London’s impressive collection of 2,706 Asian restaurants makes finding the best Asian restaurants in London both exciting and overwhelming. From Michelin-starred establishments to beloved street food spots, we’ve explored them all to bring you our top picks. Whether you’re craving Japanese BBQ at Kintan Oxford Circus, Indo-Chinese fusion at Fatt Pundit, or premium sushi at Kibako’s Omakase experience, Asian restaurants in London offer something for every palate and budget. The city’s multicultural food scene brings together Japanese, Indian, Chinese, and Malaysian cuisines, alongside creative fusion concepts that push culinary boundaries. We’ve carefully selected 17 must-try venues that showcase the finest Asian dining experiences in the capital. From The Ivy Asia’s three stunning locations to Sexy Fish’s exceptional Japanese whisky collection and MICHELIN-star crafted seafood, these restaurants represent the cream of London’s Asian culinary scene.

Sexy Fish – Mayfair’s Luxurious Asian Fusion

Nestled on Berkeley Square’s corner, Sexy Fish stands as a testament to Japanese-inspired culinary excellence. The restaurant masterfully combines Asian cuisine with particular emphasis on Japanese flavours, offering an extensive menu of sushi, sashimi, and dishes from the Robata grill.

Signature Dishes and Menu Highlights

The culinary journey at Sexy Fish features three distinct Omakase menus:

• Hiro – showcasing timeless classics
• Sekushi – celebrating seasonal ingredients
• Premium – presenting unexpected flavour combinations

The kitchen, led by Chef Director Bjoern Weissgerber, crafts exquisite dishes ranging from fresh sushi to premium Wagyu beef.

Ambiance and Decor

Martin Brudnizki Design Studio has created an atmosphere of mid-century glamour, adorned with artwork by Damien Hirst and Frank Gehry. The space features red leather banquettes, pink-marble bar tops, and an indoor waterfall. Additionally, The Coral Room, the private dining area, houses two of the world’s largest live coral reef tanks.

Pricing and Reservations

Set menus start from £32 for two courses, available Monday to Saturday between 12pm and 6pm. The Omakase experience begins at £58 per person, with optional wine pairings. For groups larger than 20, private dining arrangements can be made by contacting the restaurant directly.

Best Times to Visit

The restaurant welcomes guests seven days a week, operating from 12PM to 1AM Sunday through Wednesday, and extending until 2AM Thursday through Saturday. Furthermore, the venue features daily DJ performances, with music styles varying from lunch through to late night.

The Ivy Asia – Pan-Asian Elegance

With three stunning locations across London, The Ivy Asia brings theatrical dining experiences inspired by the diverse cultures spanning the Asian continent.

Multiple London Locations

Each venue showcases its unique character – St Paul’s offers breathtaking cathedral views with an illuminated green stone floor, Mayfair features 12 beautiful cherry blossom trees, whilst Chelsea presents a contemporary take on Asian dining.

Menu Specialties

The culinary offerings reflect the rich tapestry of Asian cuisine, with standout dishes including:

• The Ivy Asia Black Shell – a spectacular seafood platter
• Aromatic Crispy Duck with imperial caviar
• The Bonsai sharing plate for two
• The Red Dragon dessert

Moreover, the weekday Lunch Stack, served from midday to 4pm, presents carefully curated dishes specifically designed for midday dining.

Price Range

Dining experiences start from £33.95 per person, with premium options reaching £85 per person. The menu caters to various preferences, particularly including vegetarian and plant-based options.

Booking Tips

Reservations are readily available through OpenTable, with the restaurant maintaining a strong 4.4-star rating from over 7,500 diners. For afternoon tea enthusiasts, specifically request the bar/lounge area during booking. The venues remain open seven days a week, with St Paul’s and Mayfair locations featuring live DJs on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.

Kintan Oxford Circus – Japanese BBQ

First of all, Kintan Oxford Circus brings authentic Japanese Yakiniku to London, where diners become chefs at their own table. This interactive dining spot has earned an impressive 4.5-star rating from 2,193 OpenTable diners.

DIY Grilling Experience

The essence of Yakiniku, which translates to “grilled meat” in Japanese, comes alive through smokeless grills built into each table. Diners receive expert guidance from staff who explain different meat cuts and cooking techniques. The social dining concept creates an engaging atmosphere filled with the sounds of sizzling grills and lively conversation.

