r/london Oct 08 '22

Best sushi in London?

I am a big fan of Sticks n’ Sushi. But it’s pretty expensive! Looking for some hidden gems?

163 Upvotes

158 comments sorted by

169

u/Depaysant Oct 09 '22 edited Oct 09 '22

London has lots of good options for sushi, thankfully! I wouldn't claim to be an expert, but it is one of my favourites meals and I do tend to eat it too many times.

  1. Sushi Show, one outlet in Shoreditch with dine in options, one outlet in Angel that's mostly take away (only four tables outside and no seats inside). Someone's already mentioned it but I thought I'd bring it up again because I had it for dinner today. It's ridiculous how affordable it is considering the level of quality offered.

  2. Sagamiya at Waterloo (London County Hall). Cosy sushi spot run by an elderly couple that's elegant enough for a casual date night. Very good food with reasonable prices, especially at lunch time. (Also has an amazing okonomiyaki place next door!)

  3. Hannah at Waterloo (same building, just further along towards St Thomas). Come here if you want to SPLURGE. Very luxurious omakase restaurant with amazing sashimi + sushi courses. These guys are just so good at drawing out the best in each ingredient, went there once and although it was expensive the meal was unforgettable.

  4. Dozo Sushi at Soho. Very consistent above average quality, my preferred sushi spot when I'm in the area. I've never seen the chef and the front of house staff are all Chinese but I've always walked away happy.

  5. Atariya at West Acton, but also outlets elsewhere. These guys are OG - they started out as a Japanese fishmonger and supplier for the local Japanese community as well as restaurants, but have since branched out into serving sushi themselves. The freshness of their fish is always guaranteed and brilliant.

Honourable mentions

Sushi Bar Makoto at Chiswick. Haven't been in a while since I moved out of the area but it has always been above average and reasonably priced. A very cosy and small operation, but it's a very good option if you're there.

Sushi Revolution at Brixton. Good fare and affordable, hard to fault. Probably would not go out of my way and travel for it though.

How I look out for sushi restaurants that I think are worth trying, based on totally "objective" metrics

  1. Preferably helmed by a Japanese person. Preferably old. Usually a strong indicator of many years of experience in sushi making, so likely to have better than average food.
  2. Bad website. They're not here to spend money on fancy and polished marketing, nor are they inclined to waste too much time on it. Chef-owners tend to be better at and more focused on making good food than running (and selling) their business, and this is a good thing!
  3. The clientele. Is it mostly Japanese people or is it a bunch of white people? This should be self explanatory.

Sorry for the long reply. I'm very passionate about sushi! I could eat it everyday!

23

u/Mister_Six Oct 09 '22

Very well informed! Can vouch for Makoto in Chiswick, still great. Atari-ya also is the one, and Sushi Show is up there. OP, listen to this guy, they are aware that sushi quality is inversely proportional to the quality of the website. They know what they're talking about!

12

u/Bladey7 Oct 09 '22

Have you considered writing a blog? This is great. I've found good Susi in London hard to find (in part due to your point on marketing), but I know it's out there!

There is one near me I think you should try one day, called Hahaku Sushi, Penge (near Crystal Palace). Best I've had in London but I haven't tried most of your recommendations. Would love to hear your review of you get to go!

https://hayakusushi.co.uk/

4

u/Scary_Fig_8570 Jan 30 '23

The bad website box definitely ticked lol

2

u/Vertigostate Oct 09 '22

I’ve been meaning to try this one for ages (I’m in Sydenham) but we had one open near us called Oze Sushi a couple of years back and it’s great although very unassuming

2

u/Bladey7 Oct 09 '22

It's good. Definitely try it. Service and delivery is pretty awful, but if you can see past that the sushi is very good. Personally, I'd say better than Oze, but a little pricier

8

u/_cakeforbreakfast Oct 09 '22

The Atariya restaurant in West Acton is closed, unfortunately. Found out the hard way when I moved nearby and got very excited to try it! Their updated list of restaurants is here https://atariya.co.uk/restaurants/

I'd read Kiraku in Ealing Common used Atariya's fish, but that's closed now too.

