Where to Find London’s Top-Tier Sushi and Freshest Sashimi

This curated guide spotlights the city’s premier sushi destinations, providing a go-to list for anyone seeking high-quality fish and expert craftsmanship in the capital.

Photo: Tobi Masa

Tobi Masa At The Chancery Rosewood

30 Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, W1K, London

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It resembles pasta. It has a flavor reminiscent of pasta. It is composed completely of fish. The Masa Pasta is merely one of the captivating dishes in Tobi Masa’s new Omakase menu at The Chancery Rosewood. Seven special seats provide a front-row perspective of the sushi-making process, as chefs perform an enchanting display of fish slicing and rice rolling. You will receive instruction on their technique, understanding how the tuna is prepared distinctively compared to typical sushi establishments, and uncovering the rationale for the inclusion of typically wasted meat on your plate later that evening. The cuisine is, unequivocally, outstanding, featuring succulent fish that dissolves effortlessly and precise amounts of wasabi that deliver an ideal intensity. The workers possess an exceptionally keen eye, anticipating and fulfilling your needs before you are even aware of them.

Dinings SW3

Walton House, Lennox Gardens Mews, Walton St, London SW3 2JH

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Led by the understated prodigy Masaki Sugisaki, Dinings SW3 stands itself as a prominent establishment among London's sushi eateries. Every aspect of this Knightsbridge restaurant is meticulously curated, from the sophisticated yet understated atmosphere to the amiable, unpretentious personnel and the refined table arrangements — before to even sampling the cuisine.

Designed as a contemporary rendition of a typical izakaya (an informal Japanese pub offering beverages and light fare) Dinings SW3 offers seasonal sushi and sashimi crafted from the freshest fish sourced from Cornish day boats, alongside a curated selection of meals including exquisite hand-dived scallops, delectable wagyu beef, and potted lobster presented in a rich buttery sauce. The beverage selection includes distinctive wines from various regions globally, alongside popular favorites, in addition to the restaurant's trademark cocktails, which are customized interpretations of traditional drinks. Sample the Dinings SW3 Negroni, with Roku gin, ginger, Campari, nori seaweed, and blended Mancino vermouth. An evening at Dinings SW3 is invariably a worthwhile experience; nevertheless, be cautioned, as you may feel compelled to order the entire menu.

UMU

14-16 Bruton Place, Mayfair, London W1J 6LX

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Eschewing the theatrical embellishments typical of London's more renowned Japanese restaurants, Umu prioritizes a more sophisticated, less Westernized food, earning a Michelin star within months of its inception. Approximately 70 percent of the fish served is sourced from Britain, and chef Yoshi's commitment to superior quality is evident in his personal training of Cornish fishermen in the ikejime technique for killing and preserving fish, ensuring it adheres to his stringent standards – ordering the mixed sashimi will reveal the distinction. However, the experience extends beyond sushi; the seasonal kaiseki tasting menu offers a voyage through refined, classic, and novel foods, with numerous leading options being entirely vegetarian.

Bamboo-Mat

Stratford (Unit 3.2, 21-24 Victory Parade, E20 1FS), Leyton (625 High Road, London E10 6RF)

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Bamboo-Mat offers a novel interpretation of Nikkei cuisine and sushi, with hot, crispy maki alongside traditional dragon maki and California rolls, complemented by the finest fish blended with delectable Peruvian flavors. Be sure to try the Volcano Maki, which consists of salmon, seabass, cucumber, asparagus, and avocado, and is garnished with a mound of tender, fresh fish that is seared at the table using a blowtorch. The Unagi Maki is ideal for aficionados of teriyaki and umami, with sea eel, avocado, cucumber, spring onion, unagi sauce, and sesame seeds. The highlight of our presentation is the Ceviche Hot Maki roll, a battered creation that reinterprets traditional Nikkei ceviche, featuring seabass, prawns, and vegetable salsa, elegantly enhanced with ají amarillo tiger’s milk. Enthusiasts of ceviche can indulge in a small plate appetizer of Seabass Ceviche, with fresh fish, sweet potato, and chancha corn immersed in a vibrant orange ají amarillo tiger’s milk, complemented by a generous portion of red onion; one may find themselves desiring further means to savor the exquisite sauce.

Los Mochis

2-4 Farmer St, London W8 7SN

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Los Mochis — an ideal amalgamation of two languages in its title and a harmonious fusion of two cuisines in its menu. This quaint Notting Hill restaurant offers remarkable Japanese-Mexican fusion cuisine, including exceptional Maki Rolls. The Baja-Nihon menu is located in an exquisite white edifice, within a two-minute walk from the station. Despite its convenience, this establishment retains a 'hidden' ambiance, discreetly positioned away from the throngs of commuters and visitors in pursuit of their Hugh Grant experience. Consider sitting indoors, nestled beneath Japanese-inspired ambient lighting, surrounded by timber and exposed brick, while appreciating the bright murals created by Mexican artist Jorge Tellaeche. In light of the current hot, it may be advisable to secure a couch seat on the terrace, ideal for enjoying a summery cocktail. Furthermore, given that this restaurant has the second largest tequila collection in Europe, it would be remiss not to sample their frozen palomas.

Nevertheless, sushi is indeed the focal point here. We recommend the chutoro sashimi and the shrimp tempura maki rolls, which provide a novel interpretation of the Japanese staple through a pan-Pacific lens. The tempura delivers an unexpected delight as you bite into the battered mixture of vegetables and fish, revealing a delectable spicy aioli that harmonizes the pan-Pacific flavors. Los Mochis is excellent for individuals with more complex dietary requirements. Vegetarians can celebrate, as the menu features miso-cactus tacos and plant-based ceviche, with all meals being gluten- and nut-free.