Popular Meat Selections

The extensive menu showcases premium cuts including:

• USDA premium kalbi short rib – known for its buttery sweetness
• Toro beef – exceptionally tender
• Pork Kalbi – notably tender and flavourful
• Tiger prawns – perfectly complemented by beefy shitake mushrooms

The restaurant also offers carefully curated set courses, such as the ‘Meat Lovers’ and ‘Ninja’ options, which streamline the ordering process and ensure faster service.

Pricing Structure

Regular dining presents excellent value, whilst Sunday brings special all-you-can-eat options. The Gold Course, priced at £45 per person, includes premium cuts and prawns with a two-hour dining window. Alternatively, the Silver Course offers a more modest selection at £35 per person. Both options provide an abundant feast, though the Gold Course limits certain premium cuts to one serving per person.

Fatt Pundit – Indo-Chinese Innovation

Since 2019, Fatt Pundit has introduced Londoners to the distinctive flavours of Indo-Chinese cuisine, bringing a unique culinary experience to the city’s dining scene.

Unique Fusion Concept

The restaurant’s name cleverly combines the common Chinese surname ‘Fatt’ with the Indian word ‘Pundit’ (meaning scholar). The cuisine originated in Kolkata when Hakka people from Canton province migrated to India in the 1700s, blending Chinese cooking techniques with Indian spices. Consequently, this fusion created a distinctive culinary style that has become an integral part of Indian gastronomy.

Must-Try Dishes

The menu presents an array of distinctive offerings, with momos (steamed dumplings) serving as the traditional start to every meal. These hearty dumplings come with spicy Bhutanese-influenced chutney and are available in several varieties:

• Kid goat with cardamom and garam masala (£6.50)
• Beef with leeks and red chilli (£6)
• Vegetable with spinach and mushroom (£5.50)

The chilli paneer lettuce cups stand out as a signature dish, featuring melt-in-your-mouth paneer with a creamy texture.

Location and Atmosphere

Situated at 6 Maiden Lane in Covent Garden, the restaurant spans two floors with a brilliant red facade that combines Covent Garden’s vibrant aesthetics with Kolkata’s old-world charm. The interior features jade green accent walls, warm timber tables, and thoughtfully placed lamps creating a moody ambiance. Indeed, the walls display red-painted proverbs in both Devanagari and Chinese characters. The service remains prompt and attentive, with staff taking care to inquire about dietary requirements.

Flesh & Buns – Modern Izakaya

Located in both Covent Garden and Oxford Circus, Flesh & Buns brings modern Japanese izakaya dining to London’s culinary scene. The chefs have spent over a decade perfecting their menu of contemporary Japanese-inspired cuisine.

Famous Bao Selection

The restaurant’s signature offering, The Big B, serves two to three people and includes crispy duck leg, salmon teriyaki, and crispy piglet belly, accompanied by fluffy bao buns and assorted pickles. Other standout dishes include:

• Crispy duck leg with plum sauce (£25.10)
• Japanese fried chicken with buttermilk marinade (£21.40)
• Portobello mushrooms with wasabi mayo (£16.30)

Drinks and Cocktails

The bar presents an impressive selection of Japanese-inspired cocktails, each priced at £13.20. Primarily focusing on unique combinations, the menu features the Lucky Cat (vodka, peach, cranberry, topped with prosecco) and the Ichigo Basil Martini (basil-infused vodka with fresh strawberry). Besides cocktails, the venue offers an extensive sake collection and Japanese beers.

Price Point

The dining experience ranges from £10 to £30 per person. Accordingly, group feasting menus start at £55, which includes prosecco and wine pairings, whilst the £70 option features premium sake pairings. The restaurant essentially caters to both casual dining and special occasions, with weekend lunch service running from 12pm to 3pm for groups up to 20 people.

Tandoor Chop House – British-Indian Fusion

Off Adelaide Street in Covent Garden, Tandoor Chop House masterfully combines North Indian tandoor cooking with traditional British chophouse elements.

