Soho is home to some of London’s finest Japanese restaurants, where tradition meets innovation in every dish. Whether you’re a sushi enthusiast, a lover of yakiniku, or craving an immersive omakase experience, Soho offers a diverse range of dining spots that promise quality, flavour, and unforgettable ambience. From high-tech, interactive dining at Inamo to intimate sushi bars like Sushi Kyu, there’s a perfect spot for every taste and occasion. Join us as we explore the top 10 Japanese restaurants in Soho, each offering something uniquely special for your next culinary adventure.
Table of contents
1. Kanpai Classic Soho
Source: Official Website
Kanpai Classic Soho offers an exceptional dining experience for those seeking high-quality yakiniku, particularly its A5 Wagyu beef. Located in the lively heart of Soho, this restaurant focuses on a traditional Japanese barbecue style where diners can cook premium cuts of meat, including the renowned Wagyu, on a charcoal grill. The atmosphere is intimate and upscale, with an open kitchen where you can observe skilled chefs preparing the meals. The restaurant’s dedication to top-notch ingredients and authentic flavours is apparent from the first bite. Kanpai’s attention to detail extends to its service, with knowledgeable staff guiding you through the unique dining experience. Must-try dishes include the tender A5 Wagyu beef, grilled to perfection, and the signature dipping sauces that complement the meats. For dessert, the matcha ice cream is a refreshing end to the meal.
| Dish | Description |
| A5 Wagyu Beef | Exquisite, melt-in-your-mouth beef. |
| Yakiniku | Grilled meats served with dipping sauces. |
| Matcha Ice Cream | Creamy, refreshing matcha dessert. |
2. Inamo
Source: Pexels
Inamo is a trendy, interactive restaurant located in the heart of Soho. Known for blending pan-Asian flavours with cutting-edge technology, Inamo offers a unique dining experience where each table features interactive screens to order food and customize the atmosphere. The menu offers a wide range of Asian-inspired dishes, with an emphasis on sushi and sashimi. The ambience is modern and fun, with futuristic lighting and a lively, yet casual vibe. Popular dishes include the Dragon Roll, a beautifully presented sushi roll with a burst of flavour, and the Bang Bang Cauliflower, a spicy and crunchy vegetable dish. Inamo is perfect for those looking for an exciting and tech-savvy dining experience. The sushi is consistently praised for its freshness, making it a must-visit for sushi lovers.
| Dish | Description |
| Sushi Platter | A selection of fresh, delicious sushi. |
| Bang Bang Cauliflower | Spicy and crispy cauliflower. |
| Dragon Roll | Fresh sushi with a vibrant twist. |
3. Sushi Kyu
Source: Official Website
Located in a quiet corner of Soho, Sushi Kyu stands out for its intimate atmosphere and dedication to providing a high-end sushi experience. The restaurant has a minimalist, yet elegant design, offering just 10 seats, creating a cosy, exclusive feeling for diners. Sushi Kyu’s chefs are rigorously trained, ensuring every dish is meticulously prepared with the finest ingredients. The restaurant’s speciality is its expertly crafted sushi, especially the sashimi and nigiri, which are both visually stunning and packed with flavour. A signature dish at Sushi Kyu is the Toro Nigiri, made with the finest fatty tuna, known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture. The limited seating and luxurious food make this a great spot for special occasions or a memorable dining experience.
| Dish | Description |
| Toro Nigiri | Fatty tuna sushi, rich in flavour. |
| Sashimi Platter | Fresh, carefully selected sashimi. |
| Omakase | Chef’s tasting menu for a unique experience. |
4. Engawa Restaurant
Source: Official Website
Engawa Restaurant, located in the Piccadilly area near Soho, offers an exceptional dining experience with a focus on traditional Japanese cuisine. The ambience is refined and intimate, ideal for those seeking a sophisticated meal in an elegant setting. The restaurant specializes in high-quality sushi, sashimi, and Wagyu beef, which are prepared with the utmost care and attention to detail. One of their standout dishes is the Hakozen Bento Box, a selection of exquisite Japanese delights served in a beautiful box. Engawa also offers a range of grilled meats, but the real highlight is the delicate and well-marbled Wagyu beef. The service is attentive, adding to the overall luxurious experience.
