In the trendy heart of London and its chic outskirts, the sushi scene has emerged as one of the frontrunners for the city’s enviable culinary culture. Amidst the hustle and bustle of this vibrant city, the best sushi restaurants in London offer contemporary trendy hotspots that present a delightful fusion of tradition and cutting-edge innovation, promising a tasty adventure that will leave a lasting impression. Embark on a journey that takes you to the Far East and back, exploring the realms of modern Japanese cuisine and savouring daring creations that have emerged in recent years.
Check out fusion sushi, classic traditional gems of a centuries-old culture and new innovative combinations. From your maki roll to your California roll, London showcases some of the purities of this culinary art as well as the newfound favourites that are propelling this Japanese mainstay into the future of cuisines. To discover the 10 best sushi restaurants in London, reserve your table on OpenTable.
The best sushi restaurants in London to book now – see the guide
For a fancy night out to remember – book a table at The Aubrey @ Mandarin Hotel in Knightsbridge
If you want to experience a fancy night out in a Japanese izakaya-style setting, then you’ve come to the right place. The Aubrey @ Mandarin Hotel is a self-proclaimed ‘eccentric’ rendition of the pub-style Japanese drinking den, nestled within Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Exuding opulence consistent with the hotel’s grandeur, The Aubrey immerses patrons in a dusky red ambience, adorning surfaces with plush velvet seating and tassel-trimmed lampshades. The lavish atmosphere sets the stage for a culinary journey beginning with a seasonal cocktail, such as a strawberry-infused margarita with a balance of fruity and tangy notes. The dining experience unfolds methodically, progressing from cold, tapas-style items to the signature robata grill dishes. While visually appealing sushi and oysters make for picturesque starters, the true highlights emerge from the flame-kissed offerings. The blackened miso cod stands out with its rich umami flavour and melt-in-the-mouth texture, while the seemingly dubious charcoal-fried chicken proves to be a tasty choice. This is truly a place for the special occasion, and the food matches all expectations.
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For one of London’s first handroll bars – book a table at TEMAKI in Brixton
TEMAKI proudly holds the distinction of being one of London’s first handroll bars. Nestled amongst the shops and eateries in Brixton Village, enjoy traditional sushi with an innovation for preparing seafood specialities. Spearheaded by executive chef Shaulan Steenson, a Japanese rice specialist, TEMAKI redefines the role of rice as more than just a filler. Instead, it takes centre stage as the focal point of their signature dish – the handrolls. His secret lies in the use of Japanese red vinegar, imparting a golden hue and a rich, aromatic flavour to each grain, harmonising flawlessly with fresh fish. Enjoy crowd-favourites from the à la carte or set menus, such as the mackerel with ginger and miso, the BBQ eel with cucumber and barbeque sauce and the trout with ikura, shiso and sesame. To complement the diverse menu, TEMAKI offers a selection of wines, sakes and Japanese beers, along with batch-made cocktails crafted exclusively for the restaurant.
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For traditional Japanese fine dining – don’t miss Sushi Murasaki in Maida Vale
Discover Sushi Murasaki, in London’s affluent area of Maida Vale. Here amongst the elegant townhouses, you can find a little corner of Japan. Sushi Murasaki is a culinary gem that captivates patrons with its exquisite offerings and inviting ambience. Get yourself involved in Murasaki’s inviting signature dish; the roll of snow crab and avocado inside spicy seared mixed fish and flying fish roe bursts with flavour. Don’t miss the Murasaki deluxe platter, an artfully curated selection of nigiri, sashimi and maki that’s great for sharing. With each bite, diners embark on a gastronomic journey through the delicate flavours of expertly crafted sushi. The restaurant’s design mirrors the precision of its cuisine, blending contemporary elegance with traditional Japanese aesthetics. Dark wood and ambient lighting with a minimalist décor create a serene and sophisticated atmosphere, transporting diners to the heart of Tokyo. Sushi Murasaki exclusively sources the highest quality fish from a committed fish supplier and utilises premium rice imported directly from Japan.
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For one of the best sushi restaurants in London for casual fine dining – try Maido Sushi in St John’s Wood
Maido Sushi in St John’s Wood has become synonymous with culinary excellence that is hard to replicate. Infused with expertise, knowledge and fervour for traditional Japanese cuisine, Maido emerged as a distinctive concept. Here, the restaurant’s masters skilfully craft an array of exquisite sushi, exclusively using the highest quality ingredients. Here step into an ambience where East meets West, mirroring the fusion within each culinary creation. The chef’s choice of a spicy tuna and spring onion with masago hand roll or the yellowtail carpaccio are popular. Meanwhile, you can choose from set menus and signature rolls like the samurai salmon and dynamite crab. Whether you opt for a leisurely dine-in experience, a quick grab-and-go bite or wish to procure some of the finest ingredients from the grocery and sashimi section, Maido invites you into a world where gastronomic artistry meets comfort.
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For a laid-back contemporary vibe – visit Michiko Sushino in Queen’s Park
Michiko Sushino is a trendy place to eat your fill of sushi in London, with its roots being the inspiration of well-known Osaka-born fashion pioneer, Michiko Koshino. One of London’s most influential designers in the city’s club scene brings you contemporary Japanese cuisine at its finest. Enjoy tradition, modernity and awe-inspired quality cuisine in one sitting, taking you to the place to be for culinary fashion and design. With an array of rolls to choose from, as well as ramen and poke bowls, you’ve got plenty to choose from that will satisfy your appetite. Check out Michiko’s special rolls, such as battera saba, a marinated mackerel in vinegar or the hip-hop sashimi roll combining avocado, tuna and salmon sashimi perfectly with seared salmon. Centred around a commitment to quality, Michiko’s conviction in the ability of food to unite people has given rise to a laid-back and unpretentious dining environment that prioritises conversation and interaction.