Signature Tandoor Dishes

The kitchen’s standout creation is the Dexter “dripping” keema naan, a charred flatbread topped with expertly spiced minced beef. The menu features several remarkable dishes:

• Black pepper chicken tikka with generous portions
• Tandoor broccoli with intense flame-kissed flavours
• Bone marrow naan with rich, indulgent textures

Sunday Specials

The Sunday Mighty Thali, priced at £70 for 2-3 people, presents an extensive feast between 12-4pm. This sharing platter includes tandoor-cooked meats, fresh breads, and various bowls of North Indian-inspired dishes. Alternatively, vegetarians can enjoy the Mighty Veg Thali at £60, featuring an array of plant-based options from the tandoor.

Booking Information

The restaurant welcomes guests daily, operating Monday through Thursday from 12:00-23:00, whilst extending hours until 23:30 on Fridays and Saturdays. Groups of six or more must dine from the Big Feast menu. Subsequently, for larger gatherings, the venue accommodates up to 26 people. Located merely one minute from Charing Cross and Embankment stations, the restaurant maintains a casual dress code with prices primarily under £25 per person.

Dojo Hatch End – Pan-Asian Excellence

Bringing authentic flavours from across Asia, Dojo in Hatch End stands out for its culinary mastery and elegant setting. This Pan-Asian gem has earned a remarkable 4.5-star rating from 490 OpenTable diners.

Menu Diversity

The kitchen’s master chefs craft dishes spanning the entire Asian continent. The menu features an impressive array of options:

• Som Tam with raw papaya and tamarind dressing (£10.45)
• Signature Dojo Duck Salad (£13.95)
• Premium sushi platters (£37.95)
• Malaysian Rendang with choice of proteins (£15.45-£17.45)

Atmosphere

The restaurant seamlessly blends contemporary sophistication with classic Asian charm. The highlight remains the Garden Lounge, where guests unwind in a serene setting whilst sampling seasonal ingredients. The bar presents an extensive range of beverages, from refined wines to traditional sake, perfectly complementing the dining experience.

Value for Money

Operating hours extend from noon until midnight Sunday through Thursday, whilst Friday and Saturday service continues until midnight. The dining experience typically costs £41 and above per person, reflecting the quality of ingredients and masterful preparation. Alternatively, the lunch service, available Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00-14:30, offers excellent value for those seeking midday dining options.

Kaia at The Ned – Asia-Pacific Fusion

At The Ned, Kaia presents a vibrant celebration of Asian-Pacific cuisine, earning an impressive 4.5-star rating from 2,190 OpenTable diners.

Poke Bowl Selection

The restaurant primarily focuses on healthy dishes, with poke bowls taking centre stage in the menu. These colourful bowls blend tropical flavours with nutritious ingredients, offering a refreshing take on traditional Asian cuisine.

Robata Grill Specialties

The robata grill section showcases an array of expertly prepared dishes. Starting January 2024, celebrated chef Ivan Ramen introduces an exclusive two-month menu featuring four distinctive creations:

• Tori Shoyu Wonton Men
• Lobster Mazemen
• Iberico Pork Collar Tsukemen
• Vegan Truffled Shoyu Ramen

Pricing

The menu presents diverse price points across various categories:

• Vegetarian sushi rolls start from £6 for cucumber maki
• Premium sashimi selections range from £8 for shrimp to £18 for fatty tuna
• Sashimi platters offer excellent value, with three-kind selections at £26
• The Chef Selection, priced at £55, includes an extensive array of seared scallop roll, red snapper sashimi, yellowtail, otoro, salmon nigiri, and fresh oysters

The restaurant operates daily from noon until midnight, whilst offering special events throughout the week, including Sushi Masterclass from Sunday to Wednesday and Umami Lobster Night on Tuesdays.

Kibako – Premium Omakase Experience

Situated on Great Portland Street, Kibako presents an intimate Japanese dining experience under the guidance of Chef Padam Raj Rai, who brings over 21 years of expertise from prestigious establishments like Nobu and Sake No Hana.

Chef’s Selection

The exceptional 20-course Omakase menu showcases premium ingredients, whilst accommodating only six guests per session. The culinary journey features:

• Homemade tofu and abalone
• Hand-dived scallops
• Classic and contemporary sushi preparations
• Soy sauces aged in 100-year-old cedar barrels
• Freshly grated Japanese wasabi

Sushi Mastery

Chef Padam, trained in Osaka, Japan, combines specialist Japanese ingredients like Sanpuku nori and Kagoshima Wagyu beef with premium global produce, including hand-picked Maldon rock oysters. Alternatively, the Kibako Box Tasting Menu, priced at £65 per person, presents nine premium appetisers alongside sushi and sashimi.

