Struggling to find the best Japanese food in London that delivers more than the basics? You’re not alone. Too often, dining out means choosing between conveyor-belt sushi or yet another bland bowl of ramen.
And that’s the problem—Japanese cuisine in the city can feel predictable. The agitated truth? It leaves foodies craving more: more flavour, more fun, more flair. Something that doesn’t just fill your belly but actually blows your mind.
Enter Flesh & Buns. This isn’t your average soy-and-silence spot. It’s an izakaya-inspired experience—bold, cheeky, and built for sharing. In this article, we’ll show you why it’s become the go-to for Londoners who want Japanese food with attitude, and not just formality. Ready to find your new favourite dining obsession? Let’s dive in.
What Makes Flesh & Buns Stand Out?
Flesh & Buns lives and breathes the izakaya spirit—atmospheric, energetic, and unapologetically fun. This isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a fully-loaded celebration of Japanese pub culture brought into the heart of London. With a name that raises eyebrows and sparks intrigue, Flesh & Buns sets the scene for a dining experience that is cheeky, confident, and completely unforgettable.
Whether you’re exploring the moody underground vibes of Covent Garden or soaking up the vibrant energy at Oxford Circus, you’ll find dishes that spark curiosity, encourage sharing, and deliver flavour in every bite. For anyone seeking genuinely good Japanese food in London, you found the right spot. Flesh & Buns is a communal dining experience, reimagined for London’s boldest food lovers.
What Is an Izakaya, Anyway?
You’ve seen the word. You’ve said it. But what is an izakaya?
An izakaya is a Japanese-style tavern—a laid-back place to drink, snack, and socialise. It’s all about communal energy, generous pours, and dishes meant to be shared. Flesh & Buns takes this concept and runs with it, creating a space that’s playful, loud, and unapologetically delicious.
Want to know more? Read our guide to izakaya culture →
Best Japanese Food in London: A Menu That Means Business
At Flesh & Buns, the menu isn’t just food—it’s a journey. A joyride through the smoky depths of robata grills, the delicate artistry of maki rolls, and the rich indulgence of bao buns. Here’s what you can expect:
Small Plates, Big Impact
Start with small plates that punch far above their weight:
- Korean Fried Wings – Crispy, sticky, and addictive, with a spicy-sour glaze that brings the heat.
- Fried Squid – Golden, tender and lightly spiced with yuzu kosho mayo for that citrusy kick.
- Beef Fat Potato Chips – Hugely indulgent with huancaina cheese sauce and tomato rocoto.
- Tenderstem Broccoli – Charred perfection with orange miso and bubu arare crunch.
These aren’t appetisers—they’re invitations to lean in, get messy, and savour every bite.
Bao Buns Like No Other
Flesh & Buns doesn’t just serve buns. They own buns. Soft, fluffy, steamed pillows packed with crave-worthy fillings:
- Crispy Piglet Belly – Mustard miso, apple & carrot pickle. A bestseller for good reason.
- Japanese Fried Chicken – Buttermilk-brined, golden fried, topped with rocoto chilli mayo.
- Miso Grilled Aubergine – Sweet, smoky, and seriously satisfying.
Want more? Order the Big B platter and go all in with bao, meat, pickles and sauces—designed to share, devour, and Instagram.
Raw & Refreshing
Balance your meal with sushi, sashimi, and ceviche:
- Salmon & Avocado Maki – Creamy, cool, and crowd-pleasing.
- Dragon Maki – Prawn tempura with avocado, green shiso, and unagi mayo.
- Ceviche – A trio of salmon, tuna, and yellowtail with crisp canchita crunch.
Each dish is crafted with precision but served without pretense.
Experiences That Go Beyond the Plate
Eating at Flesh & Buns isn’t just about the food—it’s about the experience. From theatrical menus to immersive moments, from your table to the open kitchen, there’s always something exciting on the table.
Bottomless Japanese Brunch
Weekends at Flesh & Buns are sacred. Why? Because of the Bottomless Brunch—a three-course Omakase brunch complete with unlimited prosecco, mocktails, or Asahi beer for 90 glorious minutes. Available at both Covent Garden and Oxford Circus, it’s the go-to for weekend warriors.
The brunch menu features everything from edamame and robata-grilled skewers to crispy piglet belly bao and the beloved Toast-Your-Own S’mores dessert. It’s the most fun you can have before 5pm.
Express Lunch & Pre-Theatre Menus
Short on time but want something big on flavour? The Express Omakase menu offers three curated courses for just £25. It’s available daily before 6:45pm and after 10pm, and perfect for quick lunches, pre-show dinners, or spontaneous bites with friends.
Private Dining & Events
Celebrating something special? The private dining rooms at Flesh & Buns are showstoppers. Oxford Circus features sunken tables and chef’s table views, while Covent Garden offers a semi-private underground hideaway. The £50 Omakase Tasting Menu is ideal for birthdays, corporate events, or any excuse to eat ridiculously well.
The Art of Omakase
Let go of the menu and let the chefs lead. For those hunting the best Japanese food in London with a touch of culinary theatre, this is your moment. Omakase means “I’ll leave it up to you,” and at Flesh & Buns, that trust is rewarded with a carefully curated meal that highlights the best of the kitchen.
Choose from £45 and £59 Omakase menus designed for groups, perfect for team dinners or stress-free celebrations.
Explore the Omakase experience →
A Taste for Every Occasion
Whether you’re:
- Planning a date night,
- Rounding up friends for birthday bao, or
- Booking a big private dining bash,
Flesh & Buns delivers something memorable. Every time.
Not sure where to start? Try Covent Garden for underground izakaya vibes or Oxford Circus for a high-energy feast in the thick of it all.
The Verdict? Best Japanese Food in London. Hands Down.
From steaming buns to sizzling skewers, from elegant maki to fiery wings, Flesh & Buns doesn’t just serve Japanese food in London—it reinvents it for a new generation of diners.
So if you’re searching for the best Japanese food in London, don’t just take our word for it. Book a table. Bring your appetite. And prepare to fall in love with Flesh & Buns.