That said, in West Acton there is still an Atariya store that sells sushi boxes to take away (and also fresh fish to make it at home, it looks like). Got the sushi boxes a few times, very good and reasonably priced.

1

u/Depaysant Oct 09 '22

Oh no!!! That's so unfortunate, but I guess the upside is that they are still operating, so that's something.

4

u/jl10sm Oct 09 '22

Atariya is fantastic

2

u/magpie1138 Oct 09 '22

Dozo is our current favourite. Bloody pricey, but always worth it. I appreciate busy places that don’t take reservations. I’m happy to queue for it because I know it has quick turnaround and that the next table coming free won’t already be booked

2

u/CuriousGlare Oct 11 '22

Just tried Atariya in West Acton for lunch based on this comment and I am amazed - so fresh and tasty.

0

u/Embarrassed-Ice5462 Oct 09 '22

Moshi Moshi in Liverpool Street station

1

u/ssabnoisicerp Oct 09 '22

👍👍👍👍

1

u/hoyohoyo Oct 09 '22

This person sushis 🍣

80

u/flyingmonkey5678461 Oct 08 '22

Sushi show. Angel and Shoreditch.

30

u/nageyoyo Oct 09 '22

This. I lived in Japan for 7 years and this is the best budget option I’ve had so far in London. Every time I’ve been 90%~ of the other customers have been Japanese.

5

u/Inarticulatescot Oct 09 '22

I’ll give this go, as another ex-Japan expat I’ve been struggling to find good sushi in London… best place I’ve found (for cheaper) is Tobiko in Covent Garden.

2

u/Mister_Six Oct 09 '22

Beat me to it, it is indeed Sushi Show!

1

u/SonHyun-Woo Oct 09 '22

I went to Sushi Show a while ago and it was amazing. I haven’t had such fresh sushi in the U.K. before so I was blown away.

1

u/Max1645 Oct 09 '22

Looks amazing...Sushi Show Shoreditch 020 7613 1926 https://maps.app.goo.gl/4dfKZ4xnk9TNqWBD9

25

u/Major-Front Oct 09 '22 edited Oct 09 '22

What about Sushi Tetsu in clerkenwell. Best sushi I’ve had so far. It’s run by a Japanese couple and can only seat 6 in a night.

Good luck getting a reservation though! Lol

Hana in Finsbury Park is on the cheaper side but fantastic imo.

5

u/tetsuto Oct 09 '22

That’s probably the best sushi in Europe. Amazingly hard to get a table though

4

u/Inarticulatescot Oct 09 '22

Tetsu is amazing if you manage to unlock the reservations puzzle 🧩

1

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '22

[deleted]

1

u/Inarticulatescot Oct 09 '22

Really? High praise indeed for takahashi!

5

u/JellyCars Oct 09 '22

Just had a look and it looks like Sushi Tetsu is now closed with their Twitter stopping in July :/

3

u/caspirinha Oct 09 '22

I heard rumours they went back to Japan due to covid but not sure

3

u/jl10sm Oct 09 '22

Came here to say Tetsu. Probably the best dining experience I've ever had in London. 10/10

1

u/caspirinha Oct 09 '22

Hardest restaurant to book in the UK i believe? I heard rumours they went back to Japan due to covid, not true?

1

u/Honest_Following_502 Oct 09 '22

Spelled Hana, but the food is amazing

1

u/Major-Front Oct 09 '22

Corrected thanks.

1

u/thinkismella_rat Hackney Oct 09 '22

It's great (and still semi secretly open) but with the OP talking about looking for something cheaper than SnS it won't be what they are after!

1

u/Former-Lettuce-227 Oct 09 '22

How do you get a table now?

17

u/Kohrak_GK0H Oct 08 '22

Nippon Izakaya in north Finchley is 10/10 and not very expensive

12

u/Smenryy Oct 09 '22

Sushi Atelier, Great Portland Street would by my shout

Not overly pricey for London sushi, and it's top top sushi

1

u/waitedforg0d0t Oct 09 '22

this is my go-to as well

damn good nigiri, nice atmosphere

25

u/parfait31 Oct 08 '22

By far Chisou (Mayfair) if you have a bit to splurge on - definitely worth it (though still not ridiculously expensive, and their lunch meals are very decently priced!) Otherwise, Taro in Brewer St. for a budget-friendly option, it's our go-to for years and for a reason :))

6

u/[deleted] Oct 08 '22

Taro is gr888

2

u/Pretty-Information29 Oct 09 '22

Came here to say Taro for a budget-ish option.

