Popular with Local London: 21 Sushi Joints
Having ranted about the lack of sushi joints in London, I thought it might be good to put together a list of some Japanese restaurants/food establishments that some locals like to frequent. London is renowned for its restaurants, so how else to experience London than to go to the places the locals frequent?
I've basically looked around at a good chunk of reviews and pulled together the general consensus to save all of us some time deciding which place is the one to go to. I've not been to any of these but if I do, I'll be sure to post them.
In the order of cheapest to most expensive (most expensive being the last). All price estimates are for dinner service and exclude wine and service unless otherwise stated. And wherever ther is a website available, I will link it. if not, the details of the establishment are right below the name:
- Tajima-tei
Traditional Kyoto food in a traditional setting. Fresh food, good value. Japanese clientele. Set dinners start from £16.50 and house wines from £12.50 per bottle. - Kulu Kulu
A kaiten sushi bar (conveyor belt). The alterntive to the bigger kaiten sushi bars. Good quality & value. £17 per person. - Edokko/Edoko
+44 02 (0)7242 3490, 50 Red Lion Street, Holborn, London WC1R
A variety of Japanese dishes in a slightly traditional setting. Friendly staff. Also provides takeaway. Approximately £17.50 per person for eating in. - Yo! Sushi
Another kaiten sushi bar. Quick fix for reasonable sushi. I imagine it be a good place for small snack if you aren't expecting too much. Beware the hidden water charge. £17.50 per person. - Misato
+44 0871 33273370, 11 Wardour Street, London, W1D 6PG
Mediocre food with generous portions. Again, seems to be overshadowed by it's non-satisfactory service. Good place if you're looking for a no-fuss quick meal. £18 per person. - CoCoRo
+44 0871 3327230, 31 Marylebone Lane, London, W1U 2NH
Pleasant establishment with acceptable food and mediocre service. Seems to have been better before the restaurant changed hands. £20 per person. - Sushi-Hiro
+44 0871 3328401, 1 Station Parade, Uxbridge Road, London, W5 3LD
Authentic and value for money in terms of quality. They don't seem to speak much English here, but that's what's good about it. Japanese clientele. £20 per person. - Tsunami
+44 0871 3328873, 1-7 Voltaire Road, London, SW4 6DQ
The wonderful food seems to be marred by the increasingly bad service, but most will go back just for the food. £22 per person. - Blossom
+44 02 (0)7729 4948, 37 Hoxton Square, London N1
The food can vary from excellent to meagre. Very mixed reviews on this one. Around £25 per person including wine and service. - Ichiban
+44 0871 0752879, Atlantic Rd, Brixton, London, SW9 8PY
Self-proclaimed "Only Sushi Restaurant in Brixton" who do have followers who think they're the best. Reasonable prices for a quality meal at an small authentic Japanese joint. £25 per person. - Itsu
A chain of takeaway, quickfix sushi and salads whose slogan is "Health and Happiness". The one in Soho is a kaiten sushi bar and can set you back as much as £25 (drinks inclusive). The takeaway's much more suttle with £6 to £10 meals. Quality of food ranges from good to slightly-better-than-good. - Pham Sushi
+44 02(0) 721 6336, 155 Whitecross St, London, EC1Y 8JL
Fantastic specials. Good value for money - they deliver too. Freshness is a plus. £25 to £50 per person. - Soho Japan
Prices reflect the quality of the food. Wonderful service and notable miso soup. Japanese clientele. Reasonable for the location - backwater of Oxford St & Soho. £25 to £35 - Ginnan
+44 0871 3327611, 1 RoseberryCourt, Roseberry Avenue, London, EC1R 5HP
Food seems to be going for value, especially on Monday nights (£15 all-you-can-eat) and at lunchtime (£10). Otherwise, usual prices sets each person back around £28. - Sakanatei
+44 (0)20 7629 3000, 11 Maddox Street, London W1S 2QF
Exceptional food in a tiny establishment. Japanese-owned with nearly exclusive Japanese clientele. Value for quality. £16 for an assorted sushi plate during lunch. - Cafe Japan
Small restaurant that packs power with value and friendliness. Hardly disappoints. Authentic and vegetarian-friendly. Booking is essential. Approximately £30 per person. - Sushi-Say
+44 0871 3329026, 33b Walm Lane, London, NW2 5SH
Excellent service. Great food. Japanese-owned. Great weekend lunch deals for £10-£15. Looks like it's quality over quantity, and at a price too. Usual a la carte will set you back around £35. - Sumosan
+44 0871 3327998, 26 Albemarle Street, London, W1S 4HY
It's a love it or hate it place. If you love it, you'll think the food is of the best quality and the price worth it. Noted for its innovative cocktails. £45 per person - Umu
Claims to be the only Kyoto restaurant in London. Michelin-starred status has subjected it to a lot of scrutiny - some say the food's not worth the pricey tags, others say it's worth every penny. At least £50 per person. - Saki at Smithfield Market
Japanese restaurant, cocktail bar, delicatessen and food shop. The bar has an inventive cocktail list. Food is touted to be delicious and authentic. Price range from £30-£75 per person - Nobu
+44 0871 2238051, Metropolitan Hotel, 19 Old Park Lane, Mayfair, London, W1K 1LB
Renowned restaurant. I won't bother elaborating - there are too many views on this one. Check its website out. £56 per person.
So I hope this helps tide you over your Japanese food cravings while in this vast vast city. Do let me know how your experiences work out, or if you have anymore to add to the list, let me know too. I'll be glad to expand on it.
x, Celine
