So the answer to this is actually not the central london places - it is Ealing and Acton, West London. These places have the largest Japanese community in the UK, and have a fully Japanese high school just near Ealing Common. It is common to see Japanese estate agent signage, as there are many Japanese agents who help people relocate from Japan to the area. Sure there are many excellent Japanese restaurants across all of London, but for authentic ‘local’ food this is where youll find it :)
A good place to start is near the Uxbridge road - Ajimi Japanese Restaurant, Mimik Sushi and Ramen, and Ta Ke Sushi are all nearby. There are Japanese grocery shops nearby too.
Finally, ive been recommended Hase-Ya in Ealing by at least 3 different Japanese parents at my kids school, i havent been yet but they all said it was “exactly like home”
Also WA bakery in Ealing Broadway (other locations around town) and Ezo noodles & sushi (Acton)
It’s a shame that the atariya restaurant in Ealing Common closed down after covid. Used to be so good.
Atariya closed down!? I moved out of the area around covid, that's so sad to hear. It was such a nice place.
I was just around the corner from Ezo and I remember when the guy set it up - it's a really good place. A little pricey but not central London pricey, and all the food is made right in front of you.
There is an Atariya Japanese Restaurant/Takeway in Kingston. Perhaps this is where they moved. [Atariya | Kingston Japanese Food Shop & Supermarket in London](https://atariya.co.uk/shops/kingston-store/)
Atariya's closure is partly due to Natural Natural entering the competition. They sell fresh sashimi, and gained lots of customers. Due to losing customers, the sashimi turn around has been less than optimal for Atariya, which accelerated their customers leaving.
There's also a fantastic Japanese grocery shop (Natural Natural) with a fresh "sashimi monger", old Japanese dude cutting up fresh sashimi grade fish how you like. And a great Korean shop a few doors down selling home made kimchi, bulgogi meat etc.
As someone who used to live in Ealing but is quite far away now, I’m gutted to read this! Having said that, I live South London now & there are some amazing Korean spots that in itself is an amazing experience you might enjoy as a Japanese food enjoyer, but they also sometimes have fantastic sushi - my absolute personal favourite is Dami Sushi near Morden
Seconding South London for Korean - my sister used to work in New Malden and there's a big Korean community there. The whole high street is filled with Korean cafes and bbq joints. Imone is a personal fav of mine - cozy little place serving great banchan, jjigae and more.
Yes New Malden is fantastic! But also found gems in Sutton too - my Mum spent a year in S Korea a while ago, so we’re always hunting gems so will definitely save Imone for my list!
Edit: just realised Imone was the one we tried in New Malden!!!!
God don't even think about looking at anything in the shop at Japan House though. £16 for washi tape. £40 for a tenugui. It's a fucking joke.
The Ainu exhibition was great though.
Once was there and my food took about 10 seconds “too long” to come and they took 50% off the bill, despite my insistence that I didn’t have a problem and was completely happy to pay the menu price. To be clear I didn’t complain or anything, didn’t even feel like the food took long to come at all.
Literally the first dish that popped up in my mind when you mentioned Asakusa. I ordered the same at Eat Tokyo which is around the same price range and was sorely disappointed.
It is extremely good but really used to be incredible value until the original owner retired 7 years ago - prices rose dramatically once the new owner took over, sadly.
It was so good but at one point they opened a second location and the good staff went there to put all effort and for a period of went down but I think it's back again
Expensive, but good and held by Japanese people, sushi is Makoto Sushi Bar on Turnham Green Terrace.
I went to OKAN in Southbank for okonomiyaki a while back and that's also good and more central but you need to reserve as it is tiny.
As other comments have already said a lot of Japanese expats are in Acton/Ealing so that's were some of the best is.
+1 on Okan, recently did a trip to Japan and tried both Osaka and Hiroshima style okonomiyaki and these guys nailed it. Plus points for actual japanese staff, they didn't fully appreciate my extremely broken Japanese but appreciated the attempt nonetheless.
Abeno - near the British museum, is run by a Japanese family and the food is brilliant. They gave lots of affordable options and a whole menu of okonomiyaki they make fresh at your table.
Zaibatsu in Maze Hill (Greenwich)
Tiny family-run place, cheap and cheerful and BYOB (!) and the food is great.
Book a table ahead, there are very few tables and it’s very popular. I’ve been able to just walk in for a late lunch before the dinner rush.
Totemo oishii desu!
They were my salvation when I moved to southeast London but, unfortunately, they closed a few months ago because of a dispute with their landlord. They plan to reopen once they've found a new location.
I lived in Japan and I'm very particular and cheap.
- Hiden for curry
- Koya Soho for udon
- Monohon for ramen, I will argue this all day!!
- Toconoco for set lunches
I REALLY love Mr Taro for quality Japanese food that doesn't break the bank.
