Sushi in London: things to know before you go

All the big questions about where and how to eat sushi in London, answered in one place.

Where can I get the best sushi in London?

There’s a ton of great sushi available in London. Based on Groupon user ratings and Michelin stars, here’s some of the best places serving up this Japanese delicacy in the capital.

• The Sushi Café. This relaxed spot provides a daily selection of sushi and sashimi in Battersea. The owners spent two years learning the art of precisely cooking sushi rice, then a further three years learning how to properly cut fish. Their obsession is your satisfaction.
• Iro Sushi. If you want to eat great sushi from the comfort of your own home, Iro Sushi won the award for Most Loved Sushi Takeaway in London in 2017. It has locations in Clapham and Lewisham, and will bring the fresh fish right to your office or home – perfect for treating the office to lunch, or just yourself.
• The Araki – For a Michelin-starred Sushi restaurant in London, it has to be the Araki. Only nine people can sit at the table of Chef Mitsuhiro Araki, but when you emerge two and a half hours later you’ll have a whole new appreciation of Japanese food.

What kind of sushi is best for beginners?

The thought of eating raw fish can put some people off trying sushi. The best types to try for beginners are sushi rolls, which usually contain more cooked ingredients.

• The Tiger Sushi Roll is a pretty easy sell. It contains prawn tempura, avocado and cucumber and is served with an eel sauce that gives it a tiger-like print. The prawn is cooked, so there’s no though of raw fish to put you off.
• The Spicy Tuna Roll is also a great place to start. Containing tuna, rice and a dash of spicy mayo, this an instant classic among sushi beginners.
• The Dragon Sushi Roll is a bit more advanced. While the base may differ somewhat depending on where you order it, it comes with a sheet of eel on top.

What kind of tea goes best with sushi?

Agari is a type of traditional green tea you’ll usually find served in sushi bars and restaurants in London. It’s made from konacha, the small leaves and buds left over from the process of creating more specialist green teas. You might have noticed that it’s served very hot – because it’s meant to remove the oils of previous sushi from your mouth before you try the next dish. As it’s more a palate cleanser, it’s traditionally served for free – bonus!

Can I get all you can eat sushi in London?

All you can eat sushi is a great way to get your fill while avoiding gloopy, dried-out dishes that have been sat under a heat lamp for hours. Inamo is a great example and it’s served up in several central London locations, including Camden, Covent Garden and Carnaby so you’re sure to find one near you. Here, the sushi is served alongside meatier delicacies, such as Korean BBQ ribs and chicken wings. Roll on the meat sweats.