Reservation Details

Bookings open three months in advance, with tables allocated for 1.5-hour dining windows. The restaurant operates Friday dinners from 17:00 to 21:30, whilst weekend service includes both lunch (12:00-14:00) and dinner sessions. Nevertheless, modifications require seven days’ notice, with late changes incurring a £150 per person fee. Primarily located five minutes from Oxford Circus station, the venue maintains strict booking policies to ensure an optimal dining experience.

Shack-Fuyu – Japanese Soul Food

Beginning as a winter pop-up, Shack-Fuyu has evolved into a permanent fixture in London’s Japanese dining scene. The restaurant’s name, with ‘Fuyu’ meaning winter in Japanese, reflects its humble origins whilst maintaining its innovative spirit.

Yoshoku Specialties

The menu primarily celebrates Japanese Yoshoku food, a Western-influenced cooking style. Signature dishes include:

• Prawn Toast masquerading as okonomiyaki (£12.80)
• Korean Fried Wings with spicy sour sauce (£9.70)
• Wagyu Beef Tataki with ginger soy dressing (£13.60)
• Chicken Katsu Curry with homemade sauce (£21.70)

Dessert Options

The restaurant’s Kinako French Toast stands as the sole dessert option, priced at £9.75. This masterpiece combines matcha soft serve ice cream with a caramelised crust, creating a texture reminiscent of crème brûlée. The dessert features kinako, a roasted soybean flour, which balances the sweetness whilst adding complexity to the flavour profile.

Price Range

Dining costs typically range between £15 to £40 per person. The restaurant offers a four-course tasting menu, requiring a minimum of two diners, which includes highlights like Seabass Ceviche and Salmon Taco. Alternatively, small plates start from £5.40, whilst main courses, including the popular Chilli Beef Bibimbap (£14.90), offer substantial portions.

BAO Soho – Taiwanese Street Food

Proudly holding its Michelin Bib Gourmand for nine consecutive years, BAO Soho crafts authentic Taiwanese street food from its intimate Lexington Street location. This original Xiao Chi house has earned its reputation through exceptional craftsmanship and unique flavour combinations.

Signature Buns

The menu showcases distinctive offerings that blend traditional Taiwanese elements with modern innovation:

• 40-Day Aged Beef Rump with rare 33-month aged white soy from Taiwan
• Pig Blood Cake topped with soy-cured egg yolk
• Trotter Nuggets accompanied by burnt chilli sauce
• Battered Sweet Potato with pickled plum ketchup

Wait Times and Tips

The restaurant operates a first-come, first-served basis, primarily experiencing two-hour queues during peak times. Rather than using a number system, guests wait on the street. For shorter wait times, arrive at 11am for lunch or opt for mid-afternoon dining. Alternatively, consider visiting BAO Fitzrovia, which accepts bookings for groups of four or more.

Value for Money

Whilst some diners report concerns about portion sizes, the restaurant maintains its prestigious Michelin recognition for delivering exceptional value. The menu features carefully crafted dishes using premium ingredients, including exclusive items like the 33-month aged white soy. Overall, a meal typically ranges between £30-45 per person, including the signature baos and small plates. The restaurant’s dedication to quality is evident in their homemade peanut milk and unique offerings like the Horlicks ice cream-filled fried bao.

Kiln Soho – Thai Excellence

Among London’s diverse Asian restaurants, Kiln Soho draws inspiration from the regions where Thailand borders Myanmar, Laos, and Yunnan.

Clay Pot Specialties

The kitchen primarily focuses on rustic Thai cuisine cooked over fire, with chef Meedu Saad crafting dishes that showcase authentic regional flavours. The menu changes regularly, reflecting the fresh dayboat seafood delivered each morning. Whilst the kitchen sources Tamworth pigs from Somerset and Hogget from Phillip Warrens Farmers, the daily cuts vary based on availability.

