There's no doubt that chefs are imaginative and creative people. If you give a chef free reign to do what they like in the kitchen, you're sure to end up with an exciting meal that's new and unique. In Japanese cooking, omakase means leaving things up to the chef, so if you're looking for a Japanese meal that really stands out, omakase is the way to go. The capital is home to a variety of restaurants serving this type of cooking – take a look at our guide to omakase in London.
Guide to omakase in London
In this guide
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The best omakase in London
- Sushi Atelier – Sushi expertise
- Cubé – Japanese dining in Mayfair
- Hannah – Riverside dining
- Sachi – Japanese with Nordic influences
- Maru – Try out 20 courses
- Ichiban Sushi – Casual spot in Brixton
- Nobu – Renowned Japanese restaurant
- Endo – Michelin-starred feasts
- Chisou – Omakase sashimi
- Sushi by Masa – Luxury omakase
- Aqua Kyoto – Super-modern space
- Sushi Kamon – Vibrant sushi kitchen
- Sushi on Jones – Modern sushi spot
- Junsei – Specialising in skewers
- Engawa – Japanese fine dining
- The Araki – Intimate dining experience
- Kami – Local Kentish Town restaurant
- Hunan – Unique Chinese meals
- Akira – Explore Japanese traditions
- Kazu – Buzzy izakaya
- Dinings – Focusing on the food
- Roji – Exclusive omakase
- Taku – Upscale tasting menus
- Kikuchi – Seasonal tasting menus
- Ginza – Luxurious dining
- Kibako – Distinctive boxed meals
- The Aubrey – London's first cocktail omakase
- Kaia – Omakase lunches
- Sushi Kanesaka – 20 authentic courses
- Mayha – Omakase beneath the cherries
- Juno – Intimate and inventive
- Rai – Contemporary omakase experience
The best omakase in London
The best restaurants serving omakase in London
Sushi expertise
Bright sushi specialist Sushi Atelier blends modern and traditional style. This Japanese restaurant in Great Portland Street is known for top quality sushi, and you can see the chefs at work at the counter. Omakase sashimi and sushi selections are available if you want a special meal. Sake, plum wine, and Japanese beers are served too.
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114 Great Portland Street, Fitzrovia
- Website • 020-763 644 55
- Read more on Thatsup
Japanese dining in Mayfair
Enjoy modern Japanese cuisine at Mayfair's Cubé. This restaurant is stylish with two intimate sushi bars. A varied range of sushi and sashimi are served, plus hot dishes like tempura or chicken karaage. An omakase sushi and sashimi experience is available, served to you by the master sushi chef. Japanese alcohol including sake and whisky is available.
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4 Blenheim St, Mayfair
- Website • 020-716 595 06
- Read more on Thatsup
Riverside dining
Enjoy Japanese cuisine on the South Bank at Hannah Japanese Restaurant. Omakase tasting menus are served here for lunch and dinner, giving you multiple courses of creative and authentic food. A number of menus are available to try and wine and sake are served as well. The look of the restaurant blends traditional and contemporary style.
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Southbank Riverside, Belvedere Road, South Bank/Southwark
- Website • 020-380 204 02
- Read more on Thatsup
Japanese with Nordic influences
Sachi at Pantechnicon is a sophisticated Japanese dining room with distinctive Nordic design touches and exposed brick walls. This venue is a celebration of Japanese food, culture, and craft. Omakase lunches and dinners are served here, combining signature dishes and daily specials with the preferences of each guest to create unique bespoke meals.
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19 Motcomb St, Belgravia
- Website • 020-703 454 05
- Read more on Thatsup
Try out 20 courses
At Maru you'll get a one-of-a-kind Japanese meal. Centred around omakase, chef Taiji Maruyama creates an exclusive daily-changing multiple-course menu. Fish and seafood is prevalent here. There are two seatings each evening at this intimate and modern venue that'll take you on a culinary journey.
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18 Shepherd Market, Mayfair
- Website
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Casual spot in Brixton
Family-run restaurant Ichiban Sushi is a casual destination for Japanese meals and sushi. The interior is decorated with traditional parasols and fans. Special omakase bookings are available in partnership with Kurisu Omakase, where a dedicated chef will create an inspiring and original meal.
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58A Atlantic Rd, Brixton
- 020-773 870 06
- Read more on Thatsup
Renowned Japanese restaurant
Sleek Japanese restaurant Nobu has some serious hype around it. The restaurant is a sophisticated contemporary space for upscale Japanese cuisine. As well as high-end tempura, sushi, and hot and cold dishes, there is an omakase tasting menu that lets you really experience the creativity of the kitchen.
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19 Old Park Ln, Mayfair
- Website • 020-744 747 47
- Read more on Thatsup
Michelin-starred feasts
Endo at the Rotunda guarantees you a memorable Michelin-starred meal. Meals here are 20 course omakase feasts focused on impressive sushi selections that combine top quality ingredients with technical expertise. The dining space is simple but enhanced with dramatic architecture. Fine sake is another speciality at this restaurant.