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For one of the best sushi restaurants in London for a Peruvian-Japanese fusion experience – don’t miss Bamboo-Mat in Leyton or Stratford
If you’re looking for an expert splice of world-famous cuisines, then heading down to Bamboo-Mat Leyton and Stratford is just the ticket for a modern food journey you need to taste to believe. These two East London locations are real neighbourhood gems, providing a setting for some of the finest dining experiences in the city. Here you can enjoy Nikkei cuisine, the fusion of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine, with the likes of maki rolls featuring yellowtail kingfish, adorned with yuzu truffle soy and Romano pepper, offering a fusion of raw fish with a touch of heat and spice. These straightforward, pristine Japanese plates are elaborately decorated and flavoured by Peruvian elements like sweet potato, cancha corn and tangy anticucho sauce, creating a unique and flavourful culinary experience. Plates are so well-designed that they resemble delicate pieces of art, so you can enjoy the mastery and the taste all at once.
📍 Leyton — Check Availability
📍 Stratford — Check Availability
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For one of London’s best sushi restaurants for a romantic date night – try Sushi Hero in Surbiton
Sushi Hero is a local hidden gem and neighbourhood favourite in Surbiton. Here you can enjoy a relaxing meal in an intimate setting, enjoying some traditional culinary delights served up by experienced chefs. The small yet enchanting setting plays host to its standout offerings such as the hero special roll, an enticing sushi roll featuring prawn tempura, adding a mouthwatering crunch to juicy seafood. Aside from the sushi roll menu, the hero poke bowls offer a vibrant medley of fresh ingredients with a healthy twist and a delectable taste. The cosy space invites diners to savour each bite in a relaxed atmosphere, fostering a sense of connection with the artistry of Japanese cuisine. With signature dishes that embody tradition and innovation as well as rich flavours, Sushi Hero stands out as a charming haven for local sushi enthusiasts and is well worth the visit.
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For a stellar omakase experience at one of the best sushi restaurants in London – don’t miss KIKUCHI in Fitzrovia
Amid London’s historical Fitzrovia neighbourhood, you can find the fantastic setting of KIKUCHI, the creation of executive chef Masayuki Kikuchi. Evolving with the times, KIKUCHI has recently embraced an omakase-style of dining, allowing the chef to curate dishes during two separate sittings. Renowned for superbly fresh sashimi, highlights encompass indulgent fatty tuna and yellowtail. Notable selections include salmon sashimi pre-loaded with wasabi, luscious sea urchin paired with bursts of baby salmon eggs and a delicate portion of grilled sea bass enveloped in light pastry with crunchy asparagus and edamame beans. Sushi options abound, complemented by a meticulously curated flight of sake, complete with a helpful notecard detailing each variant and the recommended sequence for consumption. The combination of gracious service and top-tier raw fish renders it a haven for sushi and sashimi enthusiasts who appreciate culinary excellence.
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For traditional cuisine with a contemporary twist – visit 103 Parkway in Camden Town
Just around the corner from London’s iconic Regent’s Park, 103 Parkway in Camden Town stands as a sushi haven, blending tradition with innovation under the guidance of executive chef Cezar Marit. With an illustrious culinary background, chef Marit orchestrates a menu that seamlessly weaves together the best of traditional and contemporary Japanese cuisine. Sink your teeth into delights such as the tuna tartar with cucumber and spicy egg yolk starter or the selection of finely crafted maki rolls, including California, hamachi dragon and torotaku rolls. At 103 Parkway, patrons can indulge in a symphony of flavours, from meticulously crafted traditional sushi to avant-garde dishes that showcase the fusion of diverse culinary traditions. The restaurant’s commitment to quality and creativity is evident in every bite, providing Japanese culinary traditions with a contemporary twist in the vibrant atmosphere of Camden Town. But it doesn’t stop there, with an impressive cocktail menu to perfectly complement your dining experience.
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For creative cocktails and a lively atmosphere at one of the best sushi restaurants in London – don’t miss Tsunami
Infusing a touch of West End flair into a Clapham High Street locale, Tsunami – Clapham effortlessly elevates this less-than-chic enclave. The bar exudes a trendy vibe, crafting stellar cocktails, while the restaurant’s Japanese-Western fusion cuisine draws in a stylish crowd of savvy locals, from the hip young generation to their friends and even parents. Anticipate a stellar sushi selection, complemented by Japanese classics like deep-fried tofu in dashi broth. Departing from the conventional, the menu nods gently to the East, featuring innovative dishes such as roast pork belly with green beans, heightened with piri-piri hoi sin, or rib-eye with exotic mushrooms and truffle sauce. With an ample wine list and sake offerings, Tsunami strikes a balance between affordability and indulgence, with a particularly enticing set lunch menu.
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London’s sushi scene is booming with delightful spots that are making the city one of the best to try out Japan’s favourite dish. With options to treat yourself to traditional mainstays or to go on a fusion or contemporary modern adventure, the best sushi restaurants in London have you covered. These 10 restaurants are the top choices London has to offer, ensuring you will keep returning for more.