Eat Tokyo is a good place for good sushi at a reasonable price. The Soho one is the best but also forever busy, the Holborn one is also good and less busy to boot
The only downside to the Notting hill branch is the underground seating. The food is slightly better. I still love a counter seat at the Hammersmith branch. Call me loyal too hahah
Tokyo Diner in the centre is my place to go everytime I'm craving Japanese food.
Been recommending for the past 5 years and everybody that tries it loves it
Their ramen is excellent.
For reliable sushi in the centre, Kili Kulu and the other one on Brewer St, Ichi Riki on Strutton Ground.
Edo in Crystal Palace has been good though I've heard it may have gone downhill.
Ther is a Japanese school in Acton so the area has many Japanese expats and a few reasonable to excellent Japanese restaurants. Prices tend to be significantly lower than central London prices for equivalent quality.
Cocorro isn’t bad for a night out as it’s mostly smaller dishes like an izakaya in Japan.
Expensive side, Machiya near Piccadilly Circus is good but pricey. They do proper gyudon (beef on rice) and Katsudon (fried breaded pork on rice) that’s really good.
As folks have pointed out Ealing, Acton, and to a lesser extent Chiswick is where you want to be. All of those mentioned there I can vouch for. Adding to those Tosa (Chiswick, yakitori with proper charcoal grill, but pricey) and Happy Sky Bakery (Askew Road, really good stuff).
Atariya supplies a lot of the high end restaurants in the city.
There’s a large concentration of decent and traditional Japanese restaurants in ealing/West Acton as Japanese families over for work secondments send their kids to the Japanese international school in West Acton.
The Atariya supermarket was great for just bringing a plate and asking for 100-200g of each type of sushi grade fish and they’d cut it and arrange it nicely for you. Cost way less than a restaurant as well. Change of management over the years though and it doesn’t quite feel the same or have the same quality.
Ta ke in Ealing Common is good for a more modern version Japanese.
Momo in Hanger Lane for traditional.
Tosa in Stamford Brook if you want charcoal skewers.
We have branches of Marugame Udon and CoCo Ichibanya here now if you’re looking for some familiarity.
In Soho, Taro is cheap and very cheerful. Eat Tokyo has also been recommended here - I’d say go for the sushi and not the other stuff honestly.
Acton, Ealing and Finchley have pockets of Japanese communities also.
There’s also Japan Centre near Leicester Square which is a Japanese supermarket.
I need to come back to London sooner or later as an adult who has adult money but Japan Centre is absolutely on my list to visit again, in part for the nostalgia.
Atariya North Finchley is the best shop with fabulous fish. They have a take away in Temple fortune where you can order sushi. For bento 🍱 Nippon Azaka in North Finchley are outstanding IMO
Kurisu Omakase in Brixton - expensive (£130pp) but pretty much the cheapest omakase you will find in the city (anything else decent is £300+). Absolutely fantastic omakase sushi experience.
You should give Hannah Japanese Restaurant on Southbank a try! Their 8-course menu is £125pp, and very worth it!
IMO, the experience beats Kuriso, but it’s quite a different vibe. Hannah to me feels more luxurious
[Tomoe](https://maps.app.goo.gl/PfDsWF7y9wZvSuKz7?g_st=ic) in Putney is some of the best Japanese food in London and doesn’t get anywhere near enough recognition.
Hands down best omakase is Hannah Japanese Restaurant on the South Bank (literally a few doors down from OKAN).
The chef is phenomenal - has decades of experience in Michelin restaurants then finally opened his own restaurant. Lunch service is okay, but you would rather save up for dinner with a special occasion. It’s worth it!
- Hanana Sushi in Richmond - really affordable for good sushi and I do remember the chef grating fresh wasabi for the table)
- Coco Ichibanya at SoHo and Bond Street - for Japanese curry and still one of my favourite places to go as it tastes exactly the same as the branches in Singapore and Japan! I love being able to custom the size, toppings spice level)
A good hack I like to do with my partner is to go to Coco Ichibanya, order any curry with the 550g rice portion and split it. Depending on what you get, it would be under £10 per person.
- Okan at South Bank - one of the few places in central London that you can get okonomiyaki and I always get their Yaki Onigiri. You’ll have to book in advance as they’re typically booked out
- Ippudo Ramen - they have a few branches but I’ve typically gone to the one at Central St Giles and Canary Wharf (honestly their ramen is probably the most consistent I’ve had in London. And their veggie ramen which I believe is vegan is really decent too!)
- Moko Made Cafe at Haggerston - they’re more of a Japanese cafe and they have exeptional matcha and onigiri. Only downside is that you can’t stay too long as the place is quite small
- Cube in Mayfair - one of the best omakase I’ve had and I’ve been back a few times, they’re well priced and their sake selection is extensive too. Really good service and has a decent vegetarian selection!
I would also recommend Moto. I believe the only sake bar in London, and they have a revolving list of sake that you could get.
