Do you love Japanese food almost as much as life itself? If so then you need this mega epic list of the best Japanese cafes in London in your life right now!
Not only are these secret local spots straight up some of the cutest cafes in London, but they are a veritable paradise for Japense food lovers live me.
I mean, sushi, ramen, matcha, onigiri, I love it all (and then some).
And since I have visited London many times before actually living here, I know exactly where to go if you want to experience the best Japanese cafes London has to offer.
So, step away from the generic guide book and use my super savvy local’s guide to help you find the best Japanese cafe in London for you!
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Best Japanese Cafes in London – Central and West London
1. Fuwa Fuwa Café (Bloomsbury, Soho, & Canary Wharf)
Translating to “fluffy fluffy” cafe, you can guess what the deal is at Fuwa Fuwa Café.
See, this trio of Japanese cafes in London is all about souffle pancakes.
And, these really are the fluffiest, lightest, airiest Japanese pancakes that will grace your lips in London.
So, these cafes are all about that minimalist Japanese aesthetic we know and love.
Because, let’s ba real, the emphasis at one of the best Japanese cafes in London is all about the food.
So, jiggling pancakes are topped with the likes of cheesecake, Nutella, and fruits. Plus, the menu gets an adorable makeover around Easter and Christmas.
So, try and stop by then if you can. I pinkie promise you will not regret it.
But, if you want to go about this the right way – order the Lotus Biscoff.
To drink, you can choose between Japanese tea, matcha, and iced coffee. Their honeycomb iced lattes are also super delish and what I order every time I visit the best Japanese cafe London has to offer.
Now, Fuwa Fuwa has cafes in Bloomsbury, Soho, and Canary Wharf. Plus, it’s walk-ins only. That being said. their SOHO outpost is my personal fave.
Address: 57A Dean St, London W1D 6AJ, United Kingdom
Hours: Open daily from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
Price: Around £10.00 per person.
How to Get There: Take the Piccadilly Line or the Northern Line to Leicester Square station and walk from there.
2. Necco Japanese Cafe Bar (Clerkenwell)
So, Necco Japanese Cafe Bar is one of the best Japanese cafes in London for local vibes.
Because, this cafe with outdoor seating is situated in the uber-hip Exmouth Market, favored by creative workers in Clerkenwell and Farringdon.
And, if you’ve got a thing for felines, note that Necco means “cat”.
Note, there aren’t any cats in this cafe (you’ll need to visit an actual cat cafe in London for strokes). But, there is a theme in the decor with cat murals adorning the walls.
Now, the food is pretty broad and includes sushi, sashimi, hotpot, noodles, and curries.
However, you’ll deffo want to order a starter or two since they are quite good.
In fact, this cafe is awesome for vegans because they have a menu dedicated to plant-based sushi.
FYI, the cafe stays open until late and their green tea and sake-based cocktails are the cat’s whiskers.
Address: 52-54 Exmouth Market, London EC1R 4QE, United Kingdom
Hours: Open Tuesday through Friday from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm and from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Also, open Saturday from 12:30 pm to 10:00 pm and Sunday from 12:30 pm to 7:00 pm.
Price: Entrees start at £15.00 each.
How to Get There: Take the Northern Line to Angel Station and grab a bus to the cafe from there.
3. WA Cafe (Covent Garden & Ealing Broadway)
This is one of the best Japanese cafes in London if you’ve got a sweet tooth because WA Cafe is a patisserie that is next-level awesome.
And, it’s not just a standard patisserie – these guys specialize in quintessential Japanese cheesecakes, tarts, and sugary treats.
Therefore, you’ll find flavors like yuzu, black sesame, and matcha taking over the menu while the souffle cheesecakes are to die for.
Plus, the bakers bring sakura season to London with cherry blossom-themed cakes too.
FYI, they sell fast so get here ASAP if you want one.
In fact, the WA Cafe team designs their cakes to reflect the season as well as holidays and special events.
Now, to drink, sample their iconic hōjicha latte. See, this roasted green tea variety turns this creamy drink into an inky black hue.
Note, both the Covent Garden and Ealing Broadway outposts are pretty snug. But, tables are available if you time it right.
Address: 5 New Row, London WC2N 4LH, United Kingdom
Hours: Open daily from 10:30 am to 6:45 pm.
Price: Croissants start at £4.60 each (Get the black sesame croissant. SOOO good).
