London, Japanese Restaurant Guide

A “sensational Japanese sushi experience”, “prepared and served by a true entertainer and showman”, wins near-perfect marks for Endo Kazutoshi’s (former sushi chef at Zuma) 16-seat newcomer, in the rotunda atop the former BBC Television Centre in White City – nowadays transformed as a huge, glam apartment complex by Nick Jones of Soho House. The venture invites some comparisons with the early days of Mitsuhiro Araki at The Araki, although here the much glossier setting arguably lives up more to the inevitably stratospheric price tag: “a highly informative experience of great intimacy: not cheap, but a lot less than a plane ticket to Japan…”. (On the basis that the comparison with The Araki is warranted, Michelin will likely hand this place two stars in autumn 2019).

Arjun Waney and Rainer Becker’s “well-oiled” glamour-magnet, just off Knightsbridge, “has kept its high standards for more than 15 years now” (it opened in 2002, nowadays with spin-offs around the globe). “The cocktail bar is a bit of a zoo”, but that just adds energy to its “buzzy” (“so noisy!”), “casual and comfortable” overall style; and even if Japanese-fusion cuisine doesn’t today seem like quite the genius-magic it did on opening, the “sublime” dishes here still feel as fresh as a daisy: “wonderous bites” of sushi, black cod and other “supreme” creations.

“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”.

“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”.

“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”.

“Prefer it to The Araki…”, “the best sushi I’ve had outside of Tokyo…”, “superb…” – Toru Takahashi’s Clerkenwell venture is “beyond reproach”: “a true neighbourhood sushiya” that rivals London’s best-known names, at a fraction of the price, and delivers “astonishing flavours” and the “intimate” experience you’d expect of somewhere with just 7 seats, minded over by “delightful” staff. One perennial complaint though – “the whole dreary booking process”.

“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”.

“Some of the best Japanese food in London, at half the price you’d spend in Zone One”, is found at this tiny, “surprisingly calming” outfit, in a parade of shops “on a busy road”, near South Wimbledon tube station. “Superb fresh sushi” is prepared on site by chef-proprietor Taka, formerly of Nobu, with service by his “charming wife”, Yuko. “I’ve eaten sushi three to four times in Japan – and this is better!”. Booking recommended.