London’s best sushi restaurants

What is it? Muted, elegant omakase sushi that is one of the most sought after bookings in town.

Why we love it: This seven-seat omakase restaurant in Clerkenwell still remains one of the most sought after bookings in the capital. The husband and wife team behind Sushi Tetsu continue to serve some of the most expertly crafted sushi you can get outside of Japan in a warm, intimate setting - a truly wonderful experience (if you can manage to bag a booking). Elevated service without being pretentious is a hard balance to strike, but they are experts here.

Time Out tip: Due to the nature of omakase dining, where you eat at the counter and the chef prepares it in front of you, solo dining is recommended, if not preferred. A midweek solo booking is always easier to nab.

Address: 2 Jerusalem Passage, Clerkenwell, EC1V 4JP.

Opening hours: Open for lunch Tue-Wed 11.45am-2pm, and for dinner Tue-Fri 5.30-10pm, Sat 5-9.30pm. 

Expect to pay: £187 per person for the full omakase experience (food only), with a slightly reduced price of £167 on Saturday lunchtimes.

What is it? No frills, takeaway and counter sushi perfect for eating on the go.

Why we love it: We are all about efficiency, and what’s not to love about being able to pick up some Japanese grocery staples while you get your sushi fix? Sushi Show has locations in Shoreditch as well as here in Camden Passage in Angel, and has a fantastic selection of sushi made to eat casually, or to take home. It feels more like a shop, which is worth bearing in mind if you are hoping for somewhere less utilitarian or with a bit more ambiance.

Time Out tip: Popping in just before closing is a great way to grab a few last minute bargains to take home, as sushi is often marked down at the end of the day.

Address: 28 Camden Passage, Angel, N1 8ED.

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 12-9pm, Sun 12-7pm.

Expect to pay: Between £6 and £10 for the maki, and up to £25 for the priciest sushi special (8 pieces).

What is it? Complex and seasonal woodfire smoked fare with a panoramic view.

Why we love it: Featuring impressive views of an ever-evolving Stratford, Kokin’s use of woodfire smoking techniques sets it apart from the usual fare. Kokin has a great cocktail list, (the matcha espresso martini is strongly recommended), but it’s the starter selection that highlights the venue’s focus on seasonality and chef Daisuke Shimoyama’s vision. The smoked mackerel alone is worth stopping by for, and the woodfire-smoked rice adds a layer of flavour complexity to an already brilliant menu.

Time Out tip: Each week on Wednesdays, customers can book onto a live tuna experience where a 60-110kg fish is carved in front of guests and transformed into the evening’s omakase offering.

Address: 7th Floor, The Stratford, 20 International Way, Stratford, E20 1FD

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 12-2pm & 5pm-10pm, Sat 12pm-midnight, Sun 12-9pm.

Expect to pay: £45-53 for the Chef’s Sushi Selection (8 pieces), with starters ranging from £5.50 to £18.

What is it? A celestial omakase experience. Come and see a skilled master at work in an impressive setting, well worthy of its Michelin star.

Why we love it: Airy and aloft, with panoramic views of the city, a meal at Endo at the Rotunda feels almost otherworldly. In the capable hands of a third-generation sushi master, known for his showman-like qualities, you get a dinner and some razzle-dazzle, all  while toeing the right side of elegance and good taste. You’ll have to be swift to get a booking, but a truly unforgettable experience awaits.

Time Out tip: Sake and whiskey options are to be carefully considered - the venue is renowned for booze partnerships and collaborations exclusive to the restaurant.

Address: 8th Floor, The Helios, Television Centre, 101 Wood Lane, White City, W12 7FR.

Opening hours: Thu-Sat 12-3pm & 6-11pm. Closed Mon-Wed. 

Expect to pay: £290 before drinks and service for an 18 course omakase menu.

What is it? A popular, long-standing conveyor belt sushi spot in Soho, perfect for a quick lunch.

Why we love it: A Soho staple since 1995, Kulu Kulu Sushi is stil the best place in London to satisfy your conveyor belt sushi craving. There’s something meditative and cozy about a meal at Kulu Kulu, where there is a 45 minute dining policy (perfect for a quick working lunch during the week). You go in, you pick your different coloured dishes off of the conveyor belt (colours representing different price points), enjoy your meal, and you’re out less than an hour later to bask in the delights of Soho.

Time Out tip: It’s not one for big groups as you’ll have to wait a while to be seated together. Instead, it’s perfect for solo dining, or a party of two.