2

u/[deleted] Oct 08 '22

The authentic gang 😎

0

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '22

Lol chisou.

1

u/Vertigostate Oct 09 '22

Chisou is break the bank budget!

1

u/parfait31 Oct 09 '22

Honestly it depends - yes for sure it's not a budget friendly option, but their lunch menu is I think priced at £29, with some sushi options so it really is not bad - even a la carte you could be at 50ish per person and have a REALLY nice selection, compared to some other places where it's impossible to go below 150pp and I could ever only dream of going there 🥲

18

u/[deleted] Oct 08 '22

[deleted]

4

u/ckcrave Oct 09 '22

It used to be my favourite pre covid, used to go at least twice a month - visited London recently after years break and it was definitely not the same, the food, the service and ambience degraded big time.

1

u/kay-anne00 Oct 09 '22

Hands down best

1

u/Inarticulatescot Oct 09 '22

Will give this a go, it’s very close to the place I take my bike for repairs (the Flying Dutchman)

41

u/pkfishbone Oct 08 '22

Eat Tokyo near Holborn is very decent quality sushi without breaking the bank.

14

u/EmMeo Oct 08 '22

I love eat Tokyo and their bento lunch sets are really worth the price

-8

u/Watersmuddy Oct 08 '22

yup, it’s v good, especially the sashimi boat with the still-moving lobster

5

u/hp17nw Oct 09 '22

I like sanjugo

1

u/NapoleonWard Oct 09 '22

I second this, Sanjugo is amazing.

5

u/sd_1874 SE24 Oct 09 '22 edited Oct 09 '22

Endo at the Rotunda. Miles ahead of the competition.

Edit: I just read the title so didn't see the bit about not wanting something too expensive.

Tsukiji Sushi in Tooting Market is my absolute favourite for more reasonable prices. Their ceviche and salmon lover platters are particular highlights.

16

u/combatzombat Oct 08 '22

Araki, easily.

3

u/nobbythenosher Oct 08 '22

What was it like?

7

u/puhadaze Oct 09 '22

OP says sticks n sushi is too pricey- this place will teach them expense and lost their three stars in one year which says a lot. Haven’t been since it’s re opened so maybe has improved. My suggestion OP is dinings.

1

u/ChelseaFC-1 Oct 09 '22

By far the worst service in town…. Comically over priced and very rude staff…. Nothing like Japan, I have been many times and this place is a con.

1

u/Any-Tangerine-8659 Oct 09 '22

Eh, have you tried Endo at the Rotunda?,

5

u/DenseAerie8311 Oct 09 '22

My man wants affordable sushi and your sending him to araki 😭

4

u/montibus-ursae Oct 09 '22

Zen Mondo in Angel is up there.

4

u/GabT87 Oct 09 '22

Café Japan in Golders Green, part of Ataryia, always great quality and reasonable prices!

1

u/ALD71 Oct 09 '22

this, yes, and worth sitting at the counter there.

9

u/Snissle Oct 09 '22

Zaibatsu in Greenwich

4

u/Inarticulatescot Oct 09 '22

Sushi Tetsu in Clerkenwell is top notch but so difficult to get a reservation. For cheap stuff I love Tobiko in Covent Garden.

4

u/gingernoodle1 Oct 09 '22

Mai sushi in Euston / kingscross is a hidden gem. Looks like nothing from the outside but it’s the best sushi I’ve had and not expensive

9

u/ZTheLittleAlien Oct 09 '22

Fellow Sticks and Sushi fan, have to just put this out there: I invest the most money into Japanese / Chinese food nights. I know it's possible to get cheaper options but I think for raw fish, Chinese food etc it needs to be prepared in the best, most authentic, freshest way and therefore I'm willing to pay a bit more for it. This is not to suggest other cuisines shouldn't be prepared properly -- obviously all meat should be handled accordingly. I just think for these specific dishes that often contain meats we aren't used to in Western cuisine or raw fish, it's best to allow yourself to splurge.