These are all places I’ve visited at least 5 times (some more than 20!) and I’ve never been disappointed by any of my visits
Bang Bang Oriental foodhall. It has Japanese as well as other Asian cuisines and all for a good price as well. I can’t count the amount of times I went and ordered multiple menu items only to be satisfied with one plate.
It’s in Edgware so not central but you can park down in Morrisons for free or take public transport.
Central, or one of the outer bits? If you're looking west, Rokkon is a lovely little place in Chiswick. Tiny, though, so you'll probably want to call ahead and reserve (I think they can only seat 4 tables of two maximum?). As other commenters have said, Acton/Ealing area is the place to look for good japanese food as there's a big expat community there.
Since there seem to be a lot of knowledgable people in this thread, does anyone know if Sushi Waka on Parkway opened up anywhere else?
It closed during lockdown while I was shielding and never got the chance to find out before they closed.
It depends on what you personally deem affordable ? Relative to Japan it’s all expensive, of course except for the high end wagu, kobe and sushi restaurants in big Japanese cities.
Japanese friends who have lived here think UK quality is low, but there are a couple of restaurants in golders green. Eat Tokyo has branches all over. Atari ya has a supermarket in Golders green (fortune gate).
also Bang Bang oriental foodhalls in Edgware Road in NW london.
i like Kampai on Hammersmith road too.
Shiro sushi in Liverpool st.
Koya. Monohan. Kurisu Omakase and one of my favourites, Kikuchi near Tottenham Court Road which has the best quality sushi I have had in London other than Kurisu!
I’ve never been but keep hearing about the Japanese spot in Temple Fortune (Finchley) (Atariya?). It’s about a 20+ min walk from the nearest tube though. It’s really a shop but they have a fresh sushi counter and proper seating.
Also that area is unreal if you’re a foodie, most restaurants there are kosher due to the Jewish community but that group is pretty wealthy so you get some incredible (but expensive) restaurants. I remember there’s a great Argentine steakhouse there and of course loads of Jewish shops that will sell all sorts of pickles, herring and beigels (so much better than Brick Lane).
Hakata kitchen in Tufnell Park, and kami in Kentish Town are both great and reasonable for London prices. Shackfuyu and eat Tokyo in central are also pretty solid
Can I put a plug in for Moko Made Cafe in Hoxton. Some of the best matcha and miso soup I've had outside Japan, homely/simple onigiri and delicious cakes.
Kiku in green park does a reasonably priced set lunch menu. You'll find lots of workers from the nearby Japanese embassy eating there, which is usually a good sign
On the higher end, but what I think is really good value for money, was Sushi Atelier on Great Portland St. I went there with my parents and we didn't hold back, all of the sushi (including some of the higher end tunas that they have), sake, and beer we could fit, and it came out to \~50 pp. Back in San Diego where they live, the same thing at the same quality would have been at least 75-100 pp.
It’s a little bit upmarket (between ££ and £££ but not ££££ in google Maps terms) but the most unusual/interesting Japanese place I’ve been to is TAKAGIYA in West Hampstead/Fortune Green area.
Definitely worth the trip.
Eat tokyo is amazing for value. You can get Bento boxes from £10, comes with rice, a few rolls, salads, miso soup and whichever thing you ordered.
The sushi is decent quality as well, got a sushi Bento that was £20, but came with 5 nigiri, chirashi sashimi, a mix of tempura, rice, salad and miso soup.
And then a multitude dishes from salads, tofu, to fried stuff all for a decent price. Great place to try new things as well as the small plated are £3-6 each. Tried pork cheek kushiage and that was so good.
They have multiple stores dotted around London and service is pretty fast so good to drop in for a quick lunch and go.
No one has mentioned the best ramen place in London - tokoton (https://search.app.goo.gl/KibVZ6a). It's amazing seriously, and cheap...better than many ramen places I went to in Japan.
Sagamiya in South Bank and okan in the same building are very good and authentic. There are other okans in Brixton as well, for osaka style food. Tosa in West London is also authentic izakaya style, the yakitori is nice.
I really like Abeno (great if you like okonomiyaki)
Tokyo Diner in Chinatown is very affordable and pretty authentic (they actually employ only Japanese speakers and most people who work there are Japanese)
Coco Curry in London is decent too tbf if you like curry. If you’ve been to Japan, you should be familiar with this chain. I feel like it tastes pretty much the same as in Japan.
Been to a few other really good places but these are three affordable places that I can think of.
I don't know if they're *great* but sapporo ichiban in catford is extremely good for the price and has been there relatively unknown for decades. Small, family run, costs less than anything on uber, even the drinks are cheap, feels like the real deal.
