The ongoing craze for sushi in the UK has increased tenfold over the past decade and certainly doesn’t seem to be abating. This has led to the happy situation of London now being home to some of the most authentic, Japanese run restaurants you might find anywhere around the globe.
From backstreet joints to the smartest of dining, sushi in London is a favourite for locals and visitors alike.
In addition, this traditional Japanese fare is an excellent choice for all kinds of occasion. Whether you need to grab a takeaway between business meetings or are looking for a swanky restaurant for that special occasion, Japanese food is always a great, and healthy, choice. Plus it’s social, with many of the best restaurants offering traditional seating around a chef in the centre, and fun to watch as the master of his (or her) art creates their wonders in front of your very eyes.
With that in mind, here’s a list of what we consider to be the nine of the best sushi bars in London, with menus to suit every budget.
Chisou
With a relaxed atmosphere, Chisou is a popular choice for both a working lunch or an evening meal with friends. The restaurant is an informal, ‘izakaya’ style that lends itself to good food and great conversation.
Chisou prides itself in offering authentic Japanese food, with no additions or alterations. You’ll find all the usuals, such as tempura and sashemi, but also a range of ever-changing specials. You can choose from the restaurant’s two locations of Knightsbridge and Chelsea.
Shiori
If you’re looking for authentic Japenese high cuisine (known as ‘kaiseki’), then look no further than Shiori.
This small, intimate restaurant can be found in trendy Bayswater, and chef Takashi Takagi prides himself on creating food that’s perfectly balanced in texture, taste, colour and appearance.
It’s not the cheapest restaurant, with evening meal set menus from £65, but lunch menus are somewhat less expensive. Be sure to book in advance, as Shiori is making a real name for itself and is very popular.
Atari-Ya
Atari-Ya has proven such a success that you can now enjoy their fare at three locations around London. With restaurants in Hendon, Swiss Cottage and Marylebone, you can enjoy authentic Japenese cuisine either in a formal restaurant setting or as a take-out.
The decor is classy and minimalist, and when dining it’s easy to imagine that you’re sat in Osaka or Tokyo, rather than London. A great choice for either lunchtime or evening dining.
Oka Robata
Smart and uber-trendy, Oka Robata offer a modern take on traditional Japanese sushi. Located in Carnaby Street, this reasonably priced restaurant also offers an office lunch take-away menu that can be ordered in advance and picked up – perfect for healthy food on the go for busy office workers.
Individual dishes start from £2.50 upwards.
Yashin Sushi
‘Without soy sauce’ is the tagline of this super modern, Kensington located sushi restaurant. And the reason for this is that the chefs put all their efforts into ensuring that their creations have all the taste they need, without the need for the addition of anything else.
The menu at Yashin Sushi offers delights such as Summer Truffle Toro with Salted Kombu and Tuna with Truffle Infused Ponzo Jelly. There’s also an excellent wine and sake menu.
Kiku
Mayfair based Kiku has been around since 1978 and is a wonderful choice for truly authentic Japanese cuisine. All its chefs have trained in Japan, and you can choose from a set lunch menu from 12:00-14:30 or a la carte for dinner from 18:00-22:15.
Over the years this family-run concern has gained a huge loyal following of both British and Japanese clientele. As such it’s advisable to reserve your table in advance to avoid disappointment.
Sushi Tetsu
Sushi Tetsu really does offer the ultimate in Japanese fare along with exclusivity. So much so, in fact, that it’s only possible to make a reservation on the first and third Monday of each month for the following month. And you need to be quick off the mark to secure your place… Of course, this has led to a seat in the restaurant being one of the most sought after in London.
But is it worth it? Well, if you like your sushi handcrafted, using only the ultimate in ingredients and created by a chef with a unique flair for flavour, then the answer is a resounding yes! Just be sure you have pockets deep enough to withstand the bill at the end.
Located in a back alley in Clerkenwell, this husband and wife run establishment really does live up to the hype.
Taro
This unpretentious sushi bar in Soho is a favourite with locals and tourists alike. Taro serves up authentic, traditional Japanese cuisine at prices that won’t break the bank.
Named after its founder, Mr Taro, the idea of opening a restaurant in the heart of the capital was born soon after his arrival in 1978. Twenty one years later, the dream became reality with Taro 1, in Brewer Street, Soho. It has proved so popular that a second branch in Old Compton Street followed, and in 2012 he opened a takeaway in Cannon Street, in the City of London.
If value for money and fresh, delicious food is what you’re looking for, then be sure to pay Taro a visit.
Ukai
Boasting a fabulous location in trendy Portobello Road, Ukai prides itself on the quality of its food and freshness of the fish served.
Since its opening in 2006, the restaurant has gained a growing number of loyal patrons, both for its in-house dining and takeaway options.
The food is well priced, and for an extra 15% off you can acquire one of the restaurant’s ‘blessing cards’ – essentially a loyalty card. The menu includes many tried and tested favourites, as well as some combinations you might not have seen before. Spicy salmon sashimi, crispy duck futomaki and prawn nigiri all feature. But for something a bit different be sure to try one of the ukai specialities, including oysters, tuna and pancakes.