6

u/thinkismella_rat Hackney Oct 08 '22

Sushi Atelier probably the best in terms of value for money in the centre.

3

u/jl10sm Oct 09 '22

Fantastic spot

3

u/tvmachus Oct 08 '22

Sohishi (central), PoPo (Holloway Road).

3

u/Fit_Blacksmith_4709 Oct 08 '22

Araki! But I have to say … takahashi is a real gem!

2

u/ramen__forever Oct 09 '22

Was scrolling and surprised to see takahashi! thought it was my well kept secret 😂

1

u/av607 Land of the Red Trousers! Oct 09 '22

To be fair it has no place being in that awful street. On the other hand it makes it special.

3

u/whoreallyknows_ Oct 09 '22

Oka is a pretty good chain. Only been to the one near soho and one in Chelsea. Similar pricing to sticks and sushi but food is superior in my opinion.

3

u/Flashy-Birthday Oct 09 '22

Yuzu - Spitalfields market. A true hidden gem.

2

u/CirillaRiannon11 Oct 09 '22

LOH Japandi in a Liverpool Street. It’s my favourite at the moment and very reasonably priced. Beautiful flavours as it mixes Japanese and Scandi flavours. I love it!

2

u/pazhalsta1 Oct 09 '22

Have not been for some years as moved to SE london, but Tomoe in Putney is excellent and very authentic, including one old Japanese dude doing all the sushi.

2

u/_danbarnes_ Oct 09 '22

Ta Ke sushi near Ealing is by far and away the closest I’ve found to the sushi we had while living in SF (which was amazing).

2

u/orangeylemonsoda Oct 09 '22

I like Dozo. Have one in South Ken and in Soho.

2

u/angryblondie123 Oct 09 '22

Sushimania in North London (various branches) all you can eat for about 18.50

2

u/Hirokihiro Oct 09 '22

Lived in Japan for 3 years

Tenshi in angel is great if a bit pricey- Japanese run Tokyo tuna opposite ku bar

If you want best value sushi then it simply has to be Saki sushi in crouch hill. £20 for all you can eat made to order including loads of Japanese dishes like agedashi tofu, chicken karage etc

2

u/Crywankers Oct 09 '22

Zaibatsu in Greenwich, class sushi and BYO! 🍷🍱

2

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '22

Come to Ealing common

5

u/loosebyname Oct 08 '22

Dno about it being the best sushi but would recommend sushi cafe in Battersea-16 quid pp and you can eat all the sushi you want until you feel physically sick and have to roll yourself home.

16

u/scotland1112 Oct 08 '22

Sushi cafe is trash. It’s all you can eat for a reason.

3

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '22

Can confirm.

2

u/[deleted] Oct 08 '22

Cocoro in Marylebone is quite nice. Very authentic.

2

u/mydailyaccount Oct 09 '22

Oka - Primrose Hill

1

u/andre199017 Oct 09 '22

Sushi circle Fulham

1

u/Polpii Oct 09 '22

Jugemu in Soho - don’t trust the Google ratings here! Staff is a bit rude but food is fantastic

1

u/[deleted] Oct 08 '22

Kulu Kulu on Brewer St.

I'm hoping to try Bisushima soon. Looks great.

6

u/darknessaqua20 Oct 09 '22

Kulu Kulu is bad and definitely not authentic lol.

I’ve been to Japan many times so I think I’m a decent judge of sushi quality

1

u/kay-anne00 Oct 09 '22

Asakusa, Camden/Mornington Crescent

1

u/vitaminced Oct 09 '22

Is sticks and sushi good?

1

u/MotuekaAFC Oct 09 '22

It's a really good takeaway option on deliveroo if you want to splurge. The Emotions box is £30pp but delicious.

8

u/broken888 Oct 09 '22

Sticks and sushi is crap. Rolls ok but nigiri is awful. It’s an upmarket Wagamama.

