Fetcham, Japanese Restaurant Guide

“There’s no finer way than a visit to impress a business colleague or, indeed, anyone for that matter”, according to fans of “the magnificent Beaverbrook estate – a wonder to behold and with a Dining Room featuring the very best in Japanese food”. The dining room itself has been super-tastefully updated; and in it Wojciech Popow (founder of the Polish Association of Sushi Chefs!) creates a menu of sushi, sashimi and the finest surf ’n’ turf robata’d on the Josper grill. “Before and after dining, the spacious grounds are a joy to take a leisurely stroll in”.

“This local gem has an unchanging but always consistent Japanese menu”, including “great sushi”. “The delightful Bobby on front of house” earns repeated mentions in feedback for “making Umi exceptional”: “nothing is too much”, and he “remembers his regulars and treats everyone like family”.

“LOVE this chain and would happily eat there any day!” – These “always buzzy” Nordic operations (originating in Copenhagen 30 years ago) provide a “tasty mix of sushi and grilled yakitori kebabs” in Scandi-minimalist dining spaces. One or two reporters hesitate at the prices for these luscious morsels – “not sure you can justify the cost of leaving full up” – but the overall satisfaction-level is high. They added a branch in Richmond’s former House of Fraser in May 2024 followed by another on Islington Green in September.

“Peerless food and gentle, elegant service” again wins adulation for this “hidden gem” in an anonymous parade of shops near South Wimbledon tube. Ex-Nobu chef Taka and his wife Yuko have run this 12-seater for over 10 years now, where they deliver an “outstanding omakase” for such an affordable price – “absolutely exquisite” sushi; and “service that’s very sympathetic”.

“Deeply flavoured and satisfying” ramen noodles in an “addictive” 20-hour pork bone broth combine with a “noisy hustle and bustle” at this ‘rock ’n’ roll ramen’ chain established in 2012, now with seven venues across central London. Perhaps the “quick and easy” (and noisy) vibe does not translate as satisfyingly from its original Soho site to the suburbs: a branch in leafy Richmond closed down last year, as did a Putney branch before it.

“A bit of a dive to be honest, but the food is still so good!” – no-one claims Mr Taro’s group is particularly stylish, but for “very generous portions of the classic Japanese dishes (including decent sushi, teriyaki and katsu curry)” these functional canteens hit the spot, and at a very good price. The latest (summer 2024) additions to its roster of eight venues are Catford in southeast London and Brentwood in Essex.

This “handy local” in Battersea’s ‘Nappy Valley’ (from a Cheltenham-based group) has “interesting and fun decor” and offers a range of modern Japanese dishes that includes “reasonably priced sushi”. Marks remain capped by those who say the food is “good but a bit variable”.

This “excellent small sushi bar with no frills” near Turnham Green tube may look unprepossessing, but is above par for a local Japanese café.

This “great little yakitori restaurant” near Stamford Brook station specialises in grilled Japanese skewers “cooked to order” as you watch, ideally from a perch at the counter. It’s a “simple local” spot, scoring well for authenticity.