Hackney, Japanese Restaurant Guide

“A clever, Italian-Japanese fusion that actually works well, who knew!?” – this tiny and original six-seater in Dalston inspires nothing but love amongst early reporters. “If you’re bored of the endless tasting-menus trend in the food scene, the one here is top notch” – with five courses for £39 (or you can order individually at £9 per plate). “Bargain!” – “I went back the next day...”

After five years as a pop-up, Night Tales has found a semi-permanent home in two converted railway arches in Hackney. A future 'music destination', Night Tales boasts a 300-capacity nightclub, 8m waterfall, dedicated Asahi Dry bar, agave bar, private booths and outside space. Food will be provided in the form of ‘Fat Baby’, a Japanese izakaya-style grill, and NYC-style pizza from Sons of Slice.

In Hackney’s Broadway Market and next to the Regent’s Canal, this Japanese street food and ramen bar opened in December 2019. It’s smallish – 45 seats – mixing communal seating and some individual tables. Early reports suggest it’s an OK standby – not enough feedback for a more hearty endorsement at this stage.

Another little sister for Koya arrived in Broadway Market in September 2021, inspired by the fast-paced dining of the train station noodle bars found in Japan.