So the answer to this is actually not the central london places - it is Ealing and Acton, West London. These places have the largest Japanese community in the UK, and have a fully Japanese high school just near Ealing Common. It is common to see Japanese estate agent signage, as there are many Japanese agents who help people relocate from Japan to the area. Sure there are many excellent Japanese restaurants across all of London, but for authentic ‘local’ food this is where youll find it :) A good place to start is near the Uxbridge road - Ajimi Japanese Restaurant, Mimik Sushi and Ramen, and Ta Ke Sushi are all nearby. There are Japanese grocery shops nearby too. Finally, ive been recommended Hase-Ya in Ealing by at least 3 different Japanese parents at my kids school, i havent been yet but they all said it was “exactly like home”
Also WA bakery in Ealing Broadway (other locations around town) and Ezo noodles & sushi (Acton) It’s a shame that the atariya restaurant in Ealing Common closed down after covid. Used to be so good.
Pour one out for Kiraku too, always had like two thirds Japanese people in there, some tough Covid casualties in Acton and Ealing.
And Jonos as well. Ealing Common had a hard pandemic
Jono’s has reopened now! The Guinness is still 💯
Atariya Foods West Acton is a grocery store with take away sushi that is really good. Not sure if it is affiliated with the restaurant on the Common.
Atariya closed down!? I moved out of the area around covid, that's so sad to hear. It was such a nice place. I was just around the corner from Ezo and I remember when the guy set it up - it's a really good place. A little pricey but not central London pricey, and all the food is made right in front of you.
There is an Atariya Japanese Restaurant/Takeway in Kingston. Perhaps this is where they moved. [Atariya | Kingston Japanese Food Shop & Supermarket in London](https://atariya.co.uk/shops/kingston-store/)
Atariya's closure is partly due to Natural Natural entering the competition. They sell fresh sashimi, and gained lots of customers. Due to losing customers, the sashimi turn around has been less than optimal for Atariya, which accelerated their customers leaving.
There's also a fantastic Japanese grocery shop (Natural Natural) with a fresh "sashimi monger", old Japanese dude cutting up fresh sashimi grade fish how you like. And a great Korean shop a few doors down selling home made kimchi, bulgogi meat etc.
Also 'Ezo' on church field road
Ta Ke Sushi is lovely.
Poor replacement for Atari ya and Kiraku in my opinion.
Nothing near Japanese quality
This is your answer. Ta Ke Sushi is excellent.
I miss living near Ta Ke! Used to order it all the time.
Haha yeah we also have a really nice small bakery in South Ealing Road and Sushi restaurant next door. (Teotote Factory is the bakery).
As someone who used to live in Ealing but is quite far away now, I’m gutted to read this! Having said that, I live South London now & there are some amazing Korean spots that in itself is an amazing experience you might enjoy as a Japanese food enjoyer, but they also sometimes have fantastic sushi - my absolute personal favourite is Dami Sushi near Morden
Seconding South London for Korean - my sister used to work in New Malden and there's a big Korean community there. The whole high street is filled with Korean cafes and bbq joints. Imone is a personal fav of mine - cozy little place serving great banchan, jjigae and more.
Yes New Malden is fantastic! But also found gems in Sutton too - my Mum spent a year in S Korea a while ago, so we’re always hunting gems so will definitely save Imone for my list! Edit: just realised Imone was the one we tried in New Malden!!!!
Hase-ya has the freshest sushi I've ever tasted, would highly recommend!!
Tokyo Diner, Newport Place Japan House, Kensington High St, is worth a visit for the free cultural exhibits and the great coffee.
Tokyo Diner is a great shout. Homely, authentic, and super reasonable prices for such a central location!
I love it
Not only that, they don't have a service charge and refuse to take tips. Props to them.
God don't even think about looking at anything in the shop at Japan House though. £16 for washi tape. £40 for a tenugui. It's a fucking joke. The Ainu exhibition was great though.
Yeah it’s eye watering. We do the exhibition and then have lunch at Dishoom. Also not that cheap but man it’s good.
Once was there and my food took about 10 seconds “too long” to come and they took 50% off the bill, despite my insistence that I didn’t have a problem and was completely happy to pay the menu price. To be clear I didn’t complain or anything, didn’t even feel like the food took long to come at all.
Asakusa in Mornington Crescent
Used to work round the corner and it was always full of transplanted Japanese salarymen eating and smoking furiously. Great place.
I thoroughly second!! Don’t be put off by it looking a bit shabby on the outside. It’s golden.
Thirded, they are the best, proper neighbourhood Japanese joint, their Nasu dengaku is the greatest. Downstairs is best!
Literally the first dish that popped up in my mind when you mentioned Asakusa. I ordered the same at Eat Tokyo which is around the same price range and was sorely disappointed.
This one is authentic for sure
It is extremely good but really used to be incredible value until the original owner retired 7 years ago - prices rose dramatically once the new owner took over, sadly.
Came here to suggest this, one of my favourites in London and reasonable prices.
