“Rice, raw fish and seaweed.” Molly Ringwald’s description of her ridiculously elegant lunch in The Breakfast Club seemed mind-blowingly exotic for 1985. In 2016, though, sushi is a mainstay of the international restaurant circuit. From no-frills, Japanese holes-in-the-wall to clean-lined, modern lunch spots and five-star decadence, we now have it all.
This abundance of fresh fish is not all good news, though. The main problem, now, is no longer disgust at the mere mention of sushi (à la John Bender) but an argument about who does the best hand rolls.
Where do you go when Itsu just won't do? We’ve narrowed down our favourite places to find authentic maki, butter soft sashimi and just-out-the-fryer tempura.
Akari
If the idea of sushi in a pub seems rather strange then you are yet to experience the wonder that is izakaya. Popular in Japan for over 200 years, these traditional drinking spots are all about unwinding with affordable food and copious drinks. Akari has taken over a traditional Islington boozer and is now introducing Londoners to the concept, with a menu of delectably zingy sushi and one of the most extensive saké lists we've seen. Step away from the peanuts and embrace the Japanese art of the pub.
196 Essex Rd, London N1 8LZ
020 7226 9943
Photo: Via @charliemay
UNI
Make yourself at home at UNI's cool, marble counter or find a seat in their Andrew Martin-designed downstairs restaurant and prepare to be impressed. Combining the textures, techniques and tastes of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine, UNI's dishes are like nothing you will have tasted before. We suggest you begin with a freshly shaken cocktail of the day and at least one of their famous tacos – possibly the smallest (and cutest) food we have ever eaten. They may be petite but, like all of UNI's dishes, these tacos are packed with flavour and combine the very best ingredients London has to offer.
18a Ebury St, Belgravia, London SW1W 0LU
020 7730 9267
Photo: Via @rose_lander
Sasa Sushi
If you like your sushi with a crunch then head to Angel and try out this local favourite. While the draw of the raw is hard to resist, it's the tempura sushi that steals the show. Try their rolls filled with crispy tempura soft-shell crab or their melt-in-the-mouth salmon avocado roll, lightly cooked in tempura before serving. Fried sushi never tasted so good.
422 St John St, London EC1V 4NJ
020 7837 1155
Photo: @sasasushilondon
Zuma
Zuma is the ultimate in relaxation. From the minute you set foot in the door, the astonishingly attentive staff make you feel as if you haven't a care in the world. Your stress levels may return to normal after you see the bill, though – Zuma is not for those on a budget. But we think their top-flight dishes, from silky soft sashimi to their signature miso-marinated baby chicken, are worth it.
5 Raphael St, London SW7 1DL
020 7584 1010
Photo: @benjaminorpwood
Sushi Surprise
For those of you ready to expand your sushi horizons beyond the ubiquitous California roll, this petite lunch spot has a great USP. Grab a box of fresh, handmade rolls and, for just £1, add on a surprise gourmet nigiri. Make a point of tasting their master chef’s latest creation – butterfish with truffle, anyone?
52 Scrutton St, London EC2A 4PH
020 3538 6860
Photo: Sushi Surprise
Sushisamba
This beacon of Japanese and South American fusion hails from New York, but can now count itself among London's landmark eateries. Located atop Heron Tower, the sushi will leave your head spinning – just don't look down.
110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
020 3640 7330
Photo: Sushisamba
OKA
Tradition is all well and good but if non-traditional sushi means a meal at OKA – kicking off with tuna sliders on toasted rice patties and finishing with hot cookie dough – then we can do without, thank you very much. Find this ingenious (and very reasonably priced) menu at any of its three sites across London.
Locations in Soho, Primrose Hill and Chelsea
Photo: OKA
Nobu
If your first thought of Nobu is a barefoot Kanye West, please think again. The Mayfair hotspot may have a reputation for attracting A-listers but, really, it’s all about the delicious Japanese fare. While a casual dinner here may bust the budget, the private rooms and top-notch service make it the perfect choice for a celebration.
Locations in Mayfair and Park Lane
Photo: Nobu
Yoobi
London’s first temakeria, Yoobi is at the cutting-edge of the fast-sushi movement, on a mission to create the freshest sushi in town. This fun Soho spot makes all sushi to order, takes daily delivery of fish and veggies and has even adopted a small batch production of their rice, to ensure it never hangs around for too long.
38 Lexington St, London W1F 0LL
020 7287 9442
Photo: Yoobi
Roka
If you want the best, you want Roka. Platters of sashimi brought out on ice sculptures (yes, really) and the silkiest black cod – dinner here is the last word in elegance. For those of you with your feet firmly on the ground, try the laid-back weekend brunch, with cocktail and wine pairings included.
Locations in Fitzrovia, Aldwych, Mayfair and Canary Wharf
Photo: Roka
Sticks N Sushi
If choosing between California and spicy tuna rolls brings you out in a wasabi-fuelled sweat, Sticks N Sushi has the solution. With an innovative menu of mix and match dishes, this Copenhagen-born chain will allow you to sample everything on offer. And after your first visit, believe us – you'll want to.
Locations in Wimbledon, Covent Garden, Greenwich and Canary Wharf
Photo: Stix N Sushi
Eat Tokyo
If over-engineered menus and fawning waiters are your thing, Eat Tokyo isn’t for you. If, however, you want the most authentic sushi this side of Tokyo, at an amazing price, then look no further. Unpretentious to a fault, finding this hidden gem is easy: join the queue coming out of the door.
Locations across London
Photo: Instagram/@pztehq
Dinings
Good sushi tends to come in small packages, and this tiny Marylebone restaurant is no exception. Formerly the haunt of only the most in-the-know west Londoners, the cat has since fled the bag. Pull up a stool and sample their great-value lunch menu or book ahead to try them out at night.
22 Harcourt St, London W1H 4HH
020 7723 0666
Photo: Twitter/ @diningslondonLike what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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