Kikuchi London
High-end Japanese without the glitz
There’s a wide variety of sushi restaurants in London, to satisfy a range of budgets. Starting with the cheap mass-market chains such as Yo Sushi and Wasabi, through to the super high-end such as Araki where prices start at £300 for a meal. Then you have the trendy places such as Nobu or Zuma, with fusion sushi and sleek décor that caters to a jet-set crowd. The sashimi presented in fancy ice-bowls look impressive but masks the fact it’s overpriced and is more of a ‘concept’ than the real deal. When we feel like splurging and crave a truly authentic sushi restaurant experience, we’ll head to Kikuchi.
You won’t find rainbow rolls or fancy décor here – but it’s a firm favourite with Japanese businessmen missing home or entertaining their customers. The restaurant offers a range of Japanese delicacies and we’ll usually order some grilled or fried dishes before finishing with a selection of sushi. The fish is as fresh and varied as you’ll find anywhere in London, with plenty of attention going into the rice – something which is criminally overlooked in a lot of the other places.
A word of warning – Kikuchi is definitely not a cheap dining experience, and they do have a minimum charge per head of £40. But I do think it offers a very good price to quality ratio when with comparing some of the higher end Japanese restaurants in London.
Find your way with 222 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in London
Eltham Palace and Gardens
Art Deco haven
In the heart of Southeast London sits "Eltham Palace and Gardens". Once a medieval estate, in the '30s it was styled with mesmerizing art deco furnishings.
by
Ellie
Swain
Aux pains de papy
Best croissants in London
They have an array of all the classic pastries you’d expect from a French bakery, from pain au chocolat & croissants to my favourite croissant aux amandes.
by
Angelina
Ivanova
Wellcome Collection
Let's talk about health
Their Reading room is a mix between a gallery and a library with books and lots of places to sit and read or do some work on your laptop.
by
Angelina
Ivanova
The Barbary
North African small plates
The Barbary pays homage to the culinary traditions of the countries from the Atlantic Coast through to the Mediterranean Sea leading to the Middle East.
by
Angelina
Ivanova
The Derby
Oval's one-stop pint shop
The seats are comfortable, the lighting dark & despite its clear disinterest in hyper-trendiness, after dark The Derby manifests a brilliant dive bar vibe.
by
Harry
Thompson
Kew Gardens
Botanical garden paradise
"Kew Gardens" is the famous UNESCO world heritage site in Southwest London. It's great to visit for its plants, flowers and Christmas festivities!
by
Ellie
Swain
Canopy Brewery
Beer under the railway tracks
"Canopy Brewery", just below the railway tracks, is another perfect spot to sample some of London's finest brews, directly from the source!
by
Andrew
Bright
Yum Bun
It's what it says on the tin
"Yum Bun" makes Taiwanese-style buns in London. It doesn't claim to be authentic, but it's absolutely delicious and has great value for money lunch boxes!
by
Mark
Meyer
Tayyabs
Mind-blasting curries
"Tayyabs" in London is a legendary Punjabi run. I'll go weak at the knees at the aroma of their sizzling platters of marinated lamb chops & shami kebabs...
by
Mark
Meyer
Sambrook's Brewery
Battersea beer station
"Sambrook's Brewery" in London is tucked among housing and insustrial estates; it's off the beaten track but should be on every beer lover's map...
by
Andrew
Bright
Mondo Brewery
A secluded beer heaven
"Mondo Brewery" in London is a meeting point for me and other appreciators of hoppy liquid gold. Plenty to love, but no other taproom has free popcorn!
by
Andrew
Bright
Heading to London?
222 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 222 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite London
Our team loves London
Get to know our other Spotters from London
As featured on:
