From stunning sushi spots to warming Japanese hot pots eateries, here are 10 of the best Asian restaurants to try now in London.
LessModern chic meets timeless Asian cuisine in London’s Sexy Fish sushi bar. This elegant restaurant in Mayfair is just a stone’s throw from Berkeley Square, in the heart of London’s fine dining district. The menu is built around seafood, with celebrated MICHELIN-star chef, Bjoern Weissgerber, at the helm. Popular dishes at Sexy Fish include classic nigiri and maki sets, yellowfin tuna sashimi, and chicken yakitori skewers finished on the robata grill.
With its lavish decor and Asian-inspired menu, The Ivy Asia is an all-round sensory experience and is one of the best Asian restaurants in London for casual fine dining. The Ivy has been an iconic London institution since the first Ivy restaurant opened in the West End in 1917. Since then, the franchise has expanded to include global cuisines and now has three Ivy Asia branches in Mayfair, Chelsea and St. Paul’s .
Kintan Oxford Circus is one of the top Asian restaurants in London for yakiniku, traditional Japanese-style grilled meat. This Japanese BBQ joint has a lively atmosphere and a sleek, contemporary feel, with large tables that are ideal for small groups of six or less. The menu features a fantastic range of sharing courses, which include multiple small plates and meat dishes you can cook yourself on the individual table grills.
Fatt Pundit’s two locations are best known for Indo-Chinese classics. The unique cuisine stems from Hakka migrants who came to India from the Chinese province of Canton in the 19th century. Both Fatt Pundit outposts feature exposed walls, splashed with street signs and murals that fuel a lively, group-friendly atmosphere. Indian spices meet traditional Chinese cooking techniques in dishes such as chilli paneer and sticky sesame vegetables.
Modelled on Japanese Izakaya bars, which are traditional pubs for after-work drinks and snacks, Flesh & Buns has an Anime-inspired aesthetic with a friendly and intimate atmosphere. You’ll be won over by the gorgeously designed menus and decor, styled by artist and illustrator, Emily Fay. The subterranean downstairs bar has a cosy ambience, that gives it the feel of a hideaway from the city, while still keeping things chic and urban.
Head to the north of London in Hatch End to find one of the best Pan-Asian restaurants that London has to offer. With a wide range of Asian cuisines and specialties, Dojo has a sleek, unfussy feel that makes it great for intimate celebrations or for weeknight dining. The menu is fantastically eclectic and expertly prepared, giving you the chance to branch out and try amazing dishes from different Asian cultures and cuisines.
Kaia at The Ned is a standout Asian-Pacific restaurant that specialises in poke bowls and grilled dishes, prepped in a dynamic open kitchen. The dishes come from all around Asia, with staples like prawn dumplings, robata teriyaki salmon, and grilled tsukune chicken skewers taking centre stage.
The menu at Shack-Fuyu centres around Japanese cuisine with some Pan-Asian influences. The kitchen adds a unique twist to the menu by focusing on Japanese Yoshoku dishes that were inspired by Western cuisine. It’s great stick-to-your-ribs food, with popular favourites including Korean fried chicken , Sukiyaki style Wagyu beef hot pot, and pork bao buns. If you fancy trying something different, creative dishes like honey pork neck or the spicy miso scallop are delicious combinations.