Spice Levels

The menu features dishes with varying heat intensities, hence staff members guide diners through spice preferences. Nonetheless, some preparations might surprise diners with their robust spiciness. The kitchen maintains authenticity in its spicing, creating what many describe as a “flavour explosion” in each dish.

Atmosphere

The dining space buzzes with energy as conversations primarily revolve around the menu. The professional and friendly service team ensures guests understand menu options and dietary requirements, particularly noting that most dishes contain shellfish and pork. The restaurant’s focus on food creates an exciting atmosphere that makes it ideal for celebrations.

Koya – Authentic Japanese Udon

Mastering the art of udon craftsmanship since 2010, Koya brings authentic Japanese noodle culture to London through its three distinctive locations.

Handmade Noodles

The creation of Koya’s signature udon requires exceptional skill and precision. Primarily, strong flour combines with salt water to form a stiff dough that demands intense kneading until it develops proper elasticity. The noodles’ distinctive texture, known as “koshi” in Japanese, creates a perfect balance of firmness and bounce. Whilst the noodles themselves remain deliberately subtle in flavour, they serve as ideal vessels for the restaurant’s carefully crafted broths and sauces.

Daily Specials

The weekly blackboard specials menu has garnered a devoted following. Popular dishes include the Yasai Ten Hiya-Atsu, featuring cold udon in hot broth with vegetable tempura, and the Buta Miso, combining hot udon with pork and miso. The kitchen, under Head Chef Shuko’s guidance, crafts authentic Japanese small plates alongside these signature noodle dishes.

Best Times to Visit

The original Soho location maintains its position as a culinary landmark, whilst the City branch, nestled in Bloomberg Arcade, offers additional IZAKAYA-IzaKoya small plates perfectly paired with sake and draught beers. For those preferring home dining, Koya provides fresh udon and dashi nationwide through their delivery service, complete with detailed cooking instructions.

Din Tai Fung – Dumpling Paradise

Housed in a 250-seat space in Covent Garden, Din Tai Fung showcases its dumpling mastery through a glass-fronted kitchen where skilled technicians craft their signature offerings.

Signature Xiaolongbao

The restaurant’s world-famous Xiao Long Bao features precisely 18 exquisite folds in each dumpling. Whilst the standard pork variety offers a meaty umami filling, the truffle-enhanced version presents an aromatic earthiness that develops into an eggy creaminess. The crab and pork variant delivers a crisp, salty seafood note, primarily enhanced in the chilli crab version with its subtle piquant kick.

Menu Highlights

Beyond xiaolongbao, the kitchen excels in other dumpling varieties:

• Glutinous rice and pork dumplings with tissue-thin skins
• Fluted, turtle-necked pork and prawn siu mai
• Steamed jiaozi-style pork and prawn dumplings
• Japanese-style gyoza with crispy bottoms

Queue Management

Although initial predictions suggested five-hour queues, the restaurant maintains an organised system for managing wait times. Alternatively, guests can participate in an exclusive Masterclass experience, available for groups of 8 or 10, where they learn to craft sweet Xiao Long Bao under expert guidance. The session concludes with a bespoke tasting menu featuring signature dishes alongside their handmade creations.

Hoppers – Sri Lankan Spice

Drawing inspiration from Sri Lankan village toddy shops, Hoppers brings authentic island flavours to London’s culinary landscape. The restaurant’s design reflects the Tropical Modernist movement associated with Geoffrey Bawa, the renowned Sri Lankan architect.

Signature Hoppers

The kitchen excels in crafting traditional hoppers, crispy bowl-shaped fermented rice pancakes that form the cornerstone of Sri Lankan cuisine. Each hopper, priced at £5.75, features delicate, lacy edges with a soft centre. The menu presents several variations:

• Classic Plain Hopper with perfectly fermented batter
• Egg Hopper topped with a golden yolk (£6.50)
• String Hoppers, ideal for mopping up curry sauces (£4.50)
• Dosa variations, including the flavourful Podi and Chilli Cheese options

Curry Selection

The restaurant’s curry selection showcases authentic Sri Lankan flavours. The Black Pork Kari (£13.75) stands as a crowd favourite, whilst the Prawn Kari (£14) offers seafood enthusiasts a taste of coastal Sri Lanka. For vegetarians, the Upcountry Aubergine Kari (£10.50) and Jackfruit Kari (£10.50) deliver robust flavours characteristic of inland Sri Lankan cuisine.