| Dish | Description |
| Hakozen Bento Box | A beautiful box filled with various Japanese delicacies |
| Wagyu Beef | Tender, marbled beef, grilled to perfection |
| Sushi and Sashimi Platter | A selection of the freshest fish |
5. Sticks’n’Sushi
Source: Official Website
Sticks’n’Sushi is a popular chain in London, and its Soho location offers a vibrant and relaxed atmosphere perfect for casual dining with an upscale twist. The restaurant specializes in Japanese-style skewers (yakitori) and sushi, serving fresh, high-quality ingredients with a modern flair. The menu is varied, with options ranging from simple, flavourful yakitori sticks to more elaborate sushi rolls. Must-try dishes include the Yaki Tori (grilled skewers) and the sushi platter that showcases the freshest fish available. The stylish and modern decor adds to the overall experience, making Sticks’n’Sushi a great spot for both intimate meals and social gatherings.
| Dish | Description |
| Yaki Tori Skewers | Grilled skewers with a variety of meats |
| Sushi Platter | A selection of fresh sushi rolls |
| Ebi Tempura | Crispy, light tempura shrimp |
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6. Nobu London
Source: Official Website
Nobu London, located in the upscale area of Soho, is a globally renowned restaurant that combines traditional Japanese flavours with South American influences. The restaurant boasts a sleek and elegant interior, with a modern design that exudes luxury. The menu is varied, featuring classic sushi and sashimi, as well as innovative dishes like the signature Black Cod Miso, which is a must-try. Nobu’s sophisticated ambience, combined with its creative and high-quality dishes, makes it the perfect spot for a memorable dining experience. The restaurant also offers a curated selection of cocktails and wines that perfectly complement the flavours of the meal. It is one of the best places to eat in London if you want to try Japanese cuisine.
| Dish | Description |
| Black Cod Miso | Sweet and savoury miso-marinated cod |
| Yellowtail Jalapeno | A refreshing and spicy dish of thinly sliced fish |
| Nobu Sushi Platter | A variety of premium sushi offerings |
7. Sushi Tetsu
Source: Pexels
Sushi Tetsu is a hidden gem located in the heart of Soho, offering an intimate and authentic sushi experience. With only seven seats at the sushi bar, the restaurant creates a personal and interactive dining experience. The focus at Sushi Tetsu is on omakase – a chef’s tasting menu where the chef selects the dishes based on the freshest ingredients of the day. This restaurant is perfect for sushi connoisseurs, as each bite is a perfect balance of texture and flavour. A standout dish here is the Otoro (fatty tuna), which melts in the mouth and highlights the exceptional quality of the sushi served.
| Dish | Description |
| Omakase | A chef’s choice tasting menu |
| Otoro (Fatty Tuna) | Rich, melt-in-your-mouth tuna |
| Sea Bream Sushi | Light, delicate fish served in sushi |
8. Marianne
Source: OpenTable
Marianne is a tiny, exclusive Japanese restaurant located in Soho, offering an incredibly personalized dining experience. With only a few seats available, the atmosphere is private and luxurious. The restaurant specializes in omakase, providing diners with a curated selection of dishes that showcase the chef’s skill and artistry. Known for its intimate service and exquisite presentation, Marianne is one of the top spots for those looking to indulge in a multi-course Japanese meal. The dishes here are creative and delicate, with highlights including the delicate sea urchin and tuna tartare, and the seasonal vegetables that change depending on the time of year.
