Japanese Near You

Find the best japanese restaurants closest to you.

Every place here is handpicked. Signal score shows how strong and consistent the review coverage is, not a star rating.

54 restaurants found

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1
Endo at the Rotunda

Japanese Omakase · ££££

93Signal

Start with

Endo's Business Card

This signature roll of tuna is wrapped in 'very delicate seaweed from Tokyo' and is described by critics as a 'lovely bite' that showcases the chef's precision with rice served at the 'correct body temperature.'

A theatrical, sky-high omakase experience where Chef Endo performs culinary magic on a 200-year-old Hinoki wood counter overlooking White City.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

8th Floor, The Helios, Television Centre, 101 Wood Ln

2
Sushi Atelier

Modern Japanese · ££

91Signal

Start with

12 Pieces of Omakase Nigiri

Critics describe this as '£33 well spent', featuring 'unctuous scallop' and 'delicately fatty chutoro' on rice that is 'still just warm' and 'lightly vinegared'.

A modern, buzzing Fitzrovia counter serving high-end, flame-seared sushi at prices that undercut the Mayfair competition.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

114 Great Portland St

3
Cafe Japan

Japanese · ££

88Signal

Start with

Omakase Sushi

The restaurant is owned by fish wholesalers, ensuring exceptional quality; critics highlight the sea bream as a 'benchmark' and appreciate the use of freshly grated wasabi.

A deceptively simple local institution owned by fish wholesalers, offering some of London's freshest sushi at neighborhood prices.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

626 Finchley Rd

4
Angelina

Itameshi (Italian-Japanese Fusion) · £££

88Signal

Start with

Hokkaido milk bread

Consistently hailed as '100% the right way to start any meal,' this bread is celebrated for its cloud-like texture and unique accompaniments like kumquat and burnt honey butter.

A surreal yet successful mash-up of Italian and Japanese cuisines served in a sleek, monochromatic Dalston space with paper lanterns and high energy.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

56 Dalston Ln

5
Takahashi

Japanese · ££££

88Signal

Start with

Nigiri Selection

Described as 'nigiri of absolute luxury,' featuring 'luscious' kinmedai (splendid alfonsino) and 'delicate and elegant' shimaaji, all served on 'perfect, just-vinegared' rice.

An intimate, zen-like suburban gem serving high-end omakase and superlative sushi without the West End attitude.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

228 Merton Rd

6
Big Night

British-Japanese Skewers / Izakaya · ££

85Signal

Start with

Chicken and Spring Onion Skewer

Universally praised as a 'jubilation' of charred, juicy thighs that 'practically burst in the mouth' and offer the savoury goodness one craves when 'teetering on tipsy.'

A raucous, izakaya-inspired party spot in Hackney serving charcoal-grilled skewers alongside house pickles, loud disco, and mandatory shots.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

177 Morning Ln

7
Roketsu

Japanese Kaiseki · ££££

85Signal

Start with

Toro Sashimi with Egg Yolk Sauce

The 'star of the show' according to multiple critics; fatty otoro slices are served with an egg-yolk-enriched sauce described as 'liquid gold' that 'melts in the mouth'.

An authentically serene transport to Kyoto offering a hushed, high-end Kaiseki experience at a spectacular hinoki wood counter.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

12 New Quebec St

8
Osteria Angelina

Itameshi (Italian-Japanese) · £££

84Signal

Start with

Tortellini with Truffle & Kombu

This dish perfectly illustrates the restaurant's 'dual culinary inspiration,' blending Italian technique with Japanese depth.

A sleek, buzzing Spitalfields warehouse conversion serving highly craveable Itameshi (Italian-Japanese) sharing plates.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

1, Nicholls Clarke Yard

9
Sumi

Japanese / Sushi · ££££

83Signal

Start with

Temaki (Hand Rolls)

These "taco-like" rolls feature "glimmering sheets of salmon" or tuna diced into curved nori; they are the "stars of the show" and highlight the restaurant's signature casual style.

The relaxed, minimalist sister to Michelin-starred Endo at the Rotunda, offering high-end sushi without the ceremony.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

157 Westbourne Grove

10
Toconoco

Japanese · £

82Signal

Start with

Udon Noodles

Critics praise the broth for its "chicken-y depth of flavour" and note that it "oozed character," while the noodles themselves retain a perfect "slight bite."

