Mayfair has quietly emerged as the heart of London’s authentic sushi scene, with a cluster of omakase counters and refined Japanese restaurants that draw favourable comparison to those found in New York – honouring the well-honed techniques of chefs trained in Tokyo, Kobe, and beyond. Like all things wonderfully Japanese, the focus is on artistry, precision and intimacy. These are not places for hurried dining, but for measured experiences – where every movement, from the chef’s knife work to the timing of service, is as carefully considered as the quality of the food itself.
Range is Mayfair’s strength when it comes to sushi. One may find a 16-seat counter where the chef serves each guest in near silence, while just around the corner, a Kyoto-inspired kaiseki house hums with the chatter of diners enjoying seasonal menus in discreet dining rooms. The neighbourhood has become a destination for those in search of true Japanese craftsmanship – and the streets of Mayfair more than oblige.
Taku
Taku is an intimate omakase restaurant tucked away on Albemarle Street, seating just 16 covers. The interiors are minimalist and elegant, with soft lighting that emphasises the pass and grill, ensuring diners are fully immersed in the theatre of the chef at work. The calm, hushed atmosphere and meticulous attention to detail are central to the experience at Taku – a standard of excellence that has earned it one Michelin star since opening.
With an 18-course tasting experience that takes guests on a journey of both mouth and mind, the menu unfolds as a strict omakase sequence. It begins with delicately balanced appetisers before moving onto perfectly formed nigiri – hand-pressed rice topped with expertly sliced fish and brushed with subtle seasoning. Seasonal variation is central to the experience, meaning no two visits are quite the same. A compact but thoughtful drinks list features premium sake and Japanese whiskies, each chosen to complement the pace and progression of the menu.
Sushi Kanesaka
One of Mayfair’s most exclusive sushi counters, Sushi Kanesaka is bedecked in traditional hinoki wood with elegant Japanese craftsmanship throughout. This intimate space offers just a handful of seats, ensuring complete focus on the art of sushi for those fortunate enough to secure a place. Every element of the room – from the arrangement of the counter to the quiet, attentive service – has been conceived to mirror the finest Ginza establishments, masterful chefs behind the counter included. As the sister restaurant of chef Kanesaka’s Tokyo flagship, one should rightly expect exceptional plates when dining here.
The omakase menu consists of an extended sequence of nigiri and small dishes. Classic Edomae techniques are on show, with the interplay of rice, vinegar and fish forming the backbone of the experience. Guests can expect pristine cuts of bluefin and whitefish tuna, sea urchin, and delicate shellfish – punctuated by thoughtful palate resets such as miso soup or tamago. For many, Sushi Kanesaka represents the closest London has come to replicating a true Tokyo counter dining experience, and stands as a testament to master Kanesaka’s prowess as both a chef and restaurateur.
Umu
Umu brings the spirit of Kyoto to Mayfair, offering a refined kaiseki experience – though it’s the sushi and sashimi that remain the restaurant’s standout highlights. Menus are built around seasonal produce, often sourced from both Japan and the British Isles (the ginjo sake-cured Highland langoustine is a particular highlight when in season), with each dish balancing precision and presentation.
Sushi at Umu is folded into a broader multi-course offering, with each tasting menu featuring broths, tempura, and precisely plated small dishes that leave a lasting impression. As a Michelin-starred address in a neighbourhood dense with high-end Japanese dining, Umu distinguishes itself with confidence – favouring balance and subtlety over show, even in its most complex dishes.
Maru
The tasting menu at Maru is as exacting as it is original, with up to twenty small courses presented in succession. What sets this Mayfair restaurant apart is its emphasis on British-sourced seafood – with Cornish fish and shellfish sitting alongside carefully selected imports from Japan and beyond. The result is a menu that feels both authentically Japanese and subtly local, striking a thoughtful balance between tradition and provenance.
With only two sittings per evening, punctuality is essential – but well worth it for the experience. Sake pairings are as considered as the food, weaving beautifully through the arc of the meal. The space itself is minimalist, blending Japanese influences with a modern British restraint. For those seeking an understated yet exceptional omakase in one of London’s most polished postcodes, Maru more than delivers.
Nobu
Nobu’s Old Park Lane address remains one of Mayfair’s most recognisable Japanese restaurants. As a brand, Nobu delivers total international appeal, and while it may not share the same purist adherence to tradition and technique as others on this list, it remains just as essential to elevating the profile of sushi and sashimi in London – at least in a contemporary sense.
Signature fusion dishes sit proudly alongside a well-executed sushi and sashimi selection. Though it doesn’t have the singular focus of an omakase counter, the quality of the fish and consistency of preparation make Nobu a dependable choice for high-end sushi in Mayfair. From the seafood toban yaki to the moreish morsels of rock shrimp tempura, the star attraction remains the often replicated, never matched black cod miso. Nobu may be a global brand first – but the food at its centre is unimpeachable.