| Dish | Description |
| Omakase | A personalised, multi-course menu |
| Sea Urchina and Tuna Tartare | Fresh and delicate, a true delight |
| Seasonal Vegetables | Fresh vegetables prepared to highlight their natural flavours |
9. Toku
Source: Pexels
Toku is a contemporary Japanese restaurant in Soho known for its vibrant and artistic approach to traditional cuisine. The ambience is sleek and modern, with minimalist decor that highlights the food as the main attraction. Toku’s menu blends traditional sushi and sashimi with innovative twists, offering dishes like their signature Toku Roll, which combines fresh fish with spicy sauces and crispy elements. The restaurant also offers a wide range of sake and Japanese cocktails to pair with the meal. This classic restaurant in London is a great choice for those looking for both familiar and new Japanese flavours in a trendy setting.
| Dish | Description |
| Toku Roll | A creative sushi roll with fresh fish and unique flavours |
| Sashimi Platter | A variety of fresh sashimi served with wasabi and soy |
| Japanese Cocktails | Creative cocktails using traditional Japanese ingredients |
10. Zuma
Source: Official Website
Zuma offers a contemporary twist on traditional Japanese dining, with a focus on izakaya-style small plates perfect for sharing. Located in the heart of Soho, the restaurant has a lively and upscale ambience, ideal for both casual meals and special occasions. The menu features sushi, sashimi, and grilled dishes, with signature items like the Black Cod Miso. Zuma’s sophisticated decor and energetic vibe make it a popular choice for those seeking a high-end yet accessible dining experience.
| Dish | Description |
| Black Cod Miso | Sweet and savoury cod, marinated in miso |
| Sushi Selection | A beautifully arranged section of sushi |
| Grilled Lamb Chops | Tender, grilled lamb with smoky flavour |
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In conclusion, Soho stands as a vibrant culinary hub, offering a rich variety of Japanese dining experiences that cater to all tastes and preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxed sushi meal, an interactive dining adventure, or an intimate, high-end omakase, there’s no shortage of exceptional options. From the refined elegance of Engawa to the fun, tech-driven Inamo, these top 10 restaurants are a testament to the diverse and dynamic world of Japanese cuisine. Each venue promises a unique experience, making Soho the perfect destination for anyone looking to indulge in some of the best Japanese food London has to offer. For booking the best student accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
FAQs
For sushi lovers, Sushi Kyu provides an intimate and high-end experience with its omakase menu, while Sushi Tetsu offers an exclusive, personalized sushi bar experience focused on quality ingredients.
For a luxurious dining experience, Nobu London blends sophisticated ambience with a fusion of Japanese and South American flavours. Engawa Restaurant is another excellent choice for those seeking a refined, intimate setting.
Inamo is known for its interactive dining, where diners can use touchscreens at each table to order food and adjust the ambience, creating a fun and engaging experience. This modern twist complements its creative menu.
Kanpai Classic Soho is renowned for specializing in A5 Wagyu beef, cooked to perfection on a charcoal grill, making it the go-to spot for Wagyu enthusiasts.
Sushi Tetsu offers a truly authentic omakase experience, where the chef crafts a personalized multi-course meal. Marianne provides another exclusive, intimate omakase experience with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
For vegetarian dishes, Sticks’n’Sushi provides a variety of options, including vegetable tempura and edamame. Inamo also offers delicious vegetarian choices like their Bang Bang Cauliflower.
For a relaxed atmosphere, Toku offers an inviting, modern setting with a variety of sushi rolls and small plates. Zuma offers izakaya-style dishes that are perfect for casual dining while maintaining an upscale feel.
Sticks’n’Sushi strikes the perfect balance between high-quality food and affordable prices, making it a great option for those seeking value without compromising on taste.
Yes, Inamo is a standout for its tech-driven dining, where guests can use touchscreens at their tables to order and adjust the dining environment, adding a fun, modern touch to the meal.
Zuma offers an array of Japanese-inspired cocktails that complement its izakaya-style menu. Nobu London also serves expertly crafted cocktails, particularly those made with traditional Japanese spirits like sake.
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