With its sophisticated nightlife vibe and premium whisky collection, Sexy Fish London Mayfair is one of the best Japanese restaurants in London for a fancy evening out with friends. The restaurant’s decor is opulent yet elegant and the menu offers a creative blend of classic Japanese sushi sets, as well as vegan and vegetarian dishes. Late-night diners can enjoy a particularly vibrant experience at the weekends, with live music and entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights.

Step into Flesh and Buns in Covent Garden and Oxford Circus to find a cosy, intimate feel inspired by casual izakaya eateries. The menu offers a range of Asian dishes and specialises in bao buns, steamed buns stuffed with fillings such as crispy pork belly or tender beef short ribs. Highlights on the menu include the buttermilk fried chicken and the tuna maki served with tempura prawns.

Located inside Japan House – a cultural hub for Japanese art and history – Akira at Japan House Kensington is the perfect place to experience traditional Japanese dishes in a stylish and immersive setting. Expect sushi sets and meats cooked on a robata charcoal grill, with a focus on elegant presentation and exquisite tableware.

Translating to ‘mum’ in Osakan slang, Okan in Waterloo and Brixton recreates the warm, homey atmosphere of a small Japanese diner right in the heart of London. The kitchen is run by Osaka-born chef and specialises in preparing home-cook-style recipes popular in Japan. Okan has a cosy dining space with a casual feel – although it’s still a good idea to book ahead, as table seating is limited. This intimate vibe makes it a great place for a relaxed date night or a quick post-work dinner.

Translating to ‘mum’ in Osakan slang, Okan in Waterloo and Brixton recreates the warm, homey atmosphere of a small Japanese diner right in the heart of London. The kitchen is run by Osaka-born chef and specialises in preparing home-cook-style recipes popular in Japan. Okan has a cosy dining space with a casual feel – although it’s still a good idea to book ahead, as table seating is limited. This intimate vibe makes it a great place for a relaxed date night or a quick post-work dinner.

Inspired by Yoshoku – or Western-influenced Japanese food – Shack-Fuyu in Soho has a fun, youthful look and is one of the best Japanese restaurants in London for fusion cuisine. The food has garnered rave reviews in London publications like Time Out and the Evening Standard, and the fast-paced, friendly service gives the restaurant a buzzy vibe. Pre-theatre express menus also make this a great spot to visit if you’re going to see a play in Soho or heading to a West End show.

Inamo in Soho and Covent Garden is one of the best Japanese restaurants in London for an interactive dining experience. Diners at Inamo can order food, play interactive games, and enjoy puzzles and virtual activities on their touchscreen tables. Play together or use your touchscreens – the futuristic set-up and arcade-like decor offer a truly innovative meal out that’s great for families or groups of friends.

Inamo in Soho and Covent Garden is one of the best Japanese restaurants in London for an interactive dining experience. Diners at Inamo can order food, play interactive games, and enjoy puzzles and virtual activities on their touchscreen tables. Play together or use your touchscreens – the futuristic set-up and arcade-like decor offer a truly innovative meal out that’s great for families or groups of friends.

Family-owned Tanakatsu in Clerkenwell is one of the best Japanese restaurants in London for katsu and teriyaki. With a background in classical French cooking and experience travelling to Japan to learn about the food culture, chef Joe Vidakovic blends Western techniques with classic Japanese dishes. The menu features several katsu types – meat, fish and vegetables deep-fried in panko breadcrumbs. If you’ve never tried pumpkin katsu curry before, this is the place to do it.

For the ultimate fine dining experience, Roketsu in Marble Arch is one of the best Japanese restaurants in London. The menu is based around kaiseki, a traditional Japanese multi-course meal incorporating traditional cooking techniques and ingredients. Diners at Roketsu can experience a real taste of Japan as the interior decor was designed and built in Kyoto by famed Japanese architecture company Sotoji Nakamura. Roketsu focuses on tasting menus in traditional haute cuisine style.

If you love all things BBQ, Kintan Oxford Circus and Chancery Lane is one of the best Japanese restaurants in London for grilled meat and seafood. Inspired by Japanese yakiniku cuisine, meaning grilled meats, Kintan has smokeless grills incorporated into every table, so you can cook your food to perfectly suit your taste. The restaurant has a modern, casual feel and is an ideal spot for groups.

If you love all things BBQ, Kintan Oxford Circus and Chancery Lane is one of the best Japanese restaurants in London for grilled meat and seafood. Inspired by Japanese yakiniku cuisine, meaning grilled meats, Kintan has smokeless grills incorporated into every table, so you can cook your food to perfectly suit your taste. The restaurant has a modern, casual feel and is an ideal spot for groups.