Japanese cuisine has seen a dramatic transformation in London over the 21st century and has evolved from somewhat of a niche novelty to a dominant force in the city’s dining landscape. In the late 1990s, trailblazing venues like Nobu introduced a new wave of Japanese fusion to the capital and as global travel increased and palates became more adventurous, Londoners in Mayfair have embraced the sophistication and authenticity of Japanese cuisine. Today, sushi rolls and miso soup are as recognisable on menus as burgers or pasta and illustrate a remarkable cultural shift.
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, the city saw a surge in demand for everything from sushi and sashimi to ramen, izakaya-style comfort food and the art of kaiseki. By the 2020s, Japanese restaurants in Mayfair had grown exponentially, driven by a hunger for quality, simplicity and an immersive dining experience, whilst Sake bars and omakase counters became fashionable destinations in their own right, often booked out weeks in advance. The rise of food-focused social media has further increased the appeal, turning once-obscure dishes into trending sensations.
Nowhere is this culinary renaissance more evident than in Mayfair. The affluent neighbourhood, long known for its luxury boutiques and fine dining, has become home to some of the most refined and authentic Japanese restaurants in the capital.
In this guide, we take a look at five of the best authentic Japanese restaurants Mayfair has to offer.
Umu
Opened in 2004 on Bruton Place, Umu has long been a cornerstone of Japanese fine dining in London. The name "Umu," translating to ‘born of nature’, reflects the restaurant's commitment to delivering dishes that honour traditional Japanese culinary arts. Under the guidance of chef Ryo Kamatsu, Umu quickly earned a Michelin star and has maintained its status thanks to its meticulous attention to detail and reverence for Kyoto-style kaiseki dining.
The dishes here are delicate, deeply seasonal and often incorporate British ingredients, like line-caught fish from Cornwall, with a Japanese influence. The restaurant employs the traditional Japanese method of Ikejime for handling fish, a 17th-century technique that enhances the flavour and texture of sashimi, a practice that truly ensures each piece of sushi meets the highest standards of quality and authenticity.
Seating up to sixty-four guests, the menus unfold with the rhythm of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and every element, from the ceramic serving ware to the delicate tempura and fresh sashimi, makes a perfect choice for those who appreciate the subtle and spiritual side of Japanese cuisine.
TAKU
TAKU is a newcomer to Mayfair’s Japanese scene, but it has swiftly distinguished itself as a must-try for Omakase. Opened in 2023 by acclaimed chef Takuya Watanabe, the 16-seat counter earned its Michelin star just four months after opening and presents a unique twist on Japanese dining, where guests surrender their preferences to trust the chef’s creative vision.
TAKU’s menu changes daily, driven by the freshest seasonal ingredients, often flown directly from Japan and showcases perfect cuts of akami, otoro and uni, all presented with minimal intervention. The ambiance is quiet and immersive, a zen refuge from Mayfair’s bustle and offers three Omakase sittings from Wednesday to Saturday.
Cubé Mayfair
Cubé, tucked away on Blenheim Street, provides a more flexible take on omakase dining, all while still delivering high-end execution. Chef Masa and his team craft each dish before diners with a menu that features ultra-fresh sashimi, beautifully grilled seafood and tempura, with sake available on request. The restaurant also recommends pairings with English sparkling wines for a uniquely British-Japanese crossover.
Wood-accented table seating provides a relaxed space to truly indulge in the menu and downstairs, a private dining room presents a quiet, discreet setting that is perfect for intimate dinners or business gatherings.
NIJŪ
NIJŪ is a newer face in Mayfair, but one that has quickly earned a loyal following. It is inspired by the Japanese tradition of katei ryōri – a Japanese home-style cuisine, with an emphasis on warmth, generosity and dishes meant to be shared amongst friends.
The kitchen is overseen by Chef Endo Kazutoshi, a third-generation sushi master, who brings integrity and subtlety to every dish. The menu features izakaya favourites like grilled Wagyu, miso aubergine, nigiri platters and small plates that invite guests to explore and mix flavours.
At NIJŪ, there’s a meticulous focus on premium ingredients, from buttery wagyu and delicate hamachi to roasted turbot finished with furikake and miso butter. The space is also thoughtfully divided, with one room exuding a lounge-like ambiance, while the other is slightly lighter, centered around a sushi counter. Downstairs, the moody Nipperkin bar offers a selection of expertly mixed Sake cocktails and Japanese whiskies to be enjoyed as a night-cap.
Sushi Kanesaka
Sushi Kanesaka brings a direct line of Tokyo heritage to Mayfair. Found within the exclusive 45 Park Lane hotel, this is the London outpost of Chef Shinji Kanesaka’s Michelin-acclaimed Ginza sushi-ya and is as close as you’ll get to a Tokyo omakase experience without leaving the UK.
The Edomae-style sushi is masterfully minimalist, with each piece seasoned and formed by chefs trained in the precise art of temperature, pressure and timing. The omakase experience unfolds over approximately 18 courses, punctuated by dishes such as steamed abalone or perfectly grilled Kobe beef and while the seafood is largely sourced from European waters, the rice comes exclusively from Yamagata.
At its centre: a striking counter hewn from a single slab of hinoki cypress, surrounded by traditional Japanese details such as bamboo accents, artisanal ceramics and intricate kumiko woodwork. However, the heart of the restaurant’s atmosphere is the okami-san, a traditional female host whose presence embodies the spirit of Japanese omotenashi, which translates to hospitality. Trained in the subtle arts of etiquette and guest care, she ensures an exceptional dining experience and offers poise and warmth to every visitor.
Japanese cuisine has quietly become a fixture in Mayfair, where tradition and precision meet London’s increasing taste for quality and detail. Each restaurant offers something truly unique, from the refined precision of omakase to the comforting warmth of home-style plates and presents a quietly unfolding story of elegance, seasonality and luxury told through every slice, pour and plate.