How to Get There: Take the Piccadilly Line or the Northern Line to Leicester Square station and walk from there.
4. Katsute 100 (Angel and Brixton)
Now, Katsute 100 stands out as being the best Japanese cafe in London for traditional tea room vibes.
See, the OG cafe in Angel occupies a historic building and is furnished with antiques that come straight from Japan.
Plus, there is a divine patio where you can sit out in the sunshine and enjoy some seriously awesome goodies.
Now, fun fact, Katsute actually means “once” and is curated to symbolize nostalgia and the joy of a quiet moment in time.
So, in essence, the menu revolves around desserts, confectionery items, tea, and sake.
Therefore, be sure to try their matcha cheesecake, yuzu scones, and manjū sweets.
Note, the loose-leaf tea at Katsute is sourced from artisanal tea producers in Japan.
Actually, it’s likely you’ll sip blends you can rarely find outside the country.
And, if you’re feeling conflicted, you can sit down for some afternoon tea and try a bit of everything.
Remember to check out the Brick Lane cafe if you’re in Brixton. Ultimately, the food and decor are the same but with an industrial-chic twist.
Address: 100 Islington High St, London N1 8EG, United Kingdom
Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Price: Cake slices start at around £6.50 each.
How to Get There: Take the Northern Line to Angel Station and walk from there.
5. CA Japanese Pancakes (Westminster)
Originally Coffee Addict, CA Japanese Pancakes is a trendy spot for all-day dining near Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey.
One of the coolest pink cafes in London, this place features a wall of roses and chairs the color of bubblegum.
And, as you can tell from the name, the food revolves around fluffy Japanese souffle pancakes.
In general, these are served in flavors like seasonal berry, creme brulee, and chocolate and banana.
But, they also make a couple of savory pancakes too.
And, they’re known to roll out limited specials to correspond with festivals and holidays.
And there’s the drink menu, which is all about bold, creative lattes. So, check out the Ruby Rose Latte because you’d literally never guess it contains beetroot.
On the other hand, you could toast to your London itinerary with a seasonal cocktail or glass of bubbles.
Either way, you’ll fall head over heels in love with one of the best Japanese cafes in London.
And, FYI, reservations are advisable but not required.
Address: 324 Vauxhall Bridge Rd, London SW1P 1NH, United Kingdom
Hours: Open daily from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, except on Monday when they close at 7:00 pm.
Price: Pancakes start at £9.00 each.
How to Get There: Take the Circle, District, or Victoria line to Victoria Station and walk from there.
6. Tombo Japanese Cafe (South Kensington)
Now, Tombo Japanese Cafe is one of the best Japanese cafes in London near the museums on Exhibition Road.
Meaning “dragonfly” in Japanese, Tombo is an emblem of renewal and is a symbol of a positive force that comes from nature.
Therefore, the emphasis is on using traditional cooking methods and delicious ingredients that are packed with nutrients.
In fact, the food offered here is super diverse and includes poke bowls, sushi, noodles, and donburi.
Although, the poke bowls really are the star of the show, with the Salmon Avo Sashimi Don Bowl stealing the limelight.
Furthermore, the team at Tombo are nuts about matcha and promoting its health benefits.
As a result, you’ll find it (plus hōjicha) all across the drinks menu as well as in their signature soft-serve ice cream and freshly-baked cakes.
This is a no-reservation place. But, it’s pretty roomy so you should be able to find a table.
And, the decor is gorgeous – with kakejiku and emaki art adorning the walls.
Address: 29 Thurloe Pl, South Kensington, London SW7 2HQ, United Kingdom
Hours: Open daily from 12:00 pm to 8:30 pm.
Price: Poke bowls start at £11.50 each.
How to Get There: Take the District, Circle, or Piccadilly Line to South Kensington Station and walk from there.
Best Japanese Cafes in East London
7. Toconoco (Haggerston)
Located in super edgy Haggerston, Toconoco is one of the best Japanese cafes in London for cool kids.
Literally, the name of this cafe is a play on words and basically means “kids on the floor”.
Therefore, grown-up kids can sip matcha while gazing out at the canals while littler kids can burn up their surplus of energy in the playroom.
Now, this light and bright cafe serves healthy meals with options for vegetarians and vegans alike.
So, think, rice balls, and protein-heavy soba and udon noodle dishes.
