Looking for something more exciting than your average dinner out? Welcome to Flesh & Buns, where Japanese izakaya meets London attitude. Tucked in the heart of the West End, we’re one of the best restaurants Covent Garden has to offer—loud, lively, and unapologetically bold.
We’re not your typical Japanese spot. Think punchy flavours, playful plates, and a dining room built for fun. Whether you’re fuelling up before a show, taking a break from shopping, or hunting for the best restaurants near Covent Garden, we’ve got you covered.
Expect inventive dishes that twist tradition in all the right ways, a drinks list worth lingering over, and a vibe that’s perfect for dates, mates, or solo foodies chasing something unforgettable.
Why Flesh & Buns Is One of the Best Restaurants in Covent Garden
Forget everything you know about Japanese dining. At Flesh & Buns, we turn tradition on its head to deliver bold, crave-worthy dishes in an