A hidden, sun-filled canal-side café serving authentic Japanese home cooking while doubling as a chaotic but charming play space for local toddlers.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

Unit A, 28 Hertford Rd

11
Tetote Factory

Japanese Bakery · £

82Signal

Start with

Tuna & Corn Bun

A standout of the 'sensational' savoury selection, this classic Japanese combination is described by critics as a 'culinary jackpot' that is remarkably 'filling for the price.'

A tiny, bread-scented grab-and-go jewel where shelves of impeccably baked Japanese dough vanish before the afternoon.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

12 S Ealing Rd

12
Kikuchi

Japanese · ££££

82Signal

Start with

Omakase Course

The benchmark experience here; reviewers universally recommend entrusting the chef with the selection of nigiri and sashimi.

A hidden, temple-like sanctuary in a gritty alleyway where serious sushi purists go for high-end, traditional omakase without the Mayfair glitz.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

13
Itadaki Zen

Japanese / Vegan · £

82Signal

Start with

Tofu steak set

A hearty, lip-smacking tofu steak topped with teriyaki sauce and melty sautéed carrots.

A trailblazing, understated King's Cross sanctuary serving Europe's first 100% vegan and organic Japanese cuisine.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

139 King's Cross Rd

14
Aces Foodcraft

Japanese Fusion / Tasting Menu · ££££

80Signal

Start with

Temaco

A signature hybrid of a taco and a temaki handroll that critics describe as 'the right kind of fun.' It features a delicate crispy seaweed shell filled with bluefin tuna, sushi rice, and wasabi, served with a 'homemade tabasco' fermented chilli sauce.

An intimate, produce-obsessed Fitzrovia hideaway where chef Alex Craciun delivers a playful, globally-influenced Japanese tasting menu at a nine-seat counter.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

8 Pearson Square

15
MOI

Japanese · ££££

80Signal

Start with

Pineapple Rib Tomato

Hot Dinners claims this is 'the best tomato dish being served in London right now,' featuring smoked cream and toasted nori that left the reviewers 'obsessed.'

A visually striking Soho spot blending a "rainforest" aesthetic of tree trunks and poured concrete with Japanese wood-fire cooking and a basement listening bar.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

London, United Kingdom

16
Kissa Wa Café

Japanese Café · ££

80Signal

Start with

Udon with Aubergine

Described as a 'really nice bowl to chew and slurp on,' this dish features gooey aubergine slices and puffed tofu in a 'gentle but umami-rich' soy-based broth.

A therapeutic, minimalist Japanese sanctuary near Highbury Corner perfect for slow solo lunches and quiet reflection.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

15 Corsica St

17
Monohon Ramen

Japanese Ramen · ££

80Signal

Start with

Abura Soba

Reviewers praise this 'soupless ramen' for its 'thick, bouncy ramen noodles' served on a 'sesame-oil based tare.' Time Out notes it is a 'unique variation' worth 'ticking off your list at least once.'

A tiny, authentic counter-dining spot near Old Street serving in-house noodles and rare, brothless specialities to a queued-up crowd.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

102 Old St

18
HIMI

Japanese Neo-Izakaya · £££

80Signal

Start with

Nigiri Selection

With chefs from the acclaimed Roji, the sushi is technically flawless—expect fatty tuna that evaporates in your mouth and perfectly sweet squid.

A cramped, high-energy neo-izakaya in Carnaby where ex-Roji chefs serve flawless sushi and inventive drinking food to a hip-hop soundtrack.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

4 Newburgh St

19
OKAN

Japanese · £

80Signal

Start with

Okan Special Okonomiyaki

The signature Osakan pancake loaded with prawn, squid, kimchi, and sweetcorn, drizzled with Kewpie mayo and okonomiyaki sauce.

A tiny, bustling Osakan canteen serving hearty okonomiyaki and yaki soba in a retro, hole-in-the-wall setting.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

County Hall, Belvedere Rd

20
Marugame Udon

Japanese · £

79Signal

Start with

Beef Nikutama Udon

The sweet short-rib beef and soft poached onsen egg combination is the crowd-pleaser that balances the chewy noodles perfectly.

A high-efficiency, cafeteria-style udon factory that offers unbeatable value, unlimited condiments, and a bustling 'Wagamama meets IKEA' energy.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

21
Koya

Japanese Udon · ££

78Signal

Start with

Smoked mackerel with fresh herbs and leaves on a bed of udon with a sensationally good sauce

A cold dish that was 'so vividly flavoured, and yet also so fresh and (thanks to the veg) so sharply green-tasting, that it added up to a perfect winter cheerer-up.' The noodles had 'a mystifying depth of flavour and a perfect texture'.

An authentic, minimalist Japanese noodle bar where chefs knead dough by foot to produce London's springiest udon in a serene but fast-paced setting.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

22
Zen Mondo

Japanese · ££

78Signal

Start with

Zanmai Chirashi

A 'visually stunning' bowl described as having a 'superb' taste; it features high-quality ingredients including snow crab, scallop, yellowtail, and marinated mackerel on mixed vegetable sushi rice.

A calming, shoebox-sized escape from Angel's bustle serving homestyle Japanese classics and excellent chirashi bowls amidst handmade pottery.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

326 Upper St

23
Koya Soho

Japanese · ££

78Signal

Start with

Beef Atsu-Atsu

The tender brisket and perfectly balanced hot broth make this a comforting, benchmark bowl for first-timers.

A fast-paced, walk-in only udon counter where solo diners and pairs slurp foot-stomped noodles in a utilitarian, authentically Japanese setting.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

50 Frith St

24
Jugemu

Japanese · £££

77Signal

Start with

Omakase

Andy Hayler recommends letting the chef decide on the food to experience high-quality selections like bonito with spicy soy and uni chawanmushi.

A tiny, teleportative slice of authentic Japan in Soho with chaotic energy, handwritten menus, and a strict counter-dining culture.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

London, United Kingdom

25
Jin Kichi

Japanese Izakaya · £££

76Signal

Start with

Tsukune

Hardens reviewers consistently praise the 'wonderful' yakitori prepared at the grill bar; these chicken meatballs remain the gold standard for their authentic robata style.

A stalwart Hampstead izakaya that transports you straight to Tokyo with its smoky robata grill, wood-paneled maze of rooms, and authentic skewer-focused menu.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

73 Heath St

26
Humble Chicken

Japanese Omakase · ££££

76Signal

Start with

Mussel with Citrus Kosho Ponzu

Universally praised as a 'very tasty' one-bite opener that provides a fresh, acidic start to the 16-course tasting menu.

An immersive, high-energy counter-dining experience where serious Michelin-starred omakase meets a fun, unpretentious atmosphere with a loud hip-hop and pop playlist.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

54 Frith St

27
Tobi Masa

Japanese / Omakase · ££££

76Signal

Start with

Masa Toro Tartare

An 'iconic' signature dish 'crowned with caviar in a way that reads indulgent yet understated,' showcasing the chef's mastery of luxury ingredients.

A serene, ultra-luxury sushi temple from NYC legend Masa Takayama, offering high-precision omakase and signature dishes in the historic Chancery Rosewood.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

The Shops at, 10 Columbus Cir Floor 4

28
Mugen

Japanese · ££

76Signal

Start with

Matsumae sushi

Mugen's signature dish features rich, fatty Norwegian mackerel cured overnight with vinegar and topped with a layer of transparent konbu seaweed.

An authentic, hidden-gem Japanese eatery near Farringdon that draws in a loyal crowd of Japanese expats with its top-tier sushi and extensive izakaya menu.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

London, United Kingdom

29
Koya City

Japanese · ££

75Signal

Start with

Kinoko Udon

A staple choice featuring 'famed handmade udon' in a deep, nutty mushroom broth. Foodism notes that as soon as these noodles slide in front of you, you'll feel like it's just you and the bowl.

A polished, wood-paneled udon specialist in the Bloomberg Arcade that trades the chaotic queues of its Soho sibling for bookable tables and a calmer, slightly more corporate efficiency.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

10-12 Bloomberg Arcade

30
Yuki Bar

Japanese Wine Bar · £££

75Signal

Start with

Beef Rump Tataki

Described as 'rosy sheafs of obliging, raw rump steak,' this dish comes with an 'effective activity centre of dips and intensifiers' including hot mustard and soy.

An intimate, disco-soundtracked railway arch where a Noma alum pours rare natural wines alongside Japanese-European snacking plates.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

426 Reading Ln

31
Tomoe

Japanese · ££

75Signal

Start with

Spider Roll

Called the 'must have dish,' this roll combines soft shell crab, avocado, and fish roe with a touch of spicy sauce for what critics call the 'ultimate sushi roll.'

An unassuming, authentically understated neighborhood Japanese spot where the scruffy decor is forgotten the moment the high-quality sushi arrives.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

292 Upper Richmond Rd

32
Sushi Show

Japanese · ££

71Signal

Start with

Fatty Tuna Nigiri

Praised for 'excellent quality fish' that reviewers claim rivals 'proper omakase counter places' costing well over £100 per head.

