From expertly constructed seasonal to conveyor belt sushi, London is host to some of the best sushi bars in the country. The restaurants highlighted here represent some of the capital’s finest establishments to get your sushi or sashimi fix - whether you’re up for fine dining or casual sushi perfect for grabbing on the go, you can be sure the places here will serve some of the freshest catches of the day.

The best sushi restaurants in London at a glance:

• 👛 Best for a bargain: Sushi Show, Islington
• ❤️ Best for a casual date: Eel Sushi Bar, Notting Hill 
• 🥢 Best for neighbourhood cosiness: Uchi, Clapton
• 🍣 Best for conveyor belt classics: Kulu Kulu, Soho
• ⭐ Best for Michelin star greatness: Umu, Mayfair

What they all have in common is a clear identity and mission, quality ingredients and high technical ability - all essential when a dish is served raw. Good sushi is never going to be the cheapest meal out, but there are gems to be found. While on the surface you might consider a ‘good’ sushi restaurant based on the quality of the fish, it is arguably the way the sushi rice or ‘shari’ is prepared that is the key signifier - the temperature, texture and taste of the grains is a sure-fire way to assess a chef’s ability.

London’s best Japanese restaurants.

Erin Niimi Longhurst is a British/Japanese author, and her books include ‘Japonisme’, ‘Omoiyari’, and ‘A Little Book of Japanese Contentments’. Her work is influenced by her dual heritage, and focuses on her passion for food, wellbeing, and culture.