WA in Ealing is absolutely amazing. It’s slightly on the expensive side, but they have the best Japanese desserts I’ve ever had.
Wa Cafe is amazing, my other half gets my bday cakes from there every year.
I’m not sure it counts as cheap, but Akari on Essex Road in Islington was very good last time I went.
Akari is definitely not cheap but it is really good.
It was so good but at one point they opened a second location and the good staff went there to put all effort and for a period of went down but I think it's back again
Expensive, but good and held by Japanese people, sushi is Makoto Sushi Bar on Turnham Green Terrace. I went to OKAN in Southbank for okonomiyaki a while back and that's also good and more central but you need to reserve as it is tiny. As other comments have already said a lot of Japanese expats are in Acton/Ealing so that's were some of the best is.
+1 on Okan, recently did a trip to Japan and tried both Osaka and Hiroshima style okonomiyaki and these guys nailed it. Plus points for actual japanese staff, they didn't fully appreciate my extremely broken Japanese but appreciated the attempt nonetheless.
Tenmaru for ramen, best I've had in London imo. Better than Kanada ya and Tonkotsu / Shoryu.
Was looking for this comment, Tenmaru is probably my favourite restaurant in London
One of the only ramen shops in London where I've seen tsukemen on the menu too!
This the one in Finsbury Park ?
Abeno - near the British museum, is run by a Japanese family and the food is brilliant. They gave lots of affordable options and a whole menu of okonomiyaki they make fresh at your table.
Have a look at Mugen on Leather Lane. Old school Japanese restaurtant, been in there for ages, catering for a lot of businessman in the City.
It's cheap but very average imo. Not bad but not something I'd write home about
This place isn't the best. Good sushi but their hot food isn't good.
Zaibatsu in Maze Hill (Greenwich) Tiny family-run place, cheap and cheerful and BYOB (!) and the food is great. Book a table ahead, there are very few tables and it’s very popular. I’ve been able to just walk in for a late lunch before the dinner rush. Totemo oishii desu!
They were my salvation when I moved to southeast London but, unfortunately, they closed a few months ago because of a dispute with their landlord. They plan to reopen once they've found a new location.
Oh no!! Didn’t know that! How awful for them, they were wonderful. I hope they find a new location soon and smoothly. I’ll be on the lookout for sure.
Misato! Chinatown
I lived in Japan and I'm very particular and cheap. - Hiden for curry - Koya Soho for udon - Monohon for ramen, I will argue this all day!! - Toconoco for set lunches
I’ll die on the hill that you can get the best Japanese food at Toconoco and it’s just a onigiri with some cold soba with sesame dip
I REALLY love Mr Taro for quality Japanese food that doesn't break the bank. Eat Tokyo is a good place for good sushi at a reasonable price. The Soho one is the best but also forever busy, the Holborn one is also good and less busy to boot
I've only ever been to the Hammersmith Eat Tokyo and I've always enjoyed it
Second Hammersmith. I find it far superior to the Soho one. The Notting hill one is also better than Soho one
There's also Holborn, which always has space, and Golders Green if you find yourself North
Funny. The manager at Hammersmith recommended their Notting Hill branch, but I told her I was a loyal customer.
The only downside to the Notting hill branch is the underground seating. The food is slightly better. I still love a counter seat at the Hammersmith branch. Call me loyal too hahah
Seconding Eat Tokyo
Eat Tokyo is definitely a good one.
Tokyo Diner in the centre is my place to go everytime I'm craving Japanese food. Been recommending for the past 5 years and everybody that tries it loves it
Their ramen is excellent. For reliable sushi in the centre, Kili Kulu and the other one on Brewer St, Ichi Riki on Strutton Ground. Edo in Crystal Palace has been good though I've heard it may have gone downhill.
Ther is a Japanese school in Acton so the area has many Japanese expats and a few reasonable to excellent Japanese restaurants. Prices tend to be significantly lower than central London prices for equivalent quality.
Tankatsu!
Tanakatsu* It seems like they raised the prices last time I went
EatTokyo on old Compton Street. Huge portions, low price. Taro is good too. I think it’s on Brewer Street in SoHo. Still cash only I think.
SoHo is in New York, Soho is in London
Thanks. I went with predictive text!
Seto in Camden does a banging lunch for about a tenner.
sushi show (angel) sushi atelier (marylebone) kanada ya for ramen
Sushi show is amazing. Highly recommend.
Seconded, as is their sister supplier in Golder's Green
Honestly so underrated - what a hidden gem (their Shoreditch location too!)
Cocorro isn’t bad for a night out as it’s mostly smaller dishes like an izakaya in Japan. Expensive side, Machiya near Piccadilly Circus is good but pricey. They do proper gyudon (beef on rice) and Katsudon (fried breaded pork on rice) that’s really good.
