Omakase has become one of London’s most talked-about dining formats in recent years. Instead of choosing from a menu, guests place their trust in the chef, who prepares a sequence of dishes based on what is freshest that day.
The experience often unfolds at a counter, where each course is presented directly and explained as it arrives. Across the capital, a growing number of restaurants are embracing this Japanese-led style of service.
Some focus strictly on traditional sushi craft, while others blend influences and techniques in more contemporary ways. For many Londoners, omakase offers a focused, intimate alternative to larger tasting menus – one built around skill, seasonality, and close attention to detail.
All information is provided for general interest only. Restaurant menus, pricing, availability, and formats may change over time.
Individual experiences and preferences will vary. Photos are for illustrative purposes only.
1. Taku
Tucked into Mayfair's Albemarle Street, this Michelin-starred gem seats just sixteen lucky diners at a time. The chef's choice menu shifts with whatever's freshest that morning, which means you're getting peak seasonal ingredients transformed into edible art.
Every piece of sushi arrives with its own little story, crafted with techniques that took years to master. The counter setup means you're watching the whole show unfold, making each bite feel like a proper event rather than just dinner.
2. Sushi Kanesaka
Chef Shinji Kanesaka brought his legendary Tokyo techniques straight to 45 Park Lane, and Londoners couldn't be more chuffed about it. This 13-seat sanctuary champions Edomae traditions – think aged fish, perfectly seasoned rice, and nothing but respect for centuries-old methods.
The intimate counter feels like you've been invited into someone's very posh kitchen. Each nigiri arrives at exactly the right temperature, with flavours that build and evolve as you chew, proving why traditional doesn't mean boring.
3. Juno Omakase
Only six seats mean booking Juno feels like winning the lottery, but it's worth the hassle. Nestled in Notting Hill, this tiny spot throws a curveball by blending Japanese precision with Mexican boldness – think yuzu meeting jalapeño in ways that shouldn't work but absolutely do.
The vibe's more energetic than your typical hushed omakase experience. Flavours pack serious punch here, with each course building intensity whilst maintaining that delicate balance sushi demands.
4. Cubé Mayfair
Mayfair's Cubé brings theatrical flair to the omakase experience without tipping into gimmicky territory. The presentation here rivals art galleries, with each course arriving like a tiny edible sculpture that almost seems too pretty to demolish.
Behind the visual spectacle sits serious culinary skill and ingredients that cost more than most people's weekly shop. The pacing feels perfectly judged, giving you time to appreciate each dish before the next surprise lands.
5. RAI
RAI's shaken up London's omakase scene by offering premium experiences at prices that won't require selling a kidney. Their menus kick off from £59, which is practically unheard of when you're talking A5 Wagyu, Bluefin Tuna, and Sea Urchin.
The Bloomsbury location buzzes with energy, attracting everyone from omakase veterans to curious first-timers. Quality hasn't been sacrificed for accessibility – the fish is stunning, techniques are spot-on, and you'll leave feeling properly spoiled.
6. Mayha
Mayha operates with the philosophy that less truly is more – fewer seats, fewer distractions, just pure focus on what's landing in front of you. The minimalist approach extends to the décor, letting the food do all the talking.
What sets this spot apart is the chef's willingness to let ingredients shine without over-manipulation. Sometimes the best thing you can do to brilliant fish is leave it mostly alone, and Mayha understands this perfectly.
7. Junsei
Junsei's built its reputation on respecting seasonal rhythms – the menu shifts dramatically throughout the year based on what's actually at its peak. This commitment to timing means you might experience completely different dishes depending on when you visit.
The chefs here balance reverence for tradition with enough creativity to keep things interesting. You're getting classic Edomae foundations with thoughtful modern touches that enhance rather than overwhelm, resulting in a meal that feels both timeless and current.
8. Maru
In the refined setting of Shepherd Market, Maru delivers a carefully curated omakase experience led by chefs Yasuhiro Ochiai and Taiji Maruyama. The restaurant centres on an extensive multi-course tasting menu served Tuesday to Saturday, showcasing British ingredients interpreted through precise Japanese training and technique.
Each course is prepared directly at the counter, allowing diners to follow the rhythm of the kitchen from start to finish.
A slightly shorter lunch selection is available on Saturdays for those who prefer a more compact experience. Seating places guests close to the action, offering a clear view of the chefs as they slice, shape, and assemble each dish with measured focus.
The atmosphere feels intimate and deliberate – an experience shaped by craftsmanship, seasonality, and quiet precision rather than showmanship.
9. Sushi Atelier
Close to Oxford Circus, Sushi Atelier brings a lively yet polished take on Japanese dining to Marylebone. While many diners arrive for the Japanese-style ceviche or indulgent wagyu sliders, the restaurant also offers a well-structured omakase experience built around chef-selected sushi courses.
Guests can choose from a curated progression of six, nine, 12 or 15 pieces, each prepared in front of them with careful attention to balance and presentation.
The format allows the chef to guide the meal, selecting seasonal fish and complementary flavours that unfold course by course. Diners often pair the experience with premium sake or one of the house cocktails, adding to the sense of occasion.
The setting feels relaxed but focused, making it an accessible introduction to omakase for those curious about chef-led sushi dining in London.
10. Engawa
Set within Ham Yard Village in Soho, Engawa offers a refined take on omakase in calm, minimalist surroundings. The dining room keeps things simple and elegant, allowing the focus to stay firmly on the food and the precision behind each course.
Guests can choose between thoughtfully structured multi-course omakase menus, with both sushi and premium wagyu options forming part of the experience.
Each meal typically begins with a daily-changing appetiser, followed by a carefully presented sashimi selection made up of delicate, bite-sized pieces. A composed main course rounds out the savoury element, and longer menus conclude with a dessert that balances the richness of what came before.
The result feels polished yet intimate, offering a chef-led journey that blends Japanese technique with seasonal attention to detail.
