IKI Japanese Kitchen
IKI Japanese Kitchen brings the quiet precision of Tokyo dining to the heart of London. Founded in 2019 by a small team of chefs trained in Tokyo's Tsukiji tradition, IKI began as a six-seat sushi counter in Shoreditch and has since grown into a full robata grill and omakase dining room — without losing the intimacy that started it all.
From nigiri sushi and robata grill to seasonal, kaiseki-inspired courses, every dish is built on carefully sourced ingredients, traditional technique, and a deep respect for simplicity. We work directly with fishmongers in Kyushu and small-batch producers across the UK to bring together the best of both traditions on every plate.
- 8+ years
- serving authentic Japanese cuisine in London
- 40+
- seasonal dishes on our menu
- 12+
- chefs & sommeliers
- 95%
- of guests return to dine with us again
Kenji Watanabe
Head Sushi ChefTrained for twelve years at a three-Michelin-star sushi-ya in Ginza before joining IKI as Head Sushi Chef in 2019. Kenji sources every piece of fish by hand, often before sunrise at Billingsgate Market.
Aya Fujimoto
Robata Grill ChefAya learned the art of binchō-tan charcoal grilling in Fukuoka's robata-yaki houses. She leads our grill counter, balancing smoke, char and seasoning to bring out the best in each skewer.
Sora Ito
Pastry ChefA graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Tokyo, Sora blends Japanese ingredients — matcha, yuzu, black sesame — with French pastry technique to close every meal on a quiet, considered note.
We Honour Tradition Through Every Detail.
Every dish begins with the finest seasonal ingredients — sourced from Japan's trusted producers and the best of the British coast. We honour traditional technique while embracing the artistry of modern Japanese dining.
Our menu changes with the seasons, and our chefs travel each year to Japan to study new techniques, revisit old ones, and bring fresh inspiration back to the counter.
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