Japan may be a good 6,000 miles away from Blighty, but that doesn't mean our capital city isn't up to scratch on its Asian cuisine.
Sushi restaurants in London are more popular ever, and with new options springing up every week it can be hard to know where to go when you're in need of a serious California roll fix.
In the spirit of weeding out any raw deals, the HuffPost UK team have rounded up the best sushi spots in London.
Think we've missed any good'uns? Let us know in the comments below.
London's Best Sushi Restaurants (list)
Inamo(01 of06)
For the restaurant most likely to earn you brownie points on a first date, Inamo is a serious contender. The Soho space combines an Oriental fusion menu and mouthwatering cocktails with it's famous futuristic decor (the ultimate conversation starter).
Overhead projectors shine an array of colourful and interchangeable designs onto your table top - which also acts as an interactive touch screen. Use the tables to order your food and a waiter will appear as if by magic with your chosen eats. Seriously cool.
Their extensive offering of sushi and Asian tapas is delicious and perfect for sharing. Inamo's central location and fun, buzzy atmosphere also make for an ideal place to grab a bite before an evening out - your interactive table can even call you a cab or suggest a nightclub round the corner. The future is here.
Inamo; 134-136 Wardour St, London W1F 8ZP
Tel: 020 7851 7051
Overhead projectors shine an array of colourful and interchangeable designs onto your table top - which also acts as an interactive touch screen. Use the tables to order your food and a waiter will appear as if by magic with your chosen eats. Seriously cool.
Their extensive offering of sushi and Asian tapas is delicious and perfect for sharing. Inamo's central location and fun, buzzy atmosphere also make for an ideal place to grab a bite before an evening out - your interactive table can even call you a cab or suggest a nightclub round the corner. The future is here.
Inamo; 134-136 Wardour St, London W1F 8ZP
Tel: 020 7851 7051
Wazen(02 of06)
New kid on the restaurant block Wazen is one of the most authentic spots in London. Everything from the sleek, stripped-back decor to the toilets (yes, they have all the buttons) has all the front of a Japanese sushi house - but this is one eatery that's more than just polish.
Wazen's staff are knowledgable and attentive, while the relaxed atmosphere and refreshingly discreet acoustics mean holding a conversation doesn’t require the gumption only gained from half a bottle of sake.
In Japan, it's believed that the dining experience starts first with the eyes. It's an adage this Kings Cross restaurant is keen to uphold; from the harmonious interior to the presentation of the food - which more than lives up to its appeal.
The Nigiri is some of the freshest around, butter-soft and worth every penny. Traditional dishes like agedashi tofu have been given a makeover worthy of a Michelin star.
Wazen; 2 Acton St, London WC1X 9NA
Tel: 020 3632 1069
Wazen's staff are knowledgable and attentive, while the relaxed atmosphere and refreshingly discreet acoustics mean holding a conversation doesn’t require the gumption only gained from half a bottle of sake.
In Japan, it's believed that the dining experience starts first with the eyes. It's an adage this Kings Cross restaurant is keen to uphold; from the harmonious interior to the presentation of the food - which more than lives up to its appeal.
The Nigiri is some of the freshest around, butter-soft and worth every penny. Traditional dishes like agedashi tofu have been given a makeover worthy of a Michelin star.
Wazen; 2 Acton St, London WC1X 9NA
Tel: 020 3632 1069
Yashin Ocean House(03 of06)
Unlike your typical sushi restaurant, Yashin Ocean House offers head-to-tail dining - using every aspect of the fish.
The 'Hone Kawa Senbei', a small starter-sized dish of crisp mackerel bone and skin, is worth a try. But the real star of the show is the 'Sashimi Island', which includes a range of sashimi paired with light sauces or jellies to complement the individual tastes of fish. The platter is served over dry ice, which billows smoke over the sashimi as the waiter pours water over the ice - a gimmick, yes, but impressive all the same.
With such a varied and delicious menu, you'll be given the perfect opportunity to step away from the California rolls and sample some high-quality Japanese cuisine.
The express menus over lunch or dinner make this swanky upmarket restaurant refreshingly affordable for those on a budget.
Yashin Ocean House; 117 - 119 Old Brompton Rd, London SW7 3RN
Tel: 020 7373 3990
The 'Hone Kawa Senbei', a small starter-sized dish of crisp mackerel bone and skin, is worth a try. But the real star of the show is the 'Sashimi Island', which includes a range of sashimi paired with light sauces or jellies to complement the individual tastes of fish. The platter is served over dry ice, which billows smoke over the sashimi as the waiter pours water over the ice - a gimmick, yes, but impressive all the same.
