Our Review of the Sushi Restaurants near Waterloo, London. The Best Japanese Menus and Takeaways!
If you seek fresh produce, dishes with a lot of love and care being put into it, or just looking for the comfort that sushi brings, then Waterloo is a neighborhood that are full of em! Japanese food has been one of my favourites for years now and it’s not often you could find lines of high-quality restaurants along the busy streets of London, so Waterloo is such an absolute gem!
Read on to discover my favourite sushi and Japanese restaurants, enjoy amazing Japanese delicacy and the many popular items they offer!
What makes Waterloo a Good Area for Sushi?
- Variety of Sushi Restaurants – These restaurants offer traditional sushi as well as creative rolls and fusion dishes. The area has a range of prices, from affordable takeaway spots like Wasabi to upscale omakase experiences at Hannah
- Access to High-Quality Fish – The restaurants in Waterloo source sushi-grade fish from nearby markets like Billingsgate Fish Market.
- Takeaway – In addition to dine-in restaurants, Waterloo has spots like The Sushi Co that offer takeaway bento boxes and fresh sushi
Our Picks of the Best Sushi Restaurants
Itsu
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Tucked away right by the bustling Waterloo Station is Itsu, a popular spot for fresh, delicious sushi and Japanese fare. As a sushi lover, I had to stop in and try it out during a recent trip to London. From the moment I stepped inside, I was impressed by the clean, contemporary ambiance. The minimalist decor and efficient layout creates an inviting atmosphere.
For central London, the prices felt fair – I paid about £8 for a satisfying sushi combo box. Service was speedy and friendly when I opted to eat in. There are also grab-and-go options for takeaway. As a bonus, Itsu has extensive vegetarian and vegan offerings, perfect for any dietary needs.
Great For: Couples, Close Friends
📍The Harlequin Building, 65 Southwark St, London SE1 0HR, United Kingdom
Ichi
I had high hopes when visiting Ichi and the experience did not disappoint. From the moment you enter, the minimalist yet elegant decor with cherry wood accents transports you to a tranquil Tokyo sushi bar. What makes Ichi remarkable is the care and attention of the sushi chefs behind the counter.
They take time to explain each item and are clearly passionate about their work, evidenced by the sublime quality of the sushi. The omakase also includes creative cooked items like miso black cod and wagyu beef tataki between courses.
Great For: Couples, Close Friends, Business Meetings
📍Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London, 200 Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7UT, United Kingdom
Hannah Japanese Restaurant
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After being warmly greeted by the staff, my omakase experience began with pristine sashimi including buttery tuna toro and hamachi. Next came creative cooked dishes like chawanmushi egg custard and cold somen noodles with wagyu beef. Each bite reflected the skill and passion of the chefs. Between courses, the sommelier guided me through a stellar sake pairing.
While not cheap at £165 per person, the intimate yet casual ambiance, gracious service, and sheer artistry of the sushi and cooked dishes made for a memorable night. For a truly special Japanese dining experience in London, Hannah is a must-try. My partner and I look towards this place whenever we have a special occasion coming up!
Great For: Couples, Close Friends, Business Meetings
📍Southbank Riverside, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom
Okan
The food at Okan is authentic homestyle Osakan, just like the owner Chef Moto cooked growing up. You can tell everything is made with care using quality ingredients. Watching the chef prepare it fresh on the teppan grill and top it with sweet-savory sauce and dancing bonito flakes was mesmerizing.
Though I’ve never been to Japan, the interior felt like backstreets of the country with the homey, laidback ambiance. The compact space features rustic wooden tables and pop art decor reminiscent of old Osaka. Though, I’ve been here a number of times now, I still get amazed by the skill Chef Moto shows with every order.
Great For: Close Friends, Solo
📍County Hall, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom
Kokura
Kokoro is a Korean-Japanese restaurant known for its homemade sushi and other Japanese dishes. They focus on using fresh, quality ingredients for their sushi with fish sourced daily from markets.
I also tried the signature Yamagoya ramen. The ramen broth is deeply savory and complex, made from a pork bone broth that has been lovingly simmered for hours. It’s the perfect antidote to a chilly London day. The noodles are made fresh in-house and have just the right chewy, springy texture.
My piece of advice though, you have to come early or late to avoid the peak hours because this place is a local favourite, and the food perfectly explains why!
Great For: Close Friends, Solo
📍49 The Cut, London SE1 8LF, United Kingdom
Zay Sushi
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Located in a small food court near Waterloo station, Zay Sushi is an unassuming little restaurant that packs some serious punch when it comes to delicious and affordable sushi. The sushi chefs at Zay clearly know what they’re doing. The fish tastes incredibly fresh and every roll has a great balance of flavors and textures.
