The best sushi restaurants in Soho

Chotto Matte was founded by Kurt Zdesar, who brings Nikkei cuisine to Soho. The bold avant-garde decor sets the scene for a lively meal, and the menu of Japanese and Peruvian dishes features classics like sushi, sashimi, Nikkei gyoza, wagyu beef, and Robata-grilled plates. Cocktails follow the fusion theme, with drinks like the lychee picante and Nikkei negroni. Resident DJs and live entertainment add to the upbeat vibe. 

Aqua Kyoto is all about authentic Japanese fare in a sleek, sophisticated setting near Oxford Circus. The restaurant is stylish, with a heated rooftop terrace boasting city views. The menu showcases contemporary Japanese dishes like sushi, sashimi, tempura, and wagyu beef. Choose from à la carte, tasting, and set menus, while weekends bring a popular bottomless brunch with sushi, grilled salmon, and free-flowing prosecco. The bar also serves Japanese spirits, Taiwanese whiskies, and cocktails.

At Sticks'n'Sushi, the beautifully presented dishes are as delicious as they are artistic. The menu is all about traditional sushi and yakitori skewers, including a mix of grilled meats and vegetables cooked over a flaming hot grill. The restaurant combines Japanese and Danish minimalism via the design and cuisine. 

After turning their Green Rooms pop-up into a permanent restaurant, the team behind Oita expanded their cosy Japanese kitchen to Chinatown. Here, they serve their beloved signature dishes like chicken karaage, fresh sushi, yakitori skewers, and steaming ramen—along with exclusive specials.

Oka is a popular Asian-fusion restaurant with a strong Japanese influence, with several locations across the city. The menu is simple and packed with beloved favourites, featuring dishes like soft-shell tempura crab, beef teppanyaki, nigiri, and speciality sushi rolls. Drinks include sake, Japanese whisky, Asian teas, and other options.

Koya is a Japanese noodle bar serving in udon, a type of thick noodle made from wheat flour. Kick off the morning with their Japanese breakfast menu, including noodles and small plates. Later in the day, you can enjoy hot and cold udon, donburi, and small plates in a cool, simple setting. Enjoy your food seated at a communal table or at the chef's counter for a view of the kitchen. They also have an entirely gluten-free menu.

Shackfuyu is a Japanese izakaya from the masterminds behind the popular ramen restaurant Bone Daddies. It started out as a pop-up but was so well-loved it became permanent. The restaurant serves small and large plates and also hosts a bottomless Sunday brunch with free-flowing prosecco. The menu is chock full of Asian fusion dishes like sandos, katsu curries, and ceviche.

Taro is a laid-back, authentic Japanese restaurant with locations around the city, including Soho, which was the first to open way back in 1999. It's affordable and serves all the favourites, from hot steaming bowls of ramen to noodles, teriyaki, sushi rolls, sashimi, tempura and more. Bento box meals are also a popular lunch staple of theirs.