With such a varied and delicious menu, you'll be given the perfect opportunity to step away from the California rolls and sample some high-quality Japanese cuisine.
The express menus over lunch or dinner make this swanky upmarket restaurant refreshingly affordable for those on a budget.
Yashin Ocean House; 117 - 119 Old Brompton Rd, London SW7 3RN
Tel: 020 7373 3990
Zaibatsu(04 of06)
You could easily walk past Zaibatsu because it sits among a row of grubby-looking takeaways (fried chicken and pizza places galore). But behind its less than glamorous appearance is a quality sushi restaurant that's well worth a trip.
Okay, so the tables and chairs are pretty basic and it's BYOB (bring your own booze), but if you're after amazing food that tastes fresh and authentic and doesn't break the bank, then this place is for you.
The Classic Sushi Set (£15.95) is suitable for two people and tastes flipping great, it's also really nicely presented. The noodles are equally great (with healthy sized portions, although a little on the spicy side). Finally, if you're a sweet tooth, you need to try the mango and coconut mousse ice cream. It's divine.
Zaibatsu is a tiny restaurant, seating roughly 20-odd people - so it's best to book in advance. It's not really suitable for a first date, but I would definitely recommend if you're going with a friend or partner and fancy a change of scenery. (It's a great place to visit towards the end of the month when you're running out of money!)
Zaibatsu; 96 Trafalgar Rd, Greenwich, London SE10 9UW
Tel: 0208 858 9317
Okay, so the tables and chairs are pretty basic and it's BYOB (bring your own booze), but if you're after amazing food that tastes fresh and authentic and doesn't break the bank, then this place is for you.
The Classic Sushi Set (£15.95) is suitable for two people and tastes flipping great, it's also really nicely presented. The noodles are equally great (with healthy sized portions, although a little on the spicy side). Finally, if you're a sweet tooth, you need to try the mango and coconut mousse ice cream. It's divine.
Zaibatsu is a tiny restaurant, seating roughly 20-odd people - so it's best to book in advance. It's not really suitable for a first date, but I would definitely recommend if you're going with a friend or partner and fancy a change of scenery. (It's a great place to visit towards the end of the month when you're running out of money!)
Zaibatsu; 96 Trafalgar Rd, Greenwich, London SE10 9UW
Tel: 0208 858 9317
So Restaurant(05 of06)
Soho is a veritable treasure trove of sushi restaurants and So restaurant is a jewel that's not to be missed.
Ask for a seat at the bar so you can sit and watch the chefs prepare the sushi (the scallop nigiri is a stand out star), or get a table in the deceivingly large restaurant to make the most of the full menu, which includes succulent wagu beef and crispy tempura.
The sake menu is also dangerously extensive...
So Restaurant; 3-4 Warwick Street, London W1B 5LS
Tel: 020 7292 0767
Ask for a seat at the bar so you can sit and watch the chefs prepare the sushi (the scallop nigiri is a stand out star), or get a table in the deceivingly large restaurant to make the most of the full menu, which includes succulent wagu beef and crispy tempura.
The sake menu is also dangerously extensive...
So Restaurant; 3-4 Warwick Street, London W1B 5LS
Tel: 020 7292 0767
Sushi Shop(06 of06)
Sushi Shop's Marylebone branch, which only opened this October, is the perfect place to grab lunch knowing it's on the healthy side. Inside there is a large communal table to grab a quick bite, as well as smaller two tables if you wanted to sit down with someone for a catch up.
The salmon Maki rolls (you can get 6 for £4.50) standout, as well as tuna avocado rolls with sesame seeds. For something a bit different, try one of their signature rolls - the rainbow roll with salmon, tuna, avocado, jalapeño, crab, meat and mayonnaise sauce was a winner.
Their concept of the lunch boxes are great, usually with a mix of rice, sushi and edamame, but at around the £10 mark, the portion sizes are generous and for me, is definitely a bit too much for lunch. Dinner bow perhaps?
Sushi Shop: 67-69 Weymouth St, London W1G 8NY
Tel: 020 7052 9222
The salmon Maki rolls (you can get 6 for £4.50) standout, as well as tuna avocado rolls with sesame seeds. For something a bit different, try one of their signature rolls - the rainbow roll with salmon, tuna, avocado, jalapeño, crab, meat and mayonnaise sauce was a winner.
Their concept of the lunch boxes are great, usually with a mix of rice, sushi and edamame, but at around the £10 mark, the portion sizes are generous and for me, is definitely a bit too much for lunch. Dinner bow perhaps?
Sushi Shop: 67-69 Weymouth St, London W1G 8NY
Tel: 020 7052 9222