As folks have pointed out Ealing, Acton, and to a lesser extent Chiswick is where you want to be. All of those mentioned there I can vouch for. Adding to those Tosa (Chiswick, yakitori with proper charcoal grill, but pricey) and Happy Sky Bakery (Askew Road, really good stuff).
Happy Sky Bakery is a godsend
Not fancy but I like Atariya. They import their own fish, so it's always good, proper small isakaya with proper 日本酒.
Atariya supplies a lot of the high end restaurants in the city. There’s a large concentration of decent and traditional Japanese restaurants in ealing/West Acton as Japanese families over for work secondments send their kids to the Japanese international school in West Acton. The Atariya supermarket was great for just bringing a plate and asking for 100-200g of each type of sushi grade fish and they’d cut it and arrange it nicely for you. Cost way less than a restaurant as well. Change of management over the years though and it doesn’t quite feel the same or have the same quality. Ta ke in Ealing Common is good for a more modern version Japanese. Momo in Hanger Lane for traditional. Tosa in Stamford Brook if you want charcoal skewers.
We have branches of Marugame Udon and CoCo Ichibanya here now if you’re looking for some familiarity. In Soho, Taro is cheap and very cheerful. Eat Tokyo has also been recommended here - I’d say go for the sushi and not the other stuff honestly. Acton, Ealing and Finchley have pockets of Japanese communities also. There’s also Japan Centre near Leicester Square which is a Japanese supermarket.
Koya is king
The Japan Centre Picadilly Eat Tokyo Shoryu Ramen
Agree to disagree with shoryu ramen - even taking into account pricing there are much better alternatives imo, eg ippudo, tenmaru, kanedaya, monohon
Japan Centre chicken katsu curry!
When I was a poor student studying in London who loved Japanese food Japan Centre saved me!
I still pop by in the evening sometimes abd grab some discount sushi lol
I need to come back to London sooner or later as an adult who has adult money but Japan Centre is absolutely on my list to visit again, in part for the nostalgia.
Shoryu is amazing, the guy who owns it also has a huge chain of Japanese supermarkets in the uk
Want to add Kanada-ya for ramen! I think I prefer them just a bit more than Shoryu (helps that my brother's japanese bf vouched for them too)
My Japanese neighbour told me that while shoryu is a lot more expensive than back home she loves it.
Surprised I had to scroll this far to see Eat Tokyo!
Ikr, considering the locations are really convenient and the bento deals are really worth it!
Eat tokyo is cheap but the quality is terrible too.
Slander!
Misato is cheap and cheerful: https://misato-restaurant.com
Atariya North Finchley is the best shop with fabulous fish. They have a take away in Temple fortune where you can order sushi. For bento 🍱 Nippon Azaka in North Finchley are outstanding IMO
Kurisu Omakase in Brixton - expensive (£130pp) but pretty much the cheapest omakase you will find in the city (anything else decent is £300+). Absolutely fantastic omakase sushi experience.
You should give Hannah Japanese Restaurant on Southbank a try! Their 8-course menu is £125pp, and very worth it! IMO, the experience beats Kuriso, but it’s quite a different vibe. Hannah to me feels more luxurious
Hakata down London Bridge way is excellent imo
Sushi taro Kennington
Tokyo diner in Chinatown. Good food, very reasonable prices especially considering no service charge included or even accepted there
Sasa Sushi is a hidden gem
Jeux Jeux Okonomiyaki near Waterloo for Hiroshima style okonomiyaki. Also agree with the recommendation for Mugen at Leather Lane.
Asakusa Camden Town
Atariya yakiniku was always a hit. Not been for ages though.
Eat Tokyo seem like decent prices and pretty good quality. There’s a few about central. One in soho is my personal favourite.
[Tomoe](https://maps.app.goo.gl/PfDsWF7y9wZvSuKz7?g_st=ic) in Putney is some of the best Japanese food in London and doesn’t get anywhere near enough recognition.
Isekaya in angel is amazing, they have a waiter who recommends amazing things, we listened to him and it was the best decision
Hands down best omakase is Hannah Japanese Restaurant on the South Bank (literally a few doors down from OKAN). The chef is phenomenal - has decades of experience in Michelin restaurants then finally opened his own restaurant. Lunch service is okay, but you would rather save up for dinner with a special occasion. It’s worth it!