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The Helios, 101 Wood Lane, Hammersmith and Fulham
- Website
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Omakase sashimi
Chisou serves authentic Japanese food with an omakase selection of sashimi available. The chef will choose the finest fresh fish of the day for your sashimi. All of the food here is seasonal and presentation is paramount. The Knightsbridge restaurant is modern and cosy with intimate low lighting.
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31 Beauchamp Pl, Chelsea
- Website • 020-315 500 05
- Read more on Thatsup
Luxury omakase
Head to Harrods for luxury Japanese dining at Masa. This restaurant comes from famed Japanese chef Masayoshi 'Masa' Takayama, whose New York venue holds three Michelin stars, and serves high-end cuisine around a central counter in the Harrods Dining Hall. You can expect upscale fresh sushi as well as indulgent omakase menus.
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Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road
- Website • 020-722 568 00
- Read more on Thatsup
Super-modern space
Ultra-modern Aqua Kyoto serves sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese dishes like wagyu beef in a sleek and upscale space. If you want to experience leaving things up to the chef, omakase sashimi selections are available here. For drinks, there's wine, whiskies, and a diverse collection of cocktails.
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240 Regent Street, Soho
- Website • 020-747 805 40
- Read more on Thatsup
Vibrant sushi kitchen
Market sushi kitchen Sushi Kamon is a vibrant and bustling place for fresh sushi and sandos with tantalising ingredients. Food here is colourful and vibrant. Omakase experiences are also available for up to 10 guests. You'll get an interesting and interactive experience as the chef prepares creative new dishes. Sake pairings are also available.
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103-105 New Oxford St
- Website
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Modern sushi spot
New York transplant Sushi on Jones is located in King's Cross. This smart and modern spot specialises in sushi and offers a curated range of Japanese whisky and sake. It's also particularly well-known for indulgent omakase meals, where the chefs will wow you with 12 or 20 distinctive courses.
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11 Goods Way, King's Cross
- Website
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Specialising in skewers
Modern yakitori restaurant Junsei specialises in Japanese skewers. It's a bright and stylish eatery where dishes are designed for sharing. The menu features chicken skewers, grilled vegetable dishes, and donburi. If you're not sure where to begin, go for the omakase experience and let the talented chef serve a fresh and original menu.
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132 Seymour Pl, Marylebone
- Website • 020-772 340 58
- Read more on Thatsup
Japanese fine dining
Japanese fine dining restaurant Engawa specialises in Wagyu beef and fresh sushi and sashimi. Bento boxes are available at lunchtime and for dinner there are à la carte choices, but for both meals you can try out a decadent omakase experience. Expect multiple courses of unique food, with drinks pairings available.
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2 Ham Yard, Soho
- Website • 020-728 757 24
- Read more on Thatsup
Intimate dining experience
You'll get an intimate and exclusive Japanese meal at The Araki. This well-respected restaurant has a crisp minimalist look with just nine seats plus a private room for six people. Only omakase sushi meals are served here, with multiple luxury courses for a memorable experience. Two sittings are available each day.
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12 New Burlington St, Mayfair
- Website • 020-728 724 81
- Read more on Thatsup
Local Kentish Town restaurant
Enjoy Japanese cuisine in Kentish Town at Kami. It's a sleek and modern spot with a bustling sushi counter. The menu concentrates on sushi and sashimi but there are also hot dishes available. You can try leaving things to the chef with an omakase sashimi selection. Wine, sake, and Japanese beer are also available.
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260 Kentish Town Rd, Camden Town
- Website • 020-748 570 78
- Read more on Thatsup
Unique Chinese meals
Omakase is typically associated with Japanese food but you can get the experience paired with Chinese cooking at Hunan. This venue is relaxed with a friendly atmosphere. Tell your server what you do and don't like and the kitchen will rustle up a multi-course tasting menu tailored to your preferences.
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51 Pimlico Road, Chelsea/Belgravia
- Website • 020-773 057 12
- Read more on Thatsup
Explore Japanese traditions
Part of cultural centre Japan House, Akira is an upscale restaurant that celebrates tradition. Lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea are served here, including creative omakase meals. Multi-course robata or sushi omakase menus are available for lunch and dinner. Sake and Japanese-inspired cocktails are also available and everything is served with traditional tableware.
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101-111 Kensington High Street, Kensington
- Website • 020-397 146 46
- Read more on Thatsup
Buzzy izakaya
Buzzy izakaya Kazu serves contemporary Japanese dishes made with premium ingredients. The restaurant space is simple with wood panelling and wooden furniture. Sushi and sashimi are prominent on the menu, and omakase sashimi selections of fresh fish are available. Other dishes include salads, noodles, and chicken in teriyaki sauce.
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64 Charlotte St, Fitzrovia
- Website • 020-384 857 77
- Read more on Thatsup
Focusing on the food
At Dinings the interior is intentionally minimalist so that the focus stays on the food. Visit this stylish restaurant for Japanese plates to share, including plenty of sushi and sashimi. Other dishes like miso aubergine are also available. For a memorable meal, choose the omakase experience, which comes with optional sake pairings.