I’ve tried several of their specialty rolls like the Dragon Roll with crunchy prawn and avocado inside and the Pink Dragon Roll with salmon, sweet sauce, and crunch on top. Both were absolutely excellent. For a small, casual spot, the service at Zay is excellent. The staff are friendly and efficient. They kept our green tea refilled and the sushi came out quickly after ordering.
Great For: Close Friends, Solo, Couples, Groups of Friends
📍150B Newington Butts, London SE11 4RN, United Kingdom
Sushi Sashimi
Tucked away in a small alley near Waterloo station is Sushi Sashimi, an unassuming little sushi spot that delivers fresh, high-quality sushi at affordable prices. In addition to the stellar sushi and sashimi, Sushi Sashimi also offers an array of maki rolls, sushi sets, and sides like gyoza and miso soup. Prices are very reasonable, with most rolls in the £5-8 range and sushi sets from £15-25.
While the ambiance is no-frills, the food is excellent, fresh, and affordable. If you’re looking for delicious sushi near Waterloo without the high London prices, Sushi Sashimi is a great local spot to visit. It’s now one of my regular go-to’s when I’m craving quality sushi close to home.
Great For: Close Friends, Solo, Couples, Groups of Friends
📍169-170 Blackfriars Rd, London SE1 8ER, United Kingdom
Otsumami Japan
While there’s minimal seating, the food at Otsumami Japan is worth enjoying on a bench or taking to go. The owner is friendly and clearly passionate about bringing authentic Japanese flavors to London. Considering the high quality ingredients and care put into each dish, the prices are very reasonable too.
For a delicious taste of Japanese street food near Waterloo, Otsumami Japan hits the spot. Don’t be fooled by its humble stall location – the flavors and care put into each dish shine through. It’s a great spot that we always look forward to for a quick lunch or takeaway meal when exploring London’s South Bank area.
Great For: Solo, Takeaway
📍73 Waterloo Rd, London SE1 8TY, United Kingdom
Wasabi Sushi and Bento
Known for its fresh, customizable sushi and bento boxes, Wasabi Sushi and Bento is a popular Japanese chain with a location right by the bustling Waterloo Station. The bento box options allow you to “mix and match” different sushi, salads, and hot dishes for a complete Japanese-style meal. My vegan friends also appreciate the many meat-free bento choices they offer.
Dining in might seem like a challenge with the limited capacity they hold, which is exactly why I always opt to take my sushi and bento to-go, and I’ve found that apart from the quick service they have, the food in those boxes still remain fresh and tasty on the commute back home.
Great For: Solo, Takeaway
📍Unit 45 Waterloo Rd, London SE1 8SW, United Kingdom
The Sushi Co.
The Sushi Co. near Waterloo in London is known for its fresh, high-quality sushi and modern Japanese cuisine. The fish used is just exquisite and the sushi is made fresh to order. The restaurant offers both traditional favorites like spider crab rolls as well as inventive new rolls like the Mexicano roll.
Diners highlight the “cool venue” with a laidback, street vibe and the . The trendy and hip atmosphere is such a modern take considering that their techniques are more on the traditional side. The sushi they deserve aren’t soggy and feel extremely high-quality and the best part is its all affordable!
Great For: Couples, Business Meetings
📍89 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7AB, United Kingdom
Looking for More Guides?
If you’re looking for more of our recommendations, head on over to our website! We’ve got guides on not just sushi at waterloo station but also the best cafes for afternoon tea, the top pubs and bars, or fine restaurants with amazing concepts and colour. Not just in Waterloo but all throughout London!
FAQ
What is the best sushi restaurant near Waterloo Station?
Ichi Sushi near Waterloo is considered one of the best sushi restaurants in the area for high quality sushi and sashimi in an elegant setting. However, Yo! Sushi and Sushi Daily are also very popular for more casual and affordable sushi dining.
Does Ichi Sushi offer takeaway?
No, Ichi Sushi focuses on an upscale dine-in sushi bar experience. For takeaway sushi options near Waterloo, the other restaurants in this list would be better choices.
Is sake available at sushi restaurants near Waterloo?
Yes, many sushi restaurants including Ichi Sushi have sake and Japanese beer available to complement your meal. Sake pairing options are also sometimes available with high-end omakase tasting menus.
What is the easiest way to visit sushi restaurants near Waterloo Station?
The easiest way is to take the Underground directly to Waterloo Station which puts you steps away from top sushi restaurants in the area. Coming from Waterloo makes for quick and easy access.