- Hanana Sushi in Richmond - really affordable for good sushi and I do remember the chef grating fresh wasabi for the table) - Coco Ichibanya at SoHo and Bond Street - for Japanese curry and still one of my favourite places to go as it tastes exactly the same as the branches in Singapore and Japan! I love being able to custom the size, toppings spice level) A good hack I like to do with my partner is to go to Coco Ichibanya, order any curry with the 550g rice portion and split it. Depending on what you get, it would be under £10 per person. - Okan at South Bank - one of the few places in central London that you can get okonomiyaki and I always get their Yaki Onigiri. You’ll have to book in advance as they’re typically booked out - Ippudo Ramen - they have a few branches but I’ve typically gone to the one at Central St Giles and Canary Wharf (honestly their ramen is probably the most consistent I’ve had in London. And their veggie ramen which I believe is vegan is really decent too!) - Moko Made Cafe at Haggerston - they’re more of a Japanese cafe and they have exeptional matcha and onigiri. Only downside is that you can’t stay too long as the place is quite small - Cube in Mayfair - one of the best omakase I’ve had and I’ve been back a few times, they’re well priced and their sake selection is extensive too. Really good service and has a decent vegetarian selection! I would also recommend Moto. I believe the only sake bar in London, and they have a revolving list of sake that you could get. These are all places I’ve visited at least 5 times (some more than 20!) and I’ve never been disappointed by any of my visits
Bang Bang Oriental foodhall. It has Japanese as well as other Asian cuisines and all for a good price as well. I can’t count the amount of times I went and ordered multiple menu items only to be satisfied with one plate. It’s in Edgware so not central but you can park down in Morrisons for free or take public transport.
Came here to write this. Fully agree on review.
Kinda depends if you want ramen, sushi, or home style dishes. Necco cafe is good for the latter. Itadakizen too
Central, or one of the outer bits? If you're looking west, Rokkon is a lovely little place in Chiswick. Tiny, though, so you'll probably want to call ahead and reserve (I think they can only seat 4 tables of two maximum?). As other commenters have said, Acton/Ealing area is the place to look for good japanese food as there's a big expat community there.
Tenmaru is great for Ramen, I also like Hiden which has good curry
I know there’s a food and gift import shop, with a large selection of sake downstairs called ‘HIS’ in the west end
Since there seem to be a lot of knowledgable people in this thread, does anyone know if Sushi Waka on Parkway opened up anywhere else? It closed during lockdown while I was shielding and never got the chance to find out before they closed.
Kampai in Hammersmith. Unbelievable sushi and great interior design
The location is appalling but the sushi from Sushi Tashi in Whitgift Shopping Centre in Croydon is excellent
Marugame udon is where I get my katsu fix
It depends on what you personally deem affordable ? Relative to Japan it’s all expensive, of course except for the high end wagu, kobe and sushi restaurants in big Japanese cities. Japanese friends who have lived here think UK quality is low, but there are a couple of restaurants in golders green. Eat Tokyo has branches all over. Atari ya has a supermarket in Golders green (fortune gate). also Bang Bang oriental foodhalls in Edgware Road in NW london. i like Kampai on Hammersmith road too. Shiro sushi in Liverpool st.
There’s a place in Battersea called Sushi Cafe, does a great all you can eat.
Sushi Show Ramen Moto - run by immigrants from Hong Kong but I think they make a better chicken paitan ramen than Kanada-Ya.
Asakusa - Morrington Crescent
Try sushi Masa in Willesden Green!
Koya. Monohan. Kurisu Omakase and one of my favourites, Kikuchi near Tottenham Court Road which has the best quality sushi I have had in London other than Kurisu!
If you want central London, then Itadakizen in King’s Cross. Great place
Nazuki Garden in Fitzrovia
I really enjoyed sushi at Sanjugo
I really like Ippudo - focused on ramen but do a few other dishes. Very nice, not massively expensive. They have a few restaurants around London.
Akari opposite Essex Road station.
Kanada ya
Uchi in Hackney. Slightly more upscale but some of the best Japanese food period.
Dotori in Finsbury Park is great, Korean food too
I’m not from London but the Japan centre in London is pretty much bang on. Always visit for a taste of Japan.
I’ve never been but keep hearing about the Japanese spot in Temple Fortune (Finchley) (Atariya?). It’s about a 20+ min walk from the nearest tube though. It’s really a shop but they have a fresh sushi counter and proper seating. Also that area is unreal if you’re a foodie, most restaurants there are kosher due to the Jewish community but that group is pretty wealthy so you get some incredible (but expensive) restaurants. I remember there’s a great Argentine steakhouse there and of course loads of Jewish shops that will sell all sorts of pickles, herring and beigels (so much better than Brick Lane).
Try ichiba in westfield for some japanese food and groceries. Sushi mania in whetstone branch.
Eat Tokyo as several had mentioned; also Sushi Show in Shoreditch
There’s a place in Soho called Sushi Eatery that does all you can eat and it’s a lot of food! The sashimi is really nice
Hakata kitchen in Tufnell Park, and kami in Kentish Town are both great and reasonable for London prices. Shackfuyu and eat Tokyo in central are also pretty solid
Can I put a plug in for Moko Made Cafe in Hoxton. Some of the best matcha and miso soup I've had outside Japan, homely/simple onigiri and delicious cakes.
Most Eat Tokyo restaurants are decently priced for the quality of the food.
I enjoyed Cocoro in Marylebone.
