The Best Places For Nikkei Food In London

New food trends are emerging all the time; Japanese-Peruvian food, known as Nikkei, is on the rise. Here’s where to go to find Nikkei food in London.

The London Foodie Supper Club

Operating out of his Islington town house, Brazilian-born Luiz Hara serves Nikkei food with a passion. It is a homely setting, but with Cordon Bleu training and experience working in Japanese izakayas (an informal gastropub), you can be assured that his food is worth the trip. Check his blog for the latest supper club dates, and email him to book.

Chotto Matte

Restaurant, Bar, Fusion

Opened by Kurt Zdesar, the man who brought Nobu to London, Chotto Matte is the establishment of Nikkei cuisine in the city. With an extensive menu and options for sharing platters and set pre-theatre menus (with prosecco!), there seems to be something for everyone.

Coya Restaurant

Cocktail Bar, Market, Restaurant, Peruvian

Coya is a swanky Peruvian restaurant and members club in the heart of up-market Mayfair. More Peruvian than Nikkei, there are some dishes to look out for on your visit, such as the tiraditos. They have tasting menus should you want to treat yourself and sample the best of Peruvian cuisine.

SUSHISAMBA

Restaurant, Japanese

Many people head to the Heron Tower for Duck and Waffle, but nestled just below on the 38th and 39th floors is SUSHISAMBA, home to a dramatic, exciting blend of Nikkei cuisine, culture and music. Thanks to its prime location, the restaurant takes reservations up to two months in advance.

Black Roe

Bar, Restaurant, Seafood

Sister to Chotto Matte, Black Roe is London’s first poké bar and grill, said to offer the best in Pacific Rim cuisine. They have a Pacific Rim three-course set lunch, offering a selection of pokés and salads, hot dishes and desserts to give you a brief introduction to the Hawaiian-Nikkei cuisine. And there are more seafood and fantastic dishes on their à la carte menu, should you not fancy such a heavy meal.

Lima

Restaurant, Peruvian

It is not an entirely Nikkei place, but serves Peruvian food and some Peruvian-Nikkei dishes as well, like the tiraditos. Other than that, it was awarded a Michelin star in 2013, a first for a Peruvian restaurant; so go on, make a reservation.

Tombo Poké & Matcha Bar

Bar, Deli, Restaurant, Japanese

Tombo Deli and Café in South Kensington has always been popular amongst those who love matcha and Japanese cuisine. This summer, they have just launched their new speciality Poké & Matcha outlet in Soho. Pairing fresh fish with zesty sushi bowls in a Hawaiian-Nikkei culmination, Tombo makes its claim on the latest food trend, the Hawaiian poké, which is also incidentally a Nikkei dish.

About the author

Jessie Lim

Jessie travels as often as she bakes, and she writes all about her escapades at Cake By The Sie. All done in between good ol’ fashioned editing, marketing and business work – she probably beats Hermione at the time-turning game. Ask her out for coffee @lqhjessie, and she might tell you where her favourite lemon polenta cake comes from.