London’s Best Japanese Restaurants

Google Star: 4.4 ★
Category: Authentic Udon & Izakaya
Why it is best: Famous for handmade Sanuki-style udon noodles freshly made daily. Koya serves rich, soul-warming broths paired with seasonal small plates in a cozy, authentic counter-dining environment.
Web: https://www.koya.org.uk
Email: soho@koya.org.uk
Tel: +44 20 7434 4441
Reservation Link: https://www.koya.org.uk

Google Star: 4.4 ★
Category: Contemporary Izakaya & Robata Grill
Why it is best: London’s benchmark high-end izakaya. Zuma offers world-class contemporary Japanese dining, combining a vibrant open robata grill with pristine sushi and an iconic, glamorous ambiance.
Web: https://zumarestaurant.com
Email: info@zumarestaurant.com
Tel: +44 20 7584 1010
Reservation Link: https://zumarestaurant.com/book-a-table/

Google Star: 4.4 ★
Category: Robatayaki & Modern Japanese
Why it is best: Centered around its flaming charcoal robata grill, Roka delivers intense smoky flavors, sublime yellowtail sashimi, and exceptional grilled skewers in a sleek, energetic setting.
Web: https://www.rokarestaurant.com
Email: info@rokarestaurant.com
Tel: +44 20 7580 6464
Reservation Link: https://www.rokarestaurant.com/book-a-table

Google Star: 4.6 ★
Category: Traditional Izakaya & Yakitori
Why it is best: A legendary, intimate Hampstead neighborhood treasure. Diners crowd around a tiny central counter to savor perfectly charred charcoal yakitori, nigiri, and traditional Japanese comfort food.
Web: https://www.jinkichi.com
Email: info@jinkichi.com
Tel: +44 20 7794 6158
Reservation Link: https://www.jinkichi.com

Google Star: 4.5 ★
Category: Modern Sushi & Neighborhood Dining
Why it is best: The relaxed neighborhood sister to Michelin-starred Sushi Kanesaka. Sumi offers immaculate, beautifully presented sushi, temaki hand rolls, and robata dishes in chic Notting Hill.
Web: https://www.sushisumi.com
Email: info@sushisumi.com
Tel: +44 20 4529 0913
Reservation Link: https://www.sushisumi.com/reservations

Google Star: 4.4 ★
Category: Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen
Why it is best: Renowned for serving London’s richest, most velvety pork bone broth cooked for 18 hours. Paired with alkaline wheat noodles made in-house, it is an essential ramen destination.
Web: https://www.kanada-ya.com
Email: info@kanada-ya.com
Tel: +44 20 7287 1311
Reservation Link: https://www.kanada-ya.com

Google Star: 4.5 ★
Category: Kansai Okonomiyaki
Why it is best: Europe’s first specialized okonomiyaki restaurant. Abeno crafts savory, customizable Japanese savory pancakes cooked live at your table grill, offering a unique, authentic culinary experience.
Web: https://www.abeno.co.uk
Email: info@abeno.co.uk
Tel: +44 20 7405 3211
Reservation Link: https://www.abeno.co.uk/booking

Google Star: 4.6 ★
Category: Katsu Specialist
Why it is best: Dedicated to the art of crisp tonkatsu. Tanakatsu serves impeccably breaded, golden pork cutlets and seafood sets served alongside fresh cabbage, homemade dark sauce, and steaming rice.
Web: https://www.tanakatsu.co.uk
Email: info@tanakatsu.co.uk
Tel: +44 20 7288 0788
Reservation Link: https://www.tanakatsu.co.uk

Google Star: 4.3 ★
Category: Michelin-Starred Kyoto Kaiseki
Why it is best: Tucked away in Mayfair, Umu delivers delicate, Michelin-starred Kyoto-style Kaiseki dining. Chef Yoshinori Ishii focuses on seasonal precision and exceptional British seafood prepared with Japanese mastery.
Web: https://www.umurestaurant.com
Email: info@umurestaurant.com
Tel: +44 20 7499 8881
Reservation Link: https://www.umurestaurant.com/reservations

Google Star: 4.5 ★
Category: Modern Omakase & Nigiri Bar
Why it is best: A vibrant modern counter experience offering inventive twists on classic nigiri, inventive hand rolls, and flamed Wagyu beef sushi prepared right before your eyes.
Web: https://www.sushiatelier.co.uk
Email: info@sushiatelier.co.uk
Tel: +44 20 7636 4432
Reservation Link: https://www.sushiatelier.co.uk