Address: 76 Brewer Street, Soho, W1F 9TX.

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 12-2.30pm & 5pm-9.30pm, Fri-Sat 12-2.30pm & 5-10pm, Sun closed. 

Expect to pay: Plates range from £3-£5.20.

What is it? Premium, high-end and very expensive omakase. 

Why we love it: The finest example of edomae sushi in London, Sushi Kanesaka in Mayfair is purported to be one of the most expensive places for omakase in the UK. It is, however, a transformative experience - with every detail carefully considered and conveyed to the customer, from the edo kiriko glassware your drinks pairing is served in, to the provenance of each course.

Time Out tip: A post-dinner digestif of matcha liqueur with soda is a delightful way to round off the meal.

Address: 45 Park Lane, Mayfair, W1K 1PN.

Opening hours: Tue-Sat 6-10.30pm. Closed Sun-Mon.

Expect to pay: £420 per person for the omakase (excluding drinks and service).

What is it? Modern Japanese cuisine with an upbeat atmosphere.

Why we love it: Sanjugo offers a fun take on modern Japanese - their hiramasa yellow tail salad (with ponzu, truffle oil and salmon roe) alone is worth popping in for. This low-key izakaya is incredible value for the quality of the food, and they have a great happy hour and bottomless brunch offering, too. Sanjugo has locations in Shoreditch, Angel and Victoria.

Time Out tip: Don’t forget to take a look at their grilled dishes - their hamachi kama (yellowtail cheek) feels like butter, and is absolutely divine. 

Address: 13-15 Great Eastern Street, Shoreditch, EC2A 3EJ.

Opening hours: Daily 12-10.30pm.

Expect to pay: £42 for their sashimi omakase, between £10-15 for their makis.

What is it? Discreet and elegant Michelin Star-scoring seafood served Kyoto-style kaiseki.

Why we love it: Umu is quietly brilliant. Everything from the discreet entrance, to the service, and the sushi itself is understated but simply impeccable. This is Michelin star sushi served Kyoto-style kaiseki, with a focus on traditional techniques such as ikejime to catch the fish. A flawless experience but cost-wise on the steeper end, so one to save for a special occasion.

Time Out tip: Umu is known for their sake selection, too, so be sure to ask for a recommendation to go along with your meal.

Address: 14-16 Bruton Place, Mayfair, W1J 6LX.

Opening hours: Mon 6-10pm, Tue-Sat 12-2pm & 6-10pm, Sun closed.

Expect to pay: £260 for the kaiseki menu, with an additional £120 for a wine or sake pairing.

What is it? An achingly cool neighbourhood restaurant, with a thriving daytime cafe offering.

Why we love it: Hidden away on a residential street in Hackney is Uchi, where cozy intimacy feels built in from the moment you’re invited to kick your shoes off for a pair of slippers. The soft shell crab and tempura broccoli rolls are favourites of regulars, and you find a heaving trade during the daytime hours in their matcha lattes, sandos and pastries.

Time Out tip: Their renkon lotus chips are the perfect ‘otsumami’ snack (accompaniment for beer or sake) as you wait for the rest of your order to be prepared.

Address: 144 Clarence Road, Lower Clapton, E5 8DY.

Opening hours: Dinner is served Thu and Sat 4-10pm Fri and Mon 5-10pm, and Sun 1-9pm (hours differ for daytime offering, UCHI Bake).

Expect to pay: £12-18 for nigiri, £24 for mixed sashimi.

What is it? Exquisite cocktails and deliciously fresh sushi in decadent, luxurious surroundings.

Why we love it: If you’ve ever wondered what an izakaya run by a wealthy Victorian merchant might look like, then The Aubrey would come quite close, with its maximalist, lavish interiors. A meal at The Aubrey is a decadent experience, and their maki rolls and sushi offerings are no exception, from Miho Sato, the UK’s only female Sushi Master. Lobster caviar, crispy soft shell crab and the seared hamachi are particularly noteworthy picks from their serious selection of maki rolls.

Time Out tip: Bookings on Thursday to Saturday evenings are accompanied by a live DJ, to get you in the spirit of the weekend.

Address: 66 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LA.

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 5pm-1am, Fri, 5pm-2am, Sat 12pm-2am, Sun 12pm-1am.

Expect to pay: £16-£95 for maki rolls, £86-£260 for sushi and sashimi platters.

What is it? A multifaceted sushi bar, uniquely proficient at considered evening omakase as well as a rapid working lunch or pre-theatre.