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22 Harcourt St, Marylebone
- Website • 020-772 306 66
- Read more on Thatsup
Exclusive omakase
Intimate omakase restaurant Roji has just 10 seats so getting a table isn't easy. Seasonal British ingredients are used to prepare sophisticated original menus that include sushi and plenty of seafood dishes. Premium sake is on the drinks list to complete the experience at this buzzy dining destination.
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56b S Molton St, Mayfair
- Website • 020-363 294 45
- Read more on Thatsup
Upscale tasting menus
Mayfair restaurant Taku is all about luxury Japanese fine dining. The restaurant specialises in omakase, with indulgent 20 course meals full of fine ingredients on offer. This upscale and modern venue seats just 16 people and only has three sittings per day, making a meal here intimate and highly sought-after.
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36 Albemarle Street, Mayfair
- Website
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Seasonal tasting menus
Kikuchi is a slick and modern restaurant tucked away from London's busy streets. At this gourmet haven you can sample inventive omakase tasting menus that include sushi, sashimi, and warm dishes. Menus are seasonal and subject to regular change. A range of sake and sochu complete an authentic experience here.
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14 Hanway St, Fitzrovia
- Website • 020-763 777 20
- Read more on Thatsup
Luxurious dining
Visit Ginza St James for luxurious Japanese dining. The venue is sleek and elegant and has several private dining spaces. This award-winning restaurant serves lunch, dinner, and a Japanese twist on afternoon tea. Omakase experiences are available from the sushi counter, where fresh dishes will be prepared by the highly-skilled sushi chef.
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15 Bury St, Westminster
- Website • 020-783 911 01
- Read more on Thatsup
Distinctive boxed meals
Kibako specialises in the traditional Japanese boxed meals that give the restaurant its name. Diners can expect elegant food at this buzzy new spot. Choose from signature sushi, sashimi, and hot dishes, or go for one of the omakase boxes full of diverse original dishes, sushi, sashimi, and sides.
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3 Windmill St, Fitzrovia
- Website • 020-741 903 05
- Read more on Thatsup
London's first cocktail omakase
The Aubrey is an exceptional Japanese izakaya located at the luxurious Mandarin Oriental hotel in Knightsbridge. Aside from serving traditional Japanese dishes nightly, the restaurant offers London's first-ever omakase cocktail experience at its speakeasy. Bar Director Pietro Rizzo and his team take up to six guests on a two-hour adventure of innovative cocktails, Japanese flavours, and Asian ingredients.
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66 Knightsbridge
- Website • 020-723 520 00
- Read more on Thatsup
Omakase lunches
Based at The Ned, Kaia is an elegant and attractive restaurant focusing on Pacific Asian cuisine. Amongst imposing green columns and a distinctive checked floor you can try sushi and a range of Asian-inspired dishes. Saturday lunchtimes are reserved for omakase, where a limited number of diners can try unique seasonal dishes developed and presented by the head chef.
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27 Poultry, The City/City of London
- Website • 020-382 820 00
- Read more on Thatsup
20 authentic courses
Luxury restaurant Sushi Kanesaka is styled to evoke the feel of a traditional Tokyo sushi restaurant. A restaurant from acclaimed chef Shinji Kanesaka, this intimate spot has nine counter seats and space for four in the private dining room. Multiple-course omakase meals are served here, prepared using authentic imported ingredients and fresh seafood from the UK.
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45 Park Lane, Mayfair
- Website • 020-731 974 66
- Read more on Thatsup
Omakase beneath the cherries
Marylebone's Mayha adds to the capital's flourishing omakase trend with an 11-seater restaurant and bar. The dim ambiance, courtesy of an intricate, cherry-blossom-style light installation, ensures an intimate culinary experience, highlighting different Japanese meat and seafood dishes through the chef's set menu. Expect delicacies such as Scottish langoustine sushi, salmon carpaccio in miso garlic dressing with tosazu jelly, or sake-cooked wagyu cheeks, accompanied by sake, fine wines, rare spirits or niche beers.
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43 Chiltern Street, Marylebone
- Website • 020-316 194 93
- Read more on Thatsup
Intimate and inventive
One of London's most intimate omakase experiences is to be found at Juno, opened in January 2024. Located on the ground floor of Notting Hill's vibrant pan-Pacific restaurant Los Mochis, diners get 15 courses of inventive Japanese cuisine with a Mexican twist. Drinks pairings are also on offer. The restaurant seats just six people and runs two sittings per day.
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2-4 Farmer St, Kensington
- Website
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Contemporary omakase experience
Originally launched in Fitzrovia and now relocated to Bloomsbury, Rai offers refined omakase dining with a focus on contemporary Japanese cuisine. The restaurant prides itself on elegant, sustainable dishes, crafted from meticulously selected, high-quality ingredients sourced from both the UK and Japan. Choose to dine in the cosy main seating area or experience the lively atmosphere at the sushi counter, watching the chefs showcase their culinary skills.
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11 Bayley St, Fitzrovia/Bloomsbury
- Website • 020-741 903 05
- Read more on Thatsup