Fitzrovia, Japanese Restaurant Guide

2021 Review: “Top ramen with great broth and good combinations”, win fans for this genuinely Japanese chain (originating in Fukuoka), which has branches in Holborn, Embankment and Canary Wharf. Ratings, though, fall short of the top heights at the hands of those who feel its food is “not bad, but not memorable”. A fourth branch is to open in Fitzrovia in autumn 2019.

2021 Review: “I’ve never had a bad meal at Roka, and I’ve eaten there many, many times” – Arjun Waney and Rainer Becker’s small modern Japanese group delivers an “exceptional”, “all-round” package of clean-tasting fusion food served in stylish and “buzzy” contemporary surroundings. Dishes are “beautifully presented but also amazingly well-flavoured” – be it “fantastic black cod”, “fabulous sushi” or grilled tapas-y bites from the robata grill. Top Tip – in E14, the “weekend brunch menu is splendid value for money: especially the children’s menu”.

2021 Review: “A great night out, with fab food and drinks” is the accepted wisdom on Ross Shonhan’s rocking izakayas, whose original, Soho-basement location looks set to be eclipsed by its new Fitzrovia sibling – an impressively large (170 covers) space, which adds Peruvian-Nikkei fusion-dishes and an expanded range of smoked meats to its more-established repertoire of Japanese faves (sushi, sashimi, filled steamed buns). It’s “amazing food that will leave you feeling VERY FULL”. Ratings are dragged down, though, by reporters who find the flavour combinations “odd”, or the overall package too expensive. Top Tip – “given that the main menu can be pricey: the set menu before 6pm or tasting menu is by far the best way to go”.

2021 Review: “Really great sushi with a fusion feel” makes this modern Japanese, just north of Oxford Circus, from the Chisou group “a great place to become acquainted with Japanese food”. Sky-high ratings improved further in its second year – a good indication that the “friendly staff” are not resting on their laurels.

Formerly know as Hot Stone, and under the same ownership, this Fitzrovia site under executive chef Padam Raj Rai is launching this modern fusion concept using Japanese techniques, omakase-style in a tasting menu format, using "quintessential British" ingredients.

Angelina founders, Joshua Owens-Baigler and Amar Takhar, have overhauled the Soho bar they launched as Golden Gai last year, and reopened it as this 'kushikatsu' restaurant. Kushikatsu come from Osaka in Japan, and are deep-fried skewers coated in Panko crumbs: here served omakase style. Hokkaido milkbread and soft shell crab is something of a signature dish.