The Best Japanese Restaurants in and Around Knightsbridge
The best Japanese restaurant in Knightsbridge depends on the night you want. Zuma is the long-running name for a lively izakaya dinner; Alba's ten-seat omakase counter is the quietest and most focused meal; and The Aubrey, The Fuji Grill and Harrods' Kinoya Sushi fill the gaps between. Here are six open now, with what to order, addresses and the nearest tube. Between them they cover most budgets and moods, from a counter seat with a chef choosing every course to a quick bowl of ramen between shops.
Zuma
Zuma opened on a quiet Knightsbridge street more than twenty years ago and remains the flagship of an international group. The cooking takes its cue from the Tokyo izakaya, with dishes from the robata grill, sushi and sashimi designed for sharing. Start with the robata dishes and add sushi as the table gets hungrier. The bar serves drinks all day and walk-ins are welcome, which makes it a good bet if you have not booked. Expect a buzzing, sometimes loud room; ask for a table away from the bar if you want to talk. Address: 5 Raphael Street, SW7 1DL. Nearest tube: Knightsbridge. Menus and bookings.
Alba
Alba sets Japanese and southern Italian kitchens side by side opposite Harrods. Japanese Head Chef Takuya Kaneko runs the Japanese à la carte at lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, and a ten-seat omakase counter overlooking Harrods with two seatings, at 6.30pm and 8.30pm, and a choice of nine or twelve courses shaped by the day's catch. Italian Head Chef Cristian Ianni leads the Italian menu, so a mixed group can order from both kitchens. Address: 70 Brompton Road, SW3 1ER. Nearest tube: Knightsbridge.
The Aubrey
The Aubrey at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is a late-night Japanese bar and izakaya filled with more than 250 pieces of Japonistic art. Order izakaya dishes from the dinner menu or book the seven-course omakase, and try the Sando Bar, which the hotel bills as the UK's first, for Japanese sandwiches on shokupan bread. It opens from 5pm until 1am, or 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. Address: 66 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LA. Nearest tube: Knightsbridge. Book The Aubrey.
The Fuji Grill
The Fuji Grill is the restaurant at Beaverbrook Town House at the Sloane Square end of Sloane Street. Its Tapasu concept serves modern Japanese small plates family-style, with signature taco-style temaki hand rolls as the order to start with. There is also a 12-course omakase tasting menu, a Japanese-inspired afternoon tea and a breakfast menu, and Sir Frank's Bar in the same hotel is useful for a drink first. Address: 115-116 Sloane Street, SW1X 9PJ. Nearest tube: Sloane Square.
Kinoya Sushi at Harrods
Kinoya Sushi is in the Dining Hall on the ground floor of Harrods, entered via Luxury Accessories during the day. It is useful because it keeps late hours: until 10.30pm from Tuesday to Saturday, with access through Door 8 on Brompton Road after the store closes. Kinoya Ramen Bar, also in the store, is the choice for a quicker bowl. Address: 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL. Nearest tube: Knightsbridge.
Yashin Ocean House
A short trip west in South Kensington, Yashin Ocean House serves Japanese tapas with an inventive twist alongside a wide list of premium sake. It opens for lunch and dinner from Monday to Saturday, and Sunday brings a bottomless brunch followed by dinner. It is the most relaxed choice here and a good option after the museums on Exhibition Road, about a ten minute walk away. Address: 117-119 Old Brompton Road, SW7 3RN. Nearest tube: South Kensington.
Good to know
Omakase counters seat very few people and often book out weeks ahead, so reserve Alba and The Fuji Grill's tasting menus early. Mention allergies and dietary needs when booking, as omakase menus are set by the chef on the day and are hard to change at the counter. Zuma and The Aubrey are the best bets for a late or last-minute table. For a counter seat, arrive on time: omakase services start together, and a late arrival means missed courses.
