Japanese Eating and Drinking

Central London

Centre Point Sushi (Hana)

20-21 St Giles High Street, WC2H
Tel: +44 (0)20 7379 3369
An unexpectedly smart restaurant above a Japanese-Korean grocery store next to Centre Point, Hana uses high-quality ingredients to great effect.

Fluid

Manga murals and Japanese vending machines are the backdrop for Fluid, a cool Japanese-themed bar. Try a wasabi Martini or a Japanese spring punch. Soak it up with a supply of sushi, sashimi, gyoza and tempura from the extensive menu.

Misato

Definitely no prizes for the decor and presentation, but Misato makes up for it in generous portions of katsu (breaded and deep-fried meat) and teriyaki - among other favourite staples. No credit cards.

Roka and Sochu Lounge

If it's the wow factor you're after, Roka is the place for you. Here you'll find Japanese dishes with a modern twist - and they work wonderfully well. While not cheap, Roka is the perfect alternative to the pricier Nobu and its sister restaurants. There's also the bonus of Roka's basement bar, Sochu Lounge where the vibe is distinctly laid-back and very cool. However, that doesn't stop it from being one of the best bars in the area.

Satsuma

In the Wagamama mould of dining but a bit pricier than the others, Satsuma is a big favourite in Soho for its interesting take on the usual dishes.

Outside Central London

Asakusa

A laid-back, informal mix of local pub and sushi restaurant; Asakusa offers great value, good-sized helpings of top-quality Japanese favourites and a friendly welcome.

Benihana

Benihana approaches food as a performance - and a good one at that. Choose your main course then watch as it's cooked before you at the table. It's a great one for the kids, who also get their own specially spring-loaded chopsticks.

Café Japan

626 Finchley Road, NW11
Tel: +44 (0)20 8455 6854
Café Japan is an enduringly popular restaurant in this North West London Japanese enclave. It's always busy, always buzzy and always very dependable.

Eat Tokyo

14 North End Road, NW11
Tel: +44 (0)20 8209 0079
Eat Tokyo serves good flavoursome food and is another favourite with the locals.