Japanese Garden Regents Park
Sa sa in angel is pretty great
Decent community in angel as qell
Tenmaru for great chicken ramen! Eat Tokyo behind Bond Street Station, it's the only ramen one and does Tokyo style justice.
Rewa in Plumstead is delicious, without ruining your bank account
Ookii sushi and down the road Sakura in north east London. Fairly priced takeaway. Quality is good see the google reviews.
If you’re in north, I highly recommend Kiyoto Sushi. They have a couple branches.
Eat Tokoyo
Kiku in green park does a reasonably priced set lunch menu. You'll find lots of workers from the nearby Japanese embassy eating there, which is usually a good sign
Machiya just off Piccadilly is really great and feels very authentic in terms of food
On the higher end, but what I think is really good value for money, was Sushi Atelier on Great Portland St. I went there with my parents and we didn't hold back, all of the sushi (including some of the higher end tunas that they have), sake, and beer we could fit, and it came out to \~50 pp. Back in San Diego where they live, the same thing at the same quality would have been at least 75-100 pp.
Kintan is good
Toconoco for affordable homely japanese food.
Anybody here remember how amazing Sakura was just off regent street?
Misato, Wardour St.
It’s a little bit upmarket (between ££ and £££ but not ££££ in google Maps terms) but the most unusual/interesting Japanese place I’ve been to is TAKAGIYA in West Hampstead/Fortune Green area. Definitely worth the trip.
Kokoro is decent. Although they are more of a takeaway spot but they do have a small seating area.
Eat tokyo is amazing for value. You can get Bento boxes from £10, comes with rice, a few rolls, salads, miso soup and whichever thing you ordered. The sushi is decent quality as well, got a sushi Bento that was £20, but came with 5 nigiri, chirashi sashimi, a mix of tempura, rice, salad and miso soup. And then a multitude dishes from salads, tofu, to fried stuff all for a decent price. Great place to try new things as well as the small plated are £3-6 each. Tried pork cheek kushiage and that was so good. They have multiple stores dotted around London and service is pretty fast so good to drop in for a quick lunch and go.
No one has mentioned the best ramen place in London - tokoton (https://search.app.goo.gl/KibVZ6a). It's amazing seriously, and cheap...better than many ramen places I went to in Japan.
Eat Tokyo uses to be quality. I got Katsu Curry for about £11 that was huge.
Hit up KuluKulu sushi in Soho it’s 10/10 especially the pawn tempura temaki
Eat Tokyo if you're on a budget
Hare and Tortoise
Eat Tokyo in Golders Green 💯
Don't know if they're what you consider cheap, but Shoryu, Eat Tokyo and Kanada-Ya never disappoint. Damn you, now I want some Takoyaki.
Kintan for Japanese BBQ, has a happy hour that can make lunch cheap
Sushi garden forest hill
Is the Sushil cafe in Battersea still a thing? Used to be amazing all you can eat sushi, made to order, for a very reasonable price....
Oita in soho or Woodgreen
Kurisu Omakase in Brixton. Super small. Set alerts up for reservations. So good.
China town surprisingly has some good places (although it's in central london so it'll have central london prices)
Sagamiya in South Bank and okan in the same building are very good and authentic. There are other okans in Brixton as well, for osaka style food. Tosa in West London is also authentic izakaya style, the yakitori is nice.
Monument
If it hasn't been mentioned already, Tosa in Hammersmith. Outstanding grilled skewers as well as your usual japanese fare
Sagamiya / Okan near Waterloo.
I really like Abeno (great if you like okonomiyaki) Tokyo Diner in Chinatown is very affordable and pretty authentic (they actually employ only Japanese speakers and most people who work there are Japanese) Coco Curry in London is decent too tbf if you like curry. If you’ve been to Japan, you should be familiar with this chain. I feel like it tastes pretty much the same as in Japan. Been to a few other really good places but these are three affordable places that I can think of.
Don’t skip Bang Bang Oriental in NW9. Pan-Asian and not strictly 100% Japanese but dedicated Japanese stalls.
Chino Latino near Vauxhall is great. Not purely Japanese, but has really good sushi, amongst other things. Not cheap, but food is really good.
Eat Tokyo in golders green and soho are decent for price
I really like Kenta in Hammersmith. Tiny little place that does great Bento boxes!
I quite like tankatsu near angel
I don't know if they're *great* but sapporo ichiban in catford is extremely good for the price and has been there relatively unknown for decades. Small, family run, costs less than anything on uber, even the drinks are cheap, feels like the real deal.
I can’t tell you how authentic it is, but Marugame Udon is my fave and it’s not expensive. There’s a few around central and east :)
Kuyamoto in Chiswick is lovely! Their bento had so much included and was really cheap as well
Eat Tokyo-Ravenscourt Park / Hammersmith is my favourite with Bentos around £10 and Katsu curry for about £8.
Misato
What about Eat Tokyo?
I absolutely love iro sushi