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A Guide To Sushi In London

Published . By Erin Niimi Longhurst.

Once considered an obscure delicacy outside of Japan, sushi has firmly established itself in the fabric of global cuisine widely available in the UK. The first Japanese restaurant in London opened in the mid 70s, but it wasn’t until the early 90s, when conveyor belt sushi restaurants started popping up in the capital, that the dish started making its way into the British consciousness. 

Today, sushi has definitely hit the mainstream, with supermarket giant Tesco reporting back in 2023 that the dish overtook the classic sandwich as the UK’s fastest growing premium lunchtime treat. In London, we are absolutely spoiled for choice when it comes to where to eat sushi - so we’ve decided to put together the definitive guide to eating the best sushi in London. 

salmon sushi nigiri

Photo: Unsplash.

So how do we define sushi?

Although the raw seafood element of the dish is what it’s best known for, sushi is primarily a vinegared rice dish, and the ‘shari’ - the base of rice, vinegar, sugar and salt - is often what separates the good sushi places from the truly fantastic. The shari sushi rice base is foundational, and the balance of flavours, temperature and texture requires a great deal of skill to master. 

The possibilities of toppings and fillings for sushi dishes are endless, and sushi is most commonly served with seaweed - or ‘nori’. Sushi chefs employ different techniques and methods to prepare the dish, which in the UK is most commonly served either ‘maki’ style - wrapped in nori, or ‘nigiri’ style, referring to the technique by which a slice of raw fish (or the ‘neta’ topping of choice) is delicately placed on top of a hand-pressed oval mound of rice. For the purpose of this piece, we are also including places that excel at ‘sashimi’, the dish of sliced raw fish. 

The style of sushi that most people are familiar with is emblematic of the ‘edomae’ style, which came out of Tokyo (or ‘Edo’) Bay towards the end of the Edo period (1603-1868). Before this period, ‘narezushi’ a fermented fish and rice dish, or Kansai-style oshizushi (pressed sushi) were modern-day precursors. Due to the lack of refrigeration at the time, the new edomae style sushi had to be prepared and eaten pretty rapidly - as fast food.  

While many of the places included in this list are a la carte, one of the best and most authentic ways to enjoy the dish is to take them up on their omakase offering. ‘Omakase’, or “I’ll leave it with you”, leaves the choice up to the chef’s vision and discretion - it’s usually the best way to see what’s freshest, and to explore the best of the season. 

For our guide to sushi restaurants in London, we’ve curated a list of places across the UK’s capital. We’ve aimed to include a range of geographic locations, from premium establishments to the cheap and cheerful. While some places are highly traditional, we’ve also captured places that reflect the diversity of the city - and sushi restaurants that provide a more holistic cultural experience beyond the food. 

Our London sushi guide, handpicked below.

1. Endo at the Rotunda 

  • Website - https://www.endoatrotunda.com
  • Address - 8th Floor, The Helios, Television Centre, 101 Wood Ln, London W12 7FR 

Endo Kazutoshi, the chef behind the eponymous ‘Endo at the Rotunda’ is a showman, but with the credentials to back it up. A third generation sushi chef, his Michelin starred restaurant in White City is often described as ‘sushi amongst the clouds’ - it is an almost otherworldly experience. No detail is too small - rice and water are imported from Japan, and the fish procured is amongst the finest in Europe. 

endo at the rotunda sushi restaurant entrance

Photo: Endo At The Rotunda (Instagram).

2. Sanjugo 

Sanjugo in Shoreditch is reminiscent of izakayas in Japan; informal bars and pubs where you can enjoy food and drink in a relaxed, laid-back environment. The handrolls and makis are impeccable, with sushi chefs trained at some of the best institutions both here and in Japan. They have the best bottomless Sunday brunch in town, starting at £30pp - with only an extra £12 to include sake, draught beer and wine, too. 

3. Akira at Japan House London 

Japan House London feels like the closest you can get to Japan without a passport. The cultural centre by High Street Kensington tube is home to a gallery space, a curated shop and tourist information hub that hosts a series of Japan-focused events, screenings and activities for all ages (they even have the Japanese toilets, too). AKIRA is their restaurant offering, with a selection of omakase, bento box specials and even a Japanese afternoon tea. A meal at AKIRA also feels like an educational experience - particularly as you can discover so much more within the wider space and on their website. 

4. Uchi 

The menu at Uchi, or ‘home’, is simple yet effective. The interiors are beautifully minimalist and there is a coziness to the space. The sushi and sashimi offerings take place in the evening, and during the day you’re likely to find the freelancers of Clapton working with the laptops at Uchi Bake, their Japanese daytime bakery over a matcha latte. 

5. Roketsu 

Roketsu is a refined and elegant example of Kyoto-style kaiseki cuisine, with a focus on seasonality and provenance. The sashimi offering on the a la carte menu is wonderful, but the thoughtfully crafted menus - which change monthly - makes Roketsu feel like a little oasis. 

6. Jang 

Subtly tucked away in the mezzanine of the iconic Royal Exchange, Jang is a Korean and Japanese restaurant that has a speakeasy or members’ club feel to it - a place to go for those in the know. Located near Bank, they have a sushi and champagne weekend offering (what’s not to like), and deliciously fresh, beautifully prepared sushi and sashimi that come served in an eye-catching silver crocodile serving dish. If you’re so inclined, the Yuk Hwe steak tartare is also worth taking a look at. 

jang sushi restaurant sashimi on ice

Photo: Jang Restaurant (Facebook).

7. Heddon Yokocho 

One for the lovers of all things kitsch, this 1970s downtown Tokyo-inspired spot is casual and fun, and is primarily a ramen restaurant but with a great renge (served in a soup spoon) sushi selection too, as well as a large array of hand rolls (temaki). One that’s ideal from day to night - a lovely kid’s meal offering for little ones during the day (who will love the arcade game and flashing neon lights), but with an enviable bar with a selection of Japanese whiskies and cocktails made with Japanese ingredients like sakura. 

8. Dinings SW3 

The beauty of Dinings SW3 is the various options you have depending on your mood - whether it’s a classic omakase counter experience you’re after, a bar, or a lounge vibe that you’re yearning for. The whole establishment captures the ‘omotenashi’ spirit you find in Japanese hospitality based on respect, empathy and anticipating the needs of others. They have private dining as well as a garden terrace, ideal for all seasons. 

9. ROKA Canary Wharf 

Stylish, cool and modern, at ROKA you’re sure to get a photogenic plate of food. Sure, there are some embellishments to the dishes you wouldn’t necessarily find in Japan, but it’s a fun place to go to impress - whether that be a date, or someone you’re eager to get into business with. 

10. Sushi Tetsu 

  • Address - 12 Jerusalem Passage, London EC1V 4JP 

A booking at Sushi Tetsu, even twelve years after Jay Rayner’s glowing review, is still one of the hottest tickets in town. Run by a husband and wife team, this seven-seat counter restaurant is a magical blend of feeling exclusive, but the food itself is simple and emblematic of the dish at its finest - no gimmicks, or superfluous frills, just the skill of a craftsperson at the top of their game. 

11. TOKii 

TOKii has the sultry ambience of a hotel bar (nestled in the ground floor of the five-star Prince Akatoki in Mayfair) with a sushi selection to match. For those who want to deepen their knowledge, TOKii also offer masterclasses, so you can recreate your favourites at home. 

tokii restaurant london sushi on table

Photo: TOKii (Facebook).

12. Sushi Kanesaka 

A meal at Sushi Kanesaka is a transformative experience - and it has the price tag to match, too. Sushi Kanesaka earned its first Michelin star within seven months of opening, and this nine-seat counter restaurant has an omakase offering that will make you forget that you’re in Central London.  

13. Kulu Kulu Sushi 

A London classic since 1995, Kulu Kulu Sushi was amongst the first conveyor belt sushi restaurants in the big smoke. A great place to take kids, it’s a great starter restaurant for those who haven’t had sushi before - it’s welcoming, not intimidating and very reasonably priced. 

14. Yashin Ocean House 

Come for the sushi, stay for the stunning Edwardian architecture. The food takes modern contemporary twists (like adding truffle to dishes) and elevates the traditional (miso soup, for example, becomes a miso cappuccino). The tasting menu is sure to delight, but your whole party needs to be onboard. 

yashin ocean house sushi london sashimi

Photo: Yashin Ocean House (Facebook).

15. Nazuki Garden 

Nazuki Garden’s popularity is largely due to word of mouth, and its proximity to UCL Hospital where it is a firm favourite amongst the recently postpartum families who are ready and raring to enjoy raw fish again after 9 months of pregnancy. The unassuming restaurant in Fitzrovia is known for its sukiyaki hotpot but the quality of the sushi is really exceptional - and a great takeaway, too, if you’re resting up near by.

16. Sushi Show 

It would be a stretch to call Sushi Show a restaurant - they pride themselves on being a takeaway shop (although they do have some counter seats and outdoor tables). The shops in Camden Passage and in Shoreditch are ideal for a quick working lunch, with takeaway sushi box dishes that you can pick up from their fridges. The quality is superb, and you can also pick up a selection of Japanese groceries and condiments for cooking at home with, too.  

17. Atariya Cafe Japan 

Atariya are wholesale fish and seafood suppliers to some of the top restaurants in London, and Atariya Cafe Japan (with outposts in Hendon and Swiss Cottage, too), provide top quality seafood in a pared-back, no frills setting. Their ‘toro taku’ (fatty tuna and yellow pickle) rolls are arguably the city’s finest, and should be on your radar. 

18. Sumi 

Another of Endo Kazutoshi’s establishments to make the list, Sumi in Notting Hill is an elegant, refined  and a more casual offering than his White City namesake (and easier to get a booking at!). In addition to a stellar sushi selection, Sumi has robata grill dishes to complement its artfully crafted cocktail and sake menus.  

19. Dotori 

The London food scene, compared to other major capital cities, is dominated by the need for bookings (and with good reason, during a difficult climate for the hospitality industry). But there is something quite wonderful about a place that does walk-ins only, and Dotori in Finsbury Park is a cult favourite. With a wide selection of Korean dishes, too, there’s something for everyone, but the sushi here is fantastic and really reasonably priced. It’s cash only, and constantly bustling - and to keep the night going, it’s opposite the iconic Rowan’s ten-pin bowl. 

dotori sushi platter sashimi london

Photo: Dotori (Facebook).

20. Sushikyu 

This intimate ten-seater omakase joint is the sister restaurant of Cubé in Mayfair, another highly commended establishment. This little counterspace in the heart of Soho boasts one of the best pre-theatre offerings in London for a full omakase complete with dessert, soup and wine at £49 a head.  

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