London has always been a melting pot of different cultures, and has become one of the world’s most celebrated cities for foodies, whether they’re fine diners or street food aficionados. Sushi is consumed in enormous quantities in the UK’s capital, and the delicacy is available almost everywhere, from authentic, independent Japanese restaurants to chain supermarkets and sandwich stores.
With such a vast amount of sushi on offer, it’s understandable that the quality of the product also varies widely. And finding a great sushi joint can greatly improve the quality of any Londoner’s life, especially if it’s local and affordable. We’re going to have a look at some of the best places for rice ‘n fish in the capital (warning — many of these are NOT particularly affordable).
Best Chain Sushi
Most cuisine from around the world has been franchised in the UK, and sushi is no different. It’s not unusual to see a sushi and bento (a lunchbox-type arrangement with rice, pickles, fish, tempura, etc) joint on every high street. In fact, sushi has become so familiar that it even features in video games such as Sushi-Go-Round where you play as a sushi chef trying to keep your customers happy with food (and a little sake helps). Those who frequent online casinos can also find a sushi-themed slot game, which looks very tasty indeed.
YO Sushi is probably the best-known chain of sushi restaurants in the UK, and perhaps the world. It’s a conveyor belt-style affair, where you pick out what looks good and pay for your plates at the end. Itsu is a middling affair, but ubiquitous, and ok for a decent bite on the go. Sushi Daily is a kiosk-style restaurant, which became popular in mainland Europe before spreading to the UK, with locations in Waitrose supermarkets around the country. Probably best for your buck is Wasabi, which offers ramen and other dishes alongside sushi — try their comforting katsu curry if you’re not in the mood for fishy delights.
Endo at the Rotunda
Some of the top sushi restaurants in the world use the omakase method – the word literally means “I leave it up to you”, but in real terms means ‘chef’s selection’. Diners typically sit at a bar behind which the sushi chef works, who presents them with single pieces of nigiri, sashimi, or other delicacies.
Omakase is often a quiet, intimate, and reverential affair —check out the amazing documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi— but here you’ll find a noisy, buzzing, and spacious restaurant, led by Endo Kazutoshi, with lots of prep work to observe. An 11-course menu will set you back £60, and is worth every penny, with exquisite sashimi that includes a dish of salmon being smoked the second it’s sliced before your eyes.
Jugemu
For a considerably cheaper but equally delicious option, you should try Jugemu on Winnet Street in Soho, run by enthusiastic chef Yuya Kikuchi, formerly of Kirazu. Jugemu is a humbler affair, with fantastic tempura hand rolls, as well as seaweed salad and beef tataki. But the sushi and sashimi are the main events, and although they’re the most expensive options on the menu they’re probably the best.
Most customers go in, load up on rice dishes and salads, and then hit the sashimi platters for that carb/protein rush we all love.
Sushi Kanesaka
Looking to lighten your wallet? You could do worse than spend the evening dining at Sushi Kanesaka, the UK’s outpost of one of Japan’s many two Michelin-starred restaurants. Before we talk about the exquisite food, it’s probably worth mentioning that the omakase experience clocks in at a rather eye-popping £420. Per person. Yep, you read that right. Still, if you’ve got the cash and the appetite, why not?
The curation and interior alone are sumptuous, transporting you to Japan with hand-cut sake glasses and top-quality craftsmanship oozing from every fixture and fitting. And the food, well, it goes without saying that this is one of the most transcendental sushi experiences you’ll have outside Japan, with Cornish crab, Chutoro sushi, as well as the negi toro maki (tuna with green onion hand roll). This is how top-of-the-line sushi is supposed to be—the chef takes you on a journey through taste, texture and aroma (patrons are reminded before their visit not to wear perfume or aftershave, as this compromises the experience).
Sushi Tetsu
Whilst it is nigh-impossible to get a reservation at this six-seater Clerkenwell paradise, those lucky enough to do so are in for a treat. Again, omakase is the best option, and it’s a joy to watch chef Toru Takahashi work, frowning as he works his blowtorch or caressing a piece of perfectly briny mackerel nigiri with a lick of soy sauce.
Again, this won’t come cheap, but it’s an unforgettable dining experience, and the tiny size of the restaurant makes for an intimate affair that wouldn’t be out of place in one of Tokyo’s more affluent districts.
Sushi has become a beloved part of the UK’s culinary landscape. Londoners are spoiled for choice, whether you’re eating on the go and on a budget, or taking a trip to sushi paradise under the guidance of a sushi master, you can’t escape the allure of rice, fish, soy and wasabi.