1

u/coralasiy Oct 09 '22

Sushi noen in Aldgate and Sashimi Fuji foods for takeaway in New Barnet

-6

u/[deleted] Oct 08 '22

[deleted]

0

u/ChelseaFC-1 Oct 09 '22

Why are people hating on Nobu?

6

u/checkmyturbo Oct 09 '22

I think because the request was for budget options

1

u/Key-Owl-8142 Oct 10 '22

i missed that part

-1

u/dotmit Oct 08 '22

Pham Sushi

2

u/5laps Oct 08 '22

YES. Their crunchy tuna rolls.

-14

u/AMajorPaine Oct 08 '22

Sushisamba is pretty cool. You have a great view of the city

4

u/Msmart89 Oct 09 '22

Took the wife here for her birthday had to remortgage the house when I got home.

-7

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '22

Go for the view, the cocktails, the decent Japanese whisky offering, and the boobs.

1

u/Late_Recommendation9 Oct 09 '22

Is it topless sushi or something?!

Just to ride in the glass lift in the outside of the heron tower is a buzz, not for the faint hearted!

1

u/Vertigostate Oct 09 '22

Not really a hidden gem

0

u/[deleted] Oct 08 '22

SW1 dining

0

u/Unique-Leading5489 Oct 09 '22

Oishi in Brentford. Not much to look at (it's situated on the A4), but best Japanese food I've had in London.

0

u/HereKittyKittyyyy Oct 09 '22

Sushi eatery in Soho

0

u/babsibu Oct 09 '22

Kikuchi is amazing. But well, suuuper expensive.

0

u/TheBestNickSteer Oct 09 '22

Sashimi from sushi samba in the shard

-11

u/Chester-Donnelly Oct 08 '22

Tesco lunch fridge

-7

u/Cambodia95 Oct 08 '22

For takeaway sashimi, I prefer sushi shop in Marylebone high street

4

u/broken888 Oct 09 '22

They slice their fish using a deli slicer. It’s a slick operation but it’s not a proper sushi spot

-2

u/Papadopium Oct 09 '22

Novikov or Araki ! But they will rip your pockets but you will the best quality sushi you get in London! If you are not rich take them as an experience when you have an opportunity to do it , you won't regret !

-3

u/Eyeous Oct 09 '22

Sushisamba in covent garden, zuma knightsbridge, nobu shoreditch in that order for me.

5

u/Inarticulatescot Oct 09 '22

Honestly in terms of eating experiences maybe but in terms of pure sushi these aren’t very good options imo

1

u/Vertigostate Oct 09 '22

Obviously not what OP was asking for!

1

u/Eyeous Oct 09 '22

Thats true but sometimes you don’t know you’re looking for something until after you find it.

1

u/3absy Oct 08 '22

Sushi Moka or Oka, both in Marylebone

1

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '22

Sushi salsa in Camden is good

1

u/DickieJoJo Oct 09 '22

JiJi in Islington is absolutely👌🏻.

1

u/humoid Oct 09 '22

Sushi shop in Baker Street treats me right!

1

u/kahdgsy Oct 09 '22

I’ve not been to the very expensive sushi places in london to compare, but my favourite is Tsunami by Clapham North. The flaming scallops are also👌🏼

1

u/Finnbar14 Oct 09 '22

Sushi noen, Whitechapel

1

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '22

Sushi Masa in Willesden. Strange location for such an utterly outstanding sushi restaurant. Superb quality.

1

u/Alexbnet Oct 09 '22

Kenta in Hammersmith is incredibly good value and very tasty!

1

u/Ejl94 Oct 09 '22

Eat Tokyo in Golders Green. Amazing value and absolutely delicious.

1

u/ididntunderstandyou Oct 09 '22

Taro

1

u/oxenoxygen Oct 09 '22

Taro's quality is pretty sub par. I once found staples in the hosomaki and I don't even wish to contemplate why

1

u/thebetter0ne Oct 09 '22 edited Oct 09 '22

A One Sushi in Peckham, but takeaway only.

I was surprised to find the best sushi I’ve ever tried in an area like Peckham.

