The best Japanese restaurants in the City of London

Kurumaya is a stylish Japanese restaurant near St. Paul's Cathedral, offering both Kaiten-style sushi and a traditional tatami dining experience. Guests can enjoy conveyor-belt sushi on the ground floor, where plates of different colours indicate varying prices, or head to the basement for an intimate, à la carte dining option with classic tables or tatami seating. In addition to dine-in, Kurumaya provides takeaway, delivery, catering, and even sushi-making sessions for those interested in learning the craft.

Miyako, located in the Andaz hotel near Liverpool Street Station, provides a serene and authentic Japanese dining experience in the heart of the City of London. The restaurant's tranquil, contemporary atmosphere, enhanced by Japanese parasols overhead, complements a menu of expertly crafted sushi, sashimi, and classic donburi bowls. With attentive service, budget-friendly bento options, and daily discounts, Miyako offers both locals and commuters a genuine taste of Japan at accessible prices.

So Restaurant provides a warm, family-run atmosphere with traditional Japanese yatai stalls and a wooden interior. The menu showcases authentic Japanese dishes, including miso-marinated black cod and kabayaki eel grilled on a custom yogan-yaki, alongside sushi, sashimi, and premium sake and whisky selections. Regular events like concerts and wine tastings enhance its community-oriented vibe, making it a popular spot for both locals and Japanese expats.

Los Mochis offers a distinctive pan-Pacific dining experience, blending the vibrant flavours of Japan and Mexico in inventive taco and sushi combinations. The stylish venue is adorned with colourful Mexican artwork, creating a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a tasting menu alongside an array of unique signature cocktails, and tequila enthusiasts will appreciate one of Europe's largest collections of rare tequilas and mezcals. Located on the ninth floor, Los Mochis also provides sweeping panoramic views of London.

Found at multiple locations across London and further afield, the Shoryu restaurants are renowned for their comforting, creamy ramen. They serve up body and soul-warming bowls of this traditional Japanese soup made with a rich 12-hour pork broth, topped with the likes of char siu barbecue pork belly for an indulgent experience. Vegans aren't left out, with a flavourful mushroom broth on offer, along with a variety of other delicious Japanese side dishes.

Shiro, sibling to renowned London establishments like Aqua Shard and Hutong, brings an eye-catching twist on classic Japanese cuisine to Broadgate Circle. Spanning two floors with an inviting outdoor terrace, this refined contemporary restaurant is famed for its crystal sushi—traditional sushi artfully layered with flavoured jelly. The result is not only visually striking but also offers a distinctive taste experience, making Shiro a must-visit for a unique and elegant take on Japanese dining in the City of London.

Originally launched (and still going strong) in Soho, Koya is a straightforward Japanese noodle bar, specialising in udon and offering a relaxed dining experience throughout the day. The menu includes a variety of hot and cold udon dishes, donburi bowls, and izakaya-style small plates, complemented by a selection of beer, wine, and sake. If you'd like a closer view of the kitchen in action, sit at the counter.

Described as a “gastro playground”, the award-winning M Restaurant is an upscale spot combining international techniques, inspirations, and ingredients to bring you contemporary grill dishes, with a particular focus on premium meat and seafood. Located on Threadneedle Street, the spacious and elegant venue revolves around Japanese cuisine, with exclusive cuts of Kobe Wagyu accompanied by the likes of tuna sashimi. The varied private hire options also make M Restaurant in the City a versatile choice for various dining occasions and events.

With its outdoor dining terraces, the highest ones in Europe, putting the “high” in “high-end dining”, Sushisamba is a perennial favourite among fashionable London folks. The menu at this City restaurant blends the vibrant flavours of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisines, including premium selections such as sushi and Wagyu steak. Guests can pair their meals with and extensive and inventive drinks list.

There's a lot of history at this unassuming Liverpool Street Station spot, even though you might not know it just by looking at it. Moshi Moshi Sushi holds the distinction of being Britain's first conveyor belt sushi restaurant, introducing this Tokyo staple to the UK way back in in 1992. The restaurant's polished interior features chic wooden furnishings surrounding a central open kitchen and sushi train, adding to its lively, authentic atmosphere.

Jang by celebrated restaurateur Des Gunewardena occupies a prime position on the south mezzanine of the historic Royal Exchange building. The Korean-inspired restaurant in the City offers a modern twist on Asian cuisine with subtle Japanese influences, helmed by a seasoned chef. Guests can enjoy traditional favourites such as sushi, Korean fried chicken, and BBQ specialities, all served in an elegant crimson-hued setting with views overlooking the Royal Exchange courtyard.