A tiny, authentic fishmonger-cum-sushi bar in Camden Passage offering high-grade fish at mid-range prices with very limited counter seating.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

28 Camden Passage

33
Koya Ko

Japanese Udon · ££

70Signal

Start with

English Breakfast Udon

The restaurant's iconic dish, tweaked here into a 'kamatama style' where the heat of the noodles 'cooks' a raw egg yolk into a sauce, accompanied by bacon and mushrooms—critics warn 'don't call it a Japanese carbonara'.

The casual, fast-paced 'little sister' to the Soho legend, bringing standing-counter udon culture and exclusive bowls to Broadway Market.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

10 Broadway Market Mews

34
Juno

Japanese Omakase · ££££

70Signal

Start with

Alaskan King Crab (Taraba Kani)

Beautifully presented and already portioned for easy dipping into a 'rich ponzu butter,' this dish is consistently praised as a highlight of the experience.

A hidden, six-seat omakase counter inside Los Mochis offering a unique, theatrical Japanese-Mexican fusion tasting menu.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

London, United Kingdom

35
Yen

Japanese · £££

70Signal

Start with

Handmade Buckwheat Soba

Meticulously prepared twice daily by soba specialists, these noodles are a 'painstaking' craft resulting in fine strands with 'just the right amount of bounce and chew.'

A minimalist, high-ceilinged temple to Japanese elegance just off the Strand, specializing in handmade buckwheat soba.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

77-78 Chapel Market

36
Tokoton Ramen

Japanese Ramen · ££

68Signal

Start with

Creamy Miso Ramen

Reviewers describe the broth as rich, thick, and velvety, noting that the addition of tofu skin elevates the deep umami flavor.

A hidden, nostalgia-filled slice of Showa-era Japan in Elephant and Castle that serves as a quiet, comforting sanctuary for rich, velvety broths.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

25 Bartholomew St

37
Tanakatsu

Japanese · ££

68Signal

Start with

Pork Katsu

Described as a 'perfect marriage of pork, batter, and evenly applied panko,' this dish features a crispy outer layer and soft panko flakes that melt in your mouth.

A sleek, minimalist Japanese diner in Angel serving authentic, generously portioned katsu sets to a loyal local crowd.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

10 Wakley St

38
SASA

Japanese · ££

68Signal

Start with

Nigiri & Sashimi

Reviewers highlight the 'finest cuts of fish' that 'just melt in your mouth.' The tuna is specifically praised for being 'identifiably-fresh' rather than a 'mayonnaise-chili-mash' found elsewhere.

A fiercely loyal Islington neighborhood staple upgrading from modest roots to a larger venue with a dedicated sake bar and binchotan grill.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

370 St John St

39
Kanada-Ya

Japanese Ramen · ££

65Signal

Start with

Tonkotsu Ramen

Regarded by critics as the 'best Tonkotsu ramen in the UK,' this 'original, safe-bet' 18-hour bone broth is 'gloriously rich, milky, and salty.' Experts recommend ordering the noodles 'hard' to ensure the 'right amount of bite' for an authentic experience.

A legendary, tiny ramen shop defined by perpetual queues and a 'slurp-and-go' atmosphere, serving some of the richest pork bone broth in the city.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

64 St Giles High St, London WC2H 8LE, United Kingdom

40
Eat Tokyo

Japanese · £

63Signal

Start with

Sushi Bento

The bento boxes are particularly good and with generous portions; the bento boxes are tasty and authentic; lovely bento boxes.

A bustling, no-frills institution famous for massive menus, oversized bento boxes, and perpetual queues, serving reliable Japanese comfort food at unbeatable prices.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

41
Misato

Japanese · £

62Signal

Start with

Chicken Katsu Curry

The defining dish of the restaurant—vast, comforting, and ridiculously cheap.

A legendary no-frills Chinatown cafeteria where massive portions and rock-bottom prices generate permanent queues of hungry students and tourists.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

42
Asakusa

Japanese Izakaya · ££

60Signal

Start with

Sushi

Described as 'generous' and one of the 'classics of the cuisine,' this is a reliable staple at what critics call a 'tip-top Japanese' spot.

A cramped, chaotic, and beloved izakaya that channels the spirit of 1970s Tokyo with a massive menu of authentic soul food and zero pretension.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

265 Eversholt St

43
Kakki Katsu Kentish Town

Japanese · ££

60Signal

Start with

Chicken Katsu Curry

Identified as a staple of this small chain, combining two of the restaurant's namesake menu items.