However, you really want to order the set lunch, combining a main, a salad, and a miso soup.
But, Toconono only serves 15 sets per day so you’ll want to get snappy if you want to snag one.
Obviously, there is a kid-friendly menu for tots who’ll need a little sustenance after hanging out in the playroom.
And while reservations are welcome, they are not essential.
Address: unit a, 28 Hertford Rd, London N1 5QT, United Kingdom
Hours: Open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Price: Daily lunch sets are £8.10 each.
How to Get There: Take the Overground to Haggerston station and walk from there.
8. Moko Made Cafe (Hoxton)
A deeply atmospheric cafe, Moko Made Cafe features mismatched furniture, vintage crockery, and contemporary pop art.
Then, after admiring the quirky decor, you can browse a wide spectrum of drinks like frothy coffee, matcha lattes, and ryokucha (Japanese green tea).
Fundamentally, this is the best Japanese cafe in London for authentic onigiri.
Yeah, these rad rice balls come with meat, vegetarian, and vegan fillings, like my personal fave the shiitake mushrooms, seaweed, and plant-based mince.
Plus, these rice balls of delight pair to perfection with their homemade miso soup.
Although, Moko Made Cafe also offers generic London brunch bites such as avocado or salmon on toast.
Good to know, this cafe hosts Japanese tea ceremonies and craft events from time to time. Therefore, keep an eye on their socials for info on the most up-to-date happenings.
Plus, you’ll usually find merch for sale from Japanese designers and artists. So, feel free to pick up some London souvenirs while you’re here.
And while reservations aren’t necessary, it can get busy around lunchtime.
Address: 211 Kingsland Rd, London E2 8AN, United Kingdom
Hours: Open Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Also open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Price: Onigiri start at £3.50 each.
How to Get There: Take the Overground to Hoxton station and walk from there.
9. Nobu Cafe (Shoreditch)
Now, if you’re looking for a rad place to stay in East London, Nobu Hotel is a luxury lifestyle hotel in Shoreditch.
And, this is where you’ll find Nobu Cafe.
In a nutshell, this is one of the best Japanese cafes in London for an upscale brunch.
So, up until 11:00 am, you can feast on miso brownies, yuzu muffins, and their signature scrambled egg donburi.
Plus, drinks are inclusive of heavily roasted hōjicha as well as ichibancha green tea made from the first harvest. Essentially, the food at Nobu is designed to invigorate.
On the other hand, though, you can indulge in a swanky brunch menu exclusively available on the weekends.
You’ll also love that their decor styling utilizes natural materials, an abundance of plants, and stellar ambient lighting.
In fact, it’s just as epic for a date as it is for a group outing.
Local Tip: Nobu also has a fairy-lit terrace restaurant and garden bar. This place makes awesome cocktails with a Japanese twist.
Address: 30 Willow St, London EC2A 4BH, United Kingdom
Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Price: Entrees start at around £13.00 each.
How to Get There: Take the Overground to Shoreditch High Street Station and walk from there.
Best Japanese Cafes in London FAQs
What are Japanese Cafes called?
Traditional Japanese cafes are known as kissaten. Translating to a “tea-drinking shop” this is a tea room that serves Japanese tea as well as coffee, pastries, and cakes.
Originally, they served as a meeting point for urbanites between the home and the office.
What is a Kissa?
Kissa is a type of Japanese cafe (kissaten) where jazz music is played and a mix of soft, hot, and alcoholic drinks are served.
In fact, kissa originated at a time when Tokyo residents didn’t have enough space in their apartments to gather with friends and play music.
What is the Pink Cafe in London?
There are 15 incredible pink cafes in London. These include CA Japanese Pancakes, where souffle pancakes are served alongside rose and butterfly pea lattes in a space clad with flower walls.
However, EL&N and Peggy Porschen are two other must-visit pink cafes in London.
What is the Most Famous Cafe in Japan?
Japan is teeming with unique themed cafes including cat cafes, bunny cafes, maid cafes, and anime cafes.
Not forgetting the uber-chic minimalist cafes like Harajuku’s Dotcom Space and old-school traditional tea room cafes such as the kissaten-style Chatei Hatou in Shibuya.
Map of the Best Japanese Cafes in London
There you have it! That just about wraps up this guide to the best Japanese cafes London has to offer.
Tell me, did your picks for the best Japanese cafes in London make the list? If not then let me know in the comments below.
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