14 Oct 2024
Meet the best of Japanese cuisine in London
Whoever has been lucky enough to visit Japan will agree that food is one of the many great things the country has to offer. As it’s such a huge part of the culture, there’s a lot of thought put into its preparation. What makes the process so special is that it values the sense of sight and touch as much as taste. It emphasises the texture and the way food is arranged, letting you enjoy the meal in every possible way. Even though the cuisine is generally known for its sushi, there’s a lot more to explore. It’s both meticulous and versatile. But where’s best to go? Have a look at this guide to discover London’s gems.
One of the best East London Japanese restaurants is OKKO on Broadway Market. Located in Hackney, OKKO offers a fusion of Japanese and Pacific cuisine, creating a relaxed, beachside vibe. Its menu blends healthy and indulgent dishes, with highlights like sashimi, poke bowls, and comforting ramen. OKKO’s interior is casual yet stylish, reflecting its focus on fresh, simple ingredients and a laid-back dining experience.
Oka effortlessly fuses a minimalistic interior with a versatile menu. The highlights are small dishes such as duck skewers – choose between duck and a chicken option for a tasty treat. Another top pick is chicken (karaage), incredibly crispy and served with spicy ketchup sauce. For sushi lovers, Oka excels at homemade sushi prepared with fresh ingredients.
Fuji specialises in traditional Japanese cuisine, with an emphasis on sushi and teppanyaki. The restaurant’s cosy, minimalist interior provides an intimate atmosphere. Its menu features highlights like fresh nigiri, sashimi, and sizzling teppanyaki dishes, making it a perfect spot for authentic Japanese fare.
Kibako stands out for its omakase-style sushi and signature “kibako” bento boxes, featuring hand-crafted sushi and sashimi. The modern, minimalist setting complements the elegant presentation of the food, creating a serene atmosphere for enjoying meticulously prepared dishes.
With several London locations, Hare & Tortoise offers a blend of sushi, ramen, and rice dishes. The casual and welcoming atmosphere makes it a great spot for quick, affordable meals without sacrificing quality. Menu standouts include crispy tempura and rich ramen bowls.
Inspired by Osaka street food, OKAN brings hearty Japanese comfort dishes to London. Specialising in okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes), the menu is playful yet authentic, and the cosy, vibrant interior makes it feel like a hidden gem in the heart of King’s Cross.
ROJI is run by husband and wife chef team, Tamas and Tomoko, who host up to 10 guests at an intimate wood counter in Mayfair. Using super seasonal British produce, they create a unique menu that celebrates the fish, vegetables, fruit and meat produced by a handful of small passionate farmers. The food is based on Japanese principles of cooking; grilling, simmering, steaming, frying and cutting. The omakase-style menus include a sushi course and can be paired with a hand-picked selection of sake and wine. A must-try London culinary experience.