sort of thing, right? So the next time you’re in London, drop the fish and chips routine and get yourself to some of these phenomenal Japanese spots, because they are absolutely incredible.
10. Ten Ten Tei – West End
There are plenty of options for those looking for a hearty, Japanese meal in the city of London—just keep reading and you’ll see plenty—but if you a wide variety of dinner plates and a relaxed atmosphere is what you’re looking for, Ten Tei Tei in the West End is a great option. It’s not quite pretentious or catered to Western World visitors, making it a great balance between some of the more upscale spots in the city and that of a more comfortable feeling.
9. Mitsukoshi – West End
Although there are plenty of higher priced restaurants in the city for Japanese food, Mitsukoshi is recommended for visiting during the lunch hours, as its menu reflects a quick option with tremendous value. Prices aside, though, guests can’t go wrong with choosing a menu item during dinner either—though it will be more expensive—because Mitsukoshi has some of the finest food in the city.
8. Mai Food – Earls Court
For those guests looking for something quick, easy and delicious, allow the small, grilled dishes at Mai Food tickle your fancy. Located in Earls Court, the restaurant might not be as sit down or pretentious as some of the others that are on this list, but it’s every bit as solid of a choice, giving customers exactly what they’re craving—authentic Japanese food and a reasonable price, leaving without being too stuffed.
7. Tokyo Diner – West End
For whatever reason, this might be one of my favorite Japanese restaurants in the entire city. Maybe it’s because of its food? Maybe because of the decor? Maybe it’s because it’s so ironic to see on the corner of Little Newport Place? And maybe it’s just because of all of those things? Either way, Tokyo Diner is a conscious restaurant that only uses sustainable sources for its dishes. So if you’re into a great value with a focus on the environment, this is your place.
6. Koya – Soho
The first of a couple restaurants located in the fancy Soho district, don’t let the neighborhood that Koya sits in scare you off from taking the plunge and eating here—because you might just miss out. Known for their delicious, handmade udon noodles, the contemporary and relaxed setting might look like a normal British coffee shop, but the food is full of delicious Japanese delicacies and not just coffee beans and day-old pastries.
5. Yoisho – Fitzrovia
For those looking for, quite possibly, the most authentic Japanese dishes in the entire city, you might want to venture into Yoisho. That’s because, while all of these are fantastic, Yoisho doesn’t cater its menu towards Westerners who are either visiting or just stopping in for a dinner. Aimed toward native Japanese residents who are looking for a real taste of their homeland, this place doesn’t mess around in all the aspects of the restaurant. From the decor to the food, try the sushi and remind yourself that you’re in London and not somewhere in Japan.
4. Ittembari – Soho
You know how some college kids buy ramen noodles because they’re quick, easy to make, pretty decent to eat and really cheap? Yeah, well Ittembari is the grown-up version of that type of noodle. With a variety of ramen on their menu to enjoy, this restaurant is in the swanky Soho neighborhood of London, meaning guests may spend a little bit more than usual, but it is well worth it after stuffing their bellies with anything on the menu.
3. Tsurukame (Crane & Tortoise) – Holborn
Britain is world-renowned for its many pubs and fish and chips, but this watering hole is the Japanese equivalent of such, offering fantastic, native, Japanese cuisine to those who stop in for either lunch or dinner. Thanks to its relaxed setting and big windows that let in natural light, this is a place that is easy to start off at for a quick bite and beer, only to find yourself there for hours, hanging out and talking with those who stop in and do the same as you are.
2. Atari-Ya – Ealing Common
There have been a number of good sushi restaurants in the city of London over the years—and continue to be more, including the place holding our No. 1 spot—but Atari-Ya shouldn’t concede to anyone else in their ranking of the best. Reasonably priced with outlets all over North London like Golders Green, Swiss Cottage and Hendon, along with a few retail stores, this place knows that good sushi goes a long way inside someone’s heart. As the supplier of so many others in the city, one would be smart to see why so many crave what they have going on.
1. Nobu – Park Lane
For those who haven’t heard the name Nobu before, well, I just feel sorry for you, because it’s, arguably, the most notable Japanese restaurant in the world. Offering various locations around the globe, patrons are given a first-class experience from the second the enter the space. With a cozy atmosphere and a possible celeb sighting with the blink of an eye, the food is about as delicious as one would imagine, offering an exquisite Japanese fusion to tickle guests’ taste buds.