Pricing Structure

The venue operates with varying minimum spend requirements across different days. Weekday afternoons maintain a £6,000-£8,000 minimum spend, whilst Saturday evenings command a £15,000 minimum spend for exclusive hire. The drinks menu features both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, crafted with ingredients sourced from Sri Lanka’s spice gardens.

Rasa Sayang – Malaysian Heritage

Tucked away in the heart of London’s Chinatown, Rasa Sayang captures the essence of Malaysian and Singaporean culinary traditions. The name, meaning “loving feeling” in Malay, perfectly reflects the restaurant’s commitment to authentic Southeast Asian flavours.

Authentic Dishes

The kitchen excels in traditional Malaysian specialties, primarily focusing on dishes made entirely from scratch. Their signature offerings include:

• Nasi Lemak with tender curried chicken and coconut rice
• Singapore Chilli Crab with rich, satisfying sauce
• Kueh Pie Tee – unique crispy shells filled with chicken and dried shrimp
• Roti Canai – the lightest and flakiest in London

Value for Money

The restaurant maintains its reputation for excellent value, whilst delivering first-class quality appreciated by discerning regulars. The menu features hearty portions, including the melt-in-the-mouth tender meat in their signature curry. Alternatively, the dessert selection presents fascinating options like Kueh Dada (pandan pancakes with coconut filling) and Sago gula melaka (sago pudding in coconut palm sugar broth).

Location Benefits

Situated in the vibrant Chinatown district, the restaurant’s decor transports diners straight to Malaysia’s buzzing neighbourhood cafes. The atmosphere feels remarkably homely, featuring simple yellow wooden tables, low-hanging lights, and small framed pictures paying homage to Malaysia. The service remains consistently welcoming and attentive, making guests feel right at home.

Tanakatsu – Japanese Katsu Specialist

In Angel, London, Tanakatsu has established itself as a specialist in authentic Japanese katsu cuisine, earning an impressive 4.8-star rating from 937 OpenTable diners.

Katsu Varieties

The kitchen primarily focuses on perfecting their signature katsu dishes, which sparked London’s katsu curry trend. Their commitment to quality stems from the founder’s intensive recipe development in 2007, resulting in dishes that blend Japanese tradition with Western appeal. The menu features an array of katsu options, each prepared with meticulous attention to detail and served with their signature handmade dressing.

Side Dishes

The highlight amongst the side offerings is undoubtedly their Chicken Kara-Age, perfect for sharing as a starter. Whilst the main dishes command attention, the accompanying TANAKATSU Koko’s Mighty Dressing™ has gained such popularity that it’s now featured in London’s 5-star hotels and famous restaurants. This dressing, handmade fresh each morning by the chefs, pairs perfectly with the sliced cabbage served alongside katsu dishes.

Price Point

The restaurant maintains competitive pricing, with meals ranging from £11 to £40. The menu caters to various dietary preferences, offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Alternatively, those preferring home dining can order through Deliveroo or collect takeaway directly from the restaurant. The establishment operates with the motto ‘Simplicity, Honesty, Quality’, reflecting their commitment to value without compromising on authenticity.

Comparison Table

London’s Asian dining scene certainly stands out with its remarkable diversity

London’s Asian dining scene certainly stands out with its remarkable diversity, from Sexy Fish’s opulent Japanese fusion to BAO Soho’s authentic Taiwanese street food. Each restaurant we’ve explored brings something unique – Kibako’s intimate six-seat Omakase experience, Kiln Soho’s fiery Thai flavours, or Din Tai Fung’s precisely crafted dumplings. These 17 restaurants showcase the best of what Asian cuisine offers, whether you seek Michelin-starred excellence or casual dining charm. My personal favourites include Kintan’s interactive BBQ experience and Hoppers’ aromatic Sri Lankan dishes that transport diners straight to Colombo’s bustling streets. Experience exceptional Asian food at our sister pub The Queen Of The South in Tulse Hill, which adds another exciting dimension to London’s Asian culinary landscape. Ultimately, these carefully selected venues prove London’s status as a world-class destination for Asian cuisine, each restaurant telling its own unique story through authentic flavours and innovative cooking techniques.