London’s Love Affair With Sushi

Whether you know your sushi from sashimi or your nori from your nigiri, you’ll never be far from a Japanese food joint in the West End.

Sushi is rapidly becoming the capital’s fast food of choice for the health-conscious urbanite, and is the perfect bite whether you are on the move or convening by the conveyor belt. And because London’s love affair with sushi shows no sign of waning, we’re celebrating some of the best in the West.

Gili Gulu
50-52 Monmouth Street, Covent Garden WC2H 9EP
Tel: 020 7379 6888

This self-described “ultimate conveyor belt sushi” establishment in Covent Garden offers a great value set meal deal for £7.50, which includes six plates from their conveyor belt, plus a tasty bowl of miso soup.

Itsu Wardour Street
103 Wardour Street, Soho W1V 3TD
Tel: 020 7479 4790

You don’t even have to venture inside to purchase your lunch at this popular Soho sushi spot. A friendly and efficient takeaway service operates outside, where you can grab your chilli crab crystal roll or warm eel teriyaki from a stand by the shop front window. Be prepared to queue on week days.

Ikeda
30 Brook Street, Mayfair W1K 5DJ
Tel: 020 7629 2730

This authentic Japanese eatery is regarded as one of the best in London. With kimono-clad staff and fantastic food, it’s not cheap. But there’s a tempting range of recommended sushi including salmon nigiri and California roll, as well as hot dishes and the chef’s daily specials.

Defune
34 George Street, Marylebone W1U 7DT
Tel: 020 7935 8311

Superb set meals and lunch time bento boxes are served at this simple sushi bar and restaurant. The service is pleasant and professional without being intrusive and there is a good selection of vegetarian dishes.

Ikkyu
67a Tottenham Court Road, Fitzrovia W1T 2EY
Tel: 020 7636 9280

It’s easy to miss this basement den, but it’s worth the effort to find. Tucked away down a narrow staircase on this busy main thoroughfare, Ikkyu is a long-standing Japanese restaurant offering fresh raw fish and genuine Japanese food. It’s small, and popular, so space is at a premium.

Hi Sushi
40 Frith Street, Soho W1D 5LN
Tel: 020 7734 9688

Funky sunken tables in this basement restaurant provide the perfect place for group gatherings, while upstairs in the bar there is a dine-in or takeaway service. A variety of top nosh is served including sushi, sashimi and tempura. Or you can indulge in the ‘Sumo’s Appetite’ special and eat as much as you like between 5.30 – 10.00pm.

Yo! Sushi Poland Street
52 Poland Street , Soho W1F 7NQ
Tel: 020 7287 0443

If you’re strapped for time there’s no quicker pit-stop than Yo! This sushi empire delivers fresh fish and hearty soups faster than you can say “chicken teriyaki”. Grab colour-coded plates from their futuristic conveyor belt, which offers a tempting array of sushi rolls and desserts to die for.

Nambu-Tei
209a Baker Street, Marylebone NW1 6AB
Tel: 0871 332 7824

A hidden gem behind a Chinese herbalist in an arcade on Baker Street, Nambu-Tei would be easy to miss. But the fact that it’s utterly discreet gives it such charm. The food here is simple, authentic and well-presented. The perfect place for a quiet lunch-time rendezvous.