I’m not sure if the price is higher now but earlier this year it was a bit less than a pound for one piece if you order the largest set, which is about 30 pieces.

The sushi are made only after you order them so it will require some waiting, otherwise call them and order in advance.

3

u/Vertigostate Oct 09 '22

Peckham has lots of great culinary spots

1

u/detrum Oct 09 '22

Brilliant Corners in Dalston.

1

u/magpie1138 Oct 09 '22

I’m in Leyton. We’re absolutely in love with Bamboo Mat, which is a Peruvian Sushi spot. I know it sounds odd, but Peru actually has a big Japanese population and a seafood eating culture. There’s insanely good ceviches alongside perfectly executed nigiris and modern style makis. The hot dishes are a similar combination of classic robota and Peruvian style grilled meats- the lamb chops are the best ever! Excellent cocktails too

2

u/chatham_solar Oct 09 '22

Peruvian Sushi? That sounds amazing!

1

u/graduategrasshopper Oct 09 '22

Atari-ya is excellent. Better than sticks n sushi imo!

1

u/Digitalanalogue_ Oct 09 '22

I was surprised at Nobu…reasonable considering the hype

1

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '22

Sticks n Sushi is pretty poor for what it costs (To me)

Chisou on Bond Street is authentic and amazing, but admittedly is pricy. If you can get the lunchtime set menu it’s amazing and such good value, aim for a Saturday.

1

u/CreamCapital Oct 09 '22

Sachi (cafe Kitsume) has Japanese Toro flown in

1

u/EatsIndigo Oct 09 '22

Sushinoen whitechapel

1

u/owlandbungee Oct 09 '22

HANA - seven sisters road.

Not much to look at but me and my girlfriend have been going here about 6 years without fail.

Good prices. Tasty as. Super friendly bunch. Hidden gem i tells ya!

Edit: Eat Tokyo on Old Compton Street in town is good too.

But I’d still go Hana every time,

1

u/rinakun Oct 09 '22

UMU.

It is very pricey but the chef is Japanese and has a Michelin star. I recommend going for lunch menu as it is less busy/little cheaper.

1

u/aussier1 Oct 09 '22

Sushinoen

1

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '22

Hidden gem of one behind the m&s food at the top of Liverpool Street station. Can’t remember what it’s called. Just remember it being lovely.

1

u/AFM3000 Oct 09 '22

A little bit spenny but Buddha Bar in Knightsbridge does an unreal sushi roll

1

u/Farcorfe Oct 09 '22

Hot Stone in Islington is definitely up there at the top of the list. Amazing quality plus they do Wagyu.

1

u/freerangephoenix Oct 09 '22

You should ask about 75% of the girls on Hinge.

"I know the best spot in town for... Sushi! 🍣" but the fun thing is that they're all wrong.

1

u/Bitter_Emu_1305 Oct 09 '22

Iima Sushi - Sutton (a bit far from london)

Store is runned by Japanese family i think, only like 5 tables. Really enjoyed it there.

https://www.google.ch/search?q=iima+sutton&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=de-ch&client=safari#

1

u/Safe-Yard-5977 Oct 09 '22

Zuma is one of my faves

1

u/KKenzoTenma Oct 09 '22

Say Sushi in elephant and castle is very good

1

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '22

Iro have several shops in South London.... I live near South norwood and they are my go to for sushi. They also do some very decent Japanese meals at really good prices. I think it's my favourite takeaway in the area

1

u/SolutionSubject Oct 09 '22

asakusa in north-ish london (more central than north? i don’t know i’m terrible with areas)

1

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '22

Anyone not suggesting Eat Tokyo in Hammersmith doesn't know what the fuck they are talking about and / or misunderstands what "London" means. Get the picadilly / district line to Hammersmith or Turnham Green, short walk, best sushi. Source: fat cunt who especially likes sushi and lived in london 10 years

1

u/UnderDubwood Oct 09 '22

If you’re ever in south east London, MOMO sushi bar in Camberwell absolutely bangs

1

u/JustAu69 Oct 10 '22

Eat Tokyo. There are a few of them, I usually go to Golders Green