A reliable, delivery-focused Japanese spot offering a solid range of katsu and teriyaki classics in a compact setting.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

123 Castlehaven Rd

44
AUN

Japanese Fusion · ££

60Signal

Start with

Five Course Set Menu

Described as an 'incredibly reasonable price for the number of courses and quality of ingredients,' it is the best way to experience the restaurant's 'Wakon yōsai' (Japanese spirit with Western learnings) philosophy.

A cozy, brick-lined izakaya on Church Street serving imaginative Japanese tasting menus that fuse Japanese spirit with British ingredients.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

178 Stoke Newington Church St

45
Haku Café & Izakaya

Japanese · ££

60Signal

Start with

Chicken Nanban

Consistently identified as the standout dish on the menu in reviewer feedback.

A cozy, authentic Ealing gem mixing modern cafe culture with traditional Japanese comfort food in a compact setting.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

44 The Mall

46
Morinoya

Japanese · ££

60Signal

Start with

Chicken Katsu Curry

Described as delightfully crisp and solid across multiple reviews, this is the reliable anchor of the hot menu.

A tiny, efficient sanctuary of authentic Japanese cooking near Victoria Station that puts local chains to shame with its high-value comfort food.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

1 Gillingham St

47
Sagamiya

Japanese · ££

60Signal

Start with

Chirashi Bowl

Carved right in front of you with a generous mix of high-quality fish including akami, chutoro, and hot eel; hits everything you want from a lunchtime chirashi.

A lovably grungy, hidden mid-range sushi gem behind County Hall offering an authentic, quick, and high-quality Japanese lunch.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

County Hall, Belvedere Rd

48
Kampai

Japanese · ££

60Signal

Start with

Horenso Salad

Deep-fried rock shrimp covered in a spicy mayo dressing on baby spinach—an essential way to start your meal.

A low-key, cosy neighbourhood sushi spot serving top-tier raw fish without the premium price tag.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

127A Hammersmith Rd

49
TAKAGIYA

Japanese Izakaya · ££

55Signal

Start with

Full Bento

A standout choice that 'actually tastes of Japan' rather than an 'out of a box formula', featuring 'warm and seasoned' rice and high-quality fish like wild seabass or salmon.

An intimate, authentic husband-and-wife run izakaya that delivers refined, soulful Japanese cooking far superior to standard high-street fare.

Useful signal, but still lighter than the standouts.

102 Fortune Green Rd

50
Seto

Japanese · ££

55Signal

Start with

Miso Ramen

The critics' favorite: a delicate pork and chicken broth topped with chewy chashu and bamboo shoots.

A deeply comforting, no-frills family-run staple in Camden serving soulful ramen and homestyle sets to a bustling mix of students and locals.

Useful signal, but still lighter than the standouts.

5-6 Plender St

51
Kuma

Korean / Japanese · ££

55Signal

Start with

Yang Yum Chicken

Medium size Korean crispy fried chicken in a sticky gochichang sauce that is so decadent that 'fingers are required' and you'll need plenty of kitchen paper.

A cosy, tucked-away neighbourhood gem in Kennington serving generous portions of Korean and Japanese comfort food.

Useful signal, but still lighter than the standouts.

305 Kennington Rd

52
Kami

Japanese · ££

49Signal

Start with

Spider Roll

Explicitly recommended 'in particular' as good quality, fresh, and tasty.

A cozy, dimly lit neighborhood gem in Kentish Town serving high-quality sushi and generous rice bowls in a peaceful atmosphere.

Useful signal, but still lighter than the standouts.

260 Kentish Town Rd

53
Konjiki

Japanese · ££

38Signal
Light Coverage

Start with

Prawn Tempura

Described by Tom Parker Bowles as 'gossamer-light' and the 'best I’ve eaten for months,' serving as a highlight in an otherwise mediocre menu.

A cosy, family-run Kensington spot mixing traditional Japanese hospitality with modern fusion dishes, though culinary execution can be hit-or-miss.

Less written about, but enough signal to surface it.

20 Kensington Church St

54
鮨 Hase-Ya

Japanese Sushi · ££

0Signal
Light Coverage

Start with

Kaisen Don

The consensus favorite; a bowl of fresh sashimi over perfectly vinegared rice that reviewers claim rivals dining in Japan.

A modest, authentic takeaway-only sanctuary in Ealing where the obsessive quality of the rice and fresh fish rivals high-end sit-down establishments.

Light coverage. Worth knowing, but not heavily written about.

10 S Ealing Rd