London’s Japanese dining scene has matured beyond fleeting trends. Its constellation of authentic restaurants and intimate counters is now led by a new generation of chefs who bring true craftsmanship, precision, and quiet elegance to the city’s tables. From omakase sushi counters to busy izakayas and contemporary concepts rooted in seasonality, these chefs blend tradition with local ingredients and understated creativity. Their work is guided by discipline, respect for produce, and an obsession with balance — values that define Japanese cuisine at its finest. In a city of constant reinvention, their calm precision feels both timeless and new.
Here is the Luxeat selection of twelve of the best, in alphabetical order.
Café Japan
A low-key yet top-quality sushi and izakaya-style restaurant in Golders Green, Café Japan uses some of the finest ingredients thanks to its ownership by the Japanese seafood importer Atariya Group. Though the drive from central London is long, it’s worth the trip. Booking is essential, as it’s very popular with locals.
Cubé
Despite the abundance of Japanese restaurants in London, few truly reflect authentic Japanese spirit — Cubé is one of them. Owned by the same proprietor as Roketsu, it specialises in everyday Japanese fare such as nasu dengaku, agedashi tofu, and tonkatsu. The highlight, however, is its sushi, crafted by Edo-mae-trained chefs with extensive experience. Guests can enjoy sushi one by one at the counter or seated at a table. Excellent quality and great value.
Aragawa
Aragawa, the legendary Tokyo steakhouse opened in London last year, features grill master Kazuo Imayoshi, who perfected his craft for 40 years at the Tokyo branch. He expertly slices the special Tajima beef and grills it while using high-quality binchotan charcoal from Japan, which burns without smoke, preserving the pure flavour of the beef. The sirloin from a 32-month-old Tajima Ooichi Kyodo cow was a standout dish. Despite being A5 grade, it had a well-balanced muscle-to-fat ratio and a delicate flavour. Tajima beef, a prized Wagyu variety from Hyogo province, is known for its exceptional marbling and rich taste, reflecting Japan’s deep culinary traditions. Before grilling, the steak is seasoned with fine salt and pepper, grilled for 3-4 minutes on each side, and rested for 10 minutes. Imayoshi, a true shokunin, attentively monitors the grilling, knowing precisely when the steak is ready by listening to it. Despite the hefty price, Aragawa offers an exceptional experience, with better value at lunch.
Himi
Himi is a neo-izakaya by chef couple Tamas Naszai and Tomoko Hasegawa, formerly of Roji Omakase. Located on a lively Soho street, it’s more relaxed and casual than their previous venture, though the cooking remains top-tier. The contemporary Japanese menu draws on the exceptional ingredients the pair have long sourced. Dishes range from tofu with enoki mushroom tempura to kale and cavolo nero salad, sushi and temaki, and grilled fish, vegetables, and Wagyu prepared over an open flame right before you.
Ikeda
One of London’s oldest Japanese restaurants and a true Mayfair institution, Ikeda serves traditional fare using excellent ingredients. The cooked dishes are particularly strong, though the sashimi and raw fish are also of high quality. It’s among my top ten Japanese restaurants in London for a convivial, understated meal.
Sushi Kanesaka
The London outpost of the legendary Ginza restaurant offers an exceptional omakase experience under head chef Hirotaka Wada. Part of the influential Shinji Kanesaka “school” — which trained renowned chefs like Takashi Saito of Sushi Saito — the restaurant maintains a dedication to Edo-mae precision. The menu of around 18 courses balances refined nigiri with standout otsumami such as steamed abalone and grilled Wagyu. Much of the seafood comes from European waters, while the rice is from Yamagata, preserving harmony between local and traditional flavours. Sushi Kanesaka delivers some of the finest sushi in London.
Yashin Ocean House
South Kensington institution and a modern Japanese run by Shinya Ikeda, one of the most talented sushi chefs in London. The fish quality is very good and the consistency is there, especially when chef-one Shinya-san is present.
Kikuchi
Run by chef-owner Masayuki Kikuchi, this long-established Fitzrovia restaurant focuses on sushi in the Edo-mae tradition. The omakase format highlights impeccable technique and refined simplicity, complemented by grilled dishes such as black cod. Kikuchi-san’s gracious precision makes every visit memorable.
Kokin
Slightly off the beaten path but well worth the journey, Kokin is the new restaurant from chef Daisuke Shimoyama, formerly of Hannah. Here, he revisits Japanese classics with a refined, modern sensibility, remarkable attention to detail, and impeccable sourcing — confirming his place among London’s most talented Japanese chefs.
Moi
A contemporary, Japanese-inspired restaurant in Soho led by Nick Tannett, formerly of Evernight in Battersea. The space is spacious yet warm, and the fire-focused menu celebrates depth of flavour and restraint. The result is refined, thoughtful cooking that feels both precise and unpretentious.
Nanahoshi
Formerly known as Jugemu, Nanahoshi is an intimate 20-seat izakaya in Soho run by chef Yuya Kikuchi. Despite its lively surroundings, stepping inside feels like entering Japan itself. The “one-man show” behind the counter offers simple yet deeply satisfying dishes — excellent sashimi, tofu with spicy miso, and Kikuchi-san’s beloved temaki rolls — all prepared with sincerity and finesse.
Takahashi
Located in Wimbledon, this eight-seat omakase restaurant run by husband-and-wife duo Nobuhisa and Yuko Takahashi is well worth the trip. Before moving to London, Nobuhisa honed his craft at a kaiseki restaurant in Japan and at Nobu Tokyo. His sushi ranks among the best in Europe, combining otsumami and kaiseki-style dishes with perfect nigiri. Takahashi also offers “Takahashi at Home,” with takeaway sushi and ready-to-cook dishes available for pre-order.
Yuki Bar
One of my favourite recent openings, Yuki Bar is run by Yuki Kaneko, former sommelier at Noma. This intimate spot beneath a railway arch in London Fields captures the spirit of Japanese home cooking, sourcing ingredients from UK farmers and pairing them with a carefully curated selection of natural wines. With just over 20 seats, its rotating menu and relaxed warmth make it one of the city’s most authentic and soulful Japanese experiences.
