Perched atop the former BBC Television Centre in White City, Endo at The Rotunda is led by third-generation sushi master Endo Kazutoshi. The unlikely setting only adds to the magic of this Michelin-starred experience, where tradition meets artistry in a way that feels both effortless and extraordinary. Endo honed his craft in Tokyo’s finest kitchens before becoming executive chef at Zuma, finally opening his flagship restaurant in 2019. Within just six months, it earned its first Michelin star. The 20-course omakase menu is a sensory journey, perhaps involving dishes like toro with miso, uni nigiri, and black cod with yuzu butter – each one an elegant balance of delicate and complex flavours. The open kitchen brings the experience to life, allowing guests to watch every precise cut and brushstroke as Endo and his team transform the freshest ingredients – many flown in from Japan – into edible works of art. Booking isn’t easy – expect waitlists and months of anticipation – but for those lucky enough to secure a seat, it’s a one-of-a-kind culinary experience.

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This is luxury sushi at its finest – and fair warning, there’s a price tag to match. If you're chasing the pinnacle of omakase dining in London, The Araki in Mayfair is as exclusive as it gets. With just nine seats at the counter and six in the private dining room, this isn’t just a meal – it’s a masterclass in Edomae sushi, crafted with precision and elegance. Founded by the legendary Mitsuhiro Araki – who brought his expertise from his three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Tokyo – The Araki quickly became a sensation. Though Araki himself has since returned to Japan, his handpicked protégé, Marty Lau, now leads the counter with the same unwavering commitment to excellence. Expect an omakase experience that revolves solely around sushi: from melt-in-your-mouth toro to sweet shrimp nigiri and wagyu sushi, every bite showcases the finest, sustainably sourced fish from around the world. And then there’s the ikura and uni on warm rice – simple, luxurious and unforgettable. 

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Sushi Tetsu is one of London’s most coveted omakase spots – intimate, understated and notoriously hard to book. Hidden down a forgotten alley in Clerkenwell, this tiny sushi counter accommodates just seven guests per sitting, with only two seatings each night. Run by husband-and-wife duo Toru and Harumi Takahashi, the experience is refreshingly unpretentious. Toru crafts each piece of sushi while Harumi keeps the sake flowing and the conversation light. There’s an air of mystery too – no photos or videos allowed. Securing a reservation is a feat in itself – bookings open every Monday for the week ahead, from 11am to 2pm. 

Call 020 3217 0090

At Taku, chef Takuya Watanabe has brought his exceptional talent from Paris's Michelin-starred Jin to London, offering an intimate 16-seat omakase experience that has quickly become one of the city's most sought after. The menu showcases the traditional Edomae style, where fresh fish is artfully cured and seasoned to enhance its natural flavours. Diners can choose from the signature omakase, featuring over 20 courses for £300, or elevate their experience with the Prestige omakase at £400, which includes ultra-premium ingredients like caviar and truffle. For a midday indulgence, the tasting omakase offers 17 courses at £160, available Wednesday through Saturday lunch. Each dish reflects chef Taku's dedication to sourcing the finest, sustainable seafood, ensuring a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. The serene setting, adorned with pale woods and natural stone, provides the perfect backdrop for this culinary journey. Reservations are, of course, essential.

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Tucked away on Brixton’s Atlantic Road, Ichiban Sushi’s Kurisu Omakase is a hidden gem worth venturing south of the river for. This tiny six-seat spot specialises in Yoroppa-Mae sushi omakase, where the chef serves up to 18 inventive courses using the freshest fish available that day – with no menu in sight. Chris Restrepo, the chef behind this unique concept, has a deep sushi pedigree. Starting in the kitchen at 16, he travelled the world eating his way through top sushi spots, eventually landing at the prestigious Tokyo Sushi Academy. The result is a menu that blends Japanese techniques with influences from his Colombian and Thai heritage to create a one-of-a-kind experience.

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Iné is Taku’s cooler, younger sister – a stylish, understated gem tucked away in leafy Hampstead. Opening in early 2024, Iné combines the precision of Japanese fine dining with a modern flair. Behind its narrow, minimalist shopfront lies the latest concept from restaurateur Geoff Leong and businessman Lucas Leong, the team behind Mayfair’s Michelin-starred Taku. Iné, meaning ‘rice’ in Japanese, brings the same refined sensibility to a more relaxed, intimate setting. While Taku dazzles with its omakase-only offering, Iné adds a dash of flexibility. Alongside a meticulously crafted 17-course omakase at its sleek, eight-seater sushi counter, there’s an à la carte menu and elegant bento boxes for those on the go. Expect delicate Japanese classics – maki, nigiri and sashimi – alongside inventive twists like truffle-infused nigiri and caviar tartare. For those craving something bolder, the menu ventures into modern-fusion territory with lobster, grilled Iberico pork and wagyu beef katsu sando.

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Tucked beside the Ham Yard Hotel, Engawa is an understated Soho gem – small in size but big on flavour, with a spotlight firmly on the world’s finest Kobe beef. While purists might argue it should be all about the fish, Engawa makes a bold case for the art of Japanese beef. With just 29 seats and a minimalist pine-clad interior, the real show unfolds in the open kitchen, where chefs craft delicate sashimi, sushi and playful bites like chawanmushi (a silky steamed egg custard with sautéed foie gras). The star of the show, though, is the beef – seared and sliced, served as tartare or in cheese-filled croquettes. This is premium, ultra-rare Kobe and the price reflects its exclusivity – but for those seeking a more accessible taste, the bento boxes offer a perfect entry-level way in. Engawa’s omakase menu – three courses for £75 or five for £95 – takes you on a daily-changing journey: starting with seasonal appetisers and sashimi, leading to the chef’s surprise special and ending with a main and a plethora of Japanese sweets if you go all in. The drinks list is just as enticing, with sakés and matcha-flavoured cocktails worth exploring. 

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