Why we love it: Sushi Kyu - sister restaurant of the highly regarded Cubé in Mayfair - has the best pre-theatre omakase offering for under £50. This 10 seat omakase restaurant is priced really well for the quality and service, which is paced excellent - simple, yet effective, making it uniquely ideal for special occasions, as well as quick solo lunches.

Time Out tip: The best value for money are the ‘off-peak’ bookings - lunchtime and pre-theatre at 5.30-6.30pm.

Address: 30 Brewer Street, Soho, W1F 0SS.

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 12-3pm & 5.30-10.30pm. Sun 12-3pm & 5.30-10pm.

Expect to pay: £51.80 for the omakase lunch, £74.80 for dinner. £49 for the pre-theatre option between 5.30pm-6.30pm.

What is it? The in-house eatery for a leading wholesale sushi supplier with modest pricing.

Why we love it: Atari-Ya are wholesale suppliers of ingredients to some of the best Japanese restaurants in the country, so it’s no surprise that their two north west London cafes sell some of the freshest sushi at an affordable price. A popular choice for takeaway, if you’re a Swiss Cottage or Golders Green local, it’s ideal for when you just want something reliable, swift and pared back - maybe not so much the atmosphere.

Time Out Tip: Atari-Ya is great for hand rolls - negitoro or the salmon, avocado and salmon roe specials are ones to try.

Address: 75 Fairfax Road, Swiss Cottage, NW6 4EE and 626 Finchley Road, Golders Green, NW11 7RR.

Opening hours: Mon closed, Tue-Sat 12-3pm & 5-9.15pm, Sun 12-9pm.

Expect to pay: £3.80-£7.35 for inside out/handrolls, £2-£4 for nigiri.

What is it? A little oasis in Soho serving elevated bento boxes.

Why we love it: Engawa, which is located in the almost-hidden Ham Yard, feels like a moment of calm in the heart of hectic Soho. This small but mighty establishment is primarily known for teppanyaki and its bento box selection, each crafted with seasonality in mind. Served in ‘jubako’, or tiered boxes, a meal at Engawa can feel a bit like opening all the doors to your advent calendar at once, with each square hosting a different culinary delight.

Time Out tip: The saikyo miso karaage from the a la carte menu is one to sample while you’re there.

Address: 2 Ham Yard, Soho, W1D 7DT.

Opening hours: Mon closed. Tue-Sat 12-3.30pm & 5-11pm, Sun 12-3.30pm & 5-10.30pm.

Expect to pay: £45 for the lunchtime chirashi zushi, £100 for evening omakase.

What is it? Modern, stylish sushi that delivers on quality.

Why we love it: Sushi Atelier is aptly named - evoking a sense of modernity, as well as a stylish yet efficient approach to the art of sushi making. There are theatrical elements (razor clam that comes served in a smoke filled dome, like something out of a sci fi movie) but they don’t feel overly gimmicky. The hipper younger sister of the highly regarded Chisou in Mayfair, Sushi Atelier serves ‘cool’ sushi with quirky touches like chilli.

Time Out tip: They love a blowtorch moment here, so have your phone camera at the ready to capture the action.

Address: 114 Great Portland Street, Fitzrovia, W1W 6PH.

Opening hours: Sun-Mon closed. Tue-Fri 12-3pm & 6pm-10pm, Sat 12-10pm.

Expect to pay: Between £28-£34 for sushi sets, and £62 for a 15 piece premium omakase.

What is it? Locally sourced ingredients championed in a modern venue.

Why we love it: The focus on British seasonal and sustainable ingredients is just one of the many things to love about Dinings SW3. Take, for example, their fondness for wasabi grown in Hampshire. The restaurant’s take on modern Japanese cuisine with a European twist is truly excellent, and the Scottish salmon, Cornish seabass and Lincolnshire smoked eel are standouts from their sushi and sashimi menu. You can choose to sit at their sushi counter, in their dining room or even in their lounge and bar area, depending on where you want the night to take you.

Time Out tip: Wine connoisseurs will love their ‘no corkage’ days - Sundays and Mondays - where you can bring along your own bottle to enjoy with your meal at no extra charge.

Address: Walton House, Lennox Gardens Mews, Walton Street, Knightsbridge, SW3 2JH.

Opening hours: Sun-Wed 12-10.30pm, Thu-Sat 12pm-11pm.

Expect to pay: £18-£33 for sushi rolls, £40 for the set lunch.

What is it? Fresh sushi and excellent robata cuisine with sleek, reliable service.

Why we love it: There’s something reassuringly comforting about a meal at Roka - they are a well-oiled machine, and you know you’re in safe hands. While robata cuisine is what they are most well known for, their weekend brunch offering is a fantastic option when you are wanting a more refined meal out, perhaps in the company of kids, making it ideal for satisfying your cravings with something for the whole family.

Time Out tip: The Roka events page is worth checking out before a visit - DJ nights! Whiskey brand collaborations! Sake pop ups! They have a lot to keep you coming back.

Address: 37 Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 1RR.

Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 12-3.30pm & 5-10.30pm, Fr 12-3.30pm & 5-11pm, Sat 11.30am-4pm & 5.30-11pm, Sun 12-10.30pm.

Expect to pay: Between £10-£18 for the maki rolls, £36 for a sashimi platter for two.

What is it? Elegant French and Japanese cuisine in an art deco-inspired space.

Why we love it: Bar des Pres is chic, moody, and atmospheric, with elegant interiors in a discreet Mayfair setting. French finesse meets Japanese tradition here, so you will find a selection of raw and marinated dishes alongside an extensive selection of California rolls, makis and sushi la pièce. The yellowtail maki with yuzu kosho is a must, along with the sashimi selection. Come for the sushi but stay for the desserts, which is all French - highlighting the best of both cultures.

Time Out tip: Don’t forget to check out the cozy subterranean lounge bar for an aperitif or digestif cocktail.

Address: 16 Albemarle Street, Mayfair, W1S 4HW.

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 12-3pm & 6-11pm, Sun 12-3pm & 6-10pm.

Expect to pay: £36 for a selection of six sushi, £19-£24 for the California rolls.

What is it? Fresh and delicious sushi and Korean cuisine served inside a landmark Lonson building.

Why we love it: Located in the historic Grade I listed Royal Exchange, Jang has a delicious sushi and sashimi offering and a picturesque setting. The nigiri and sushi selections come theatrically plated in decorative silver alligators, and the selection of Korean side dishes and K-BBQ set it apart from the other restaurants in this list. The Yuk Hwe Steak Tartare is particularly noteworthy, along with the excellent sashimi and nigiri selection.

Time Out tip: Their set menu (£40 for two courses, available 12-3pm from Monday to Friday) is worth stopping in for, with sushi one of the starter options.

Address: The Mezzanine, First Floor, Royal Exchange, City of London, EC3V 3LQ

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 12-3pm & 5.30-9.30pm, Sat 5.30-9.30pm, Sun closed. 

Expect to pay: £47/£70 for the sushi or sashimi selection, £34 for the twelve piece sushi selection.

What is it? Head-to-tail sushi tasting menus and omakase served in a grand Edwardian building.

Why we love it: There is something quintessentially London and altogether charming about Yashin Ocean House, which offers modern Japanese cuisine in old school Edwardian surroundings. They have an emphasis on ‘head to tail’ dining, serving unusual and often overlooked cuts of fish in refreshing and inspired ways. The omakase offerings start at an astonishingly reasonable price for the quality and ambiance (£30), and the otoro five offering (fatty tuna and negitoro) rolls are especially unctuous.

Time Out tip: Go for the tasting menu, which your whole party will have to order as well (but it’s totally worth it).

Address: 117-119 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, SW7 3RN. 

Opening hours: Daily 12-3pm & 6-11pm.

Expect to pay: £75 per person for the tasting menu, £30-£45 for the omakase sushi offering.

What is it? Fun, fast and casual sushi that’s perfect for families and big groups.

Why we love it: If you’re in the mood for refined elegance then it probably isn’t the place for you. But this Battersea spot with graffiti and pop art-style interiors is a real crowd pleaser, great for groups and people with young, fussy children. While their surf-and-turf nigiri (seared salmon with wagyu beef and truffle mayo), Kibou volcano rolls (salmon, avocado and tobiko) aren’t the most ‘authentic’, their sushi and sashimi offering is delicious, and the service is prompt and with a smile. Kibou also has locations in Oxford, Cambridge, Bristol and Solihull, if you’re looking for an out-of-town fish fix. 

Time Out tip: Their weekend bottomless sushi offering starts at £34, with the option to add booze for an extra £21.

Address: 175 Northcote Road, Battersea, SW11 6QF.

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 12-11pm, Sun 12-10.30pm.

Expect to pay: £17-£23 for the signature sushi, £11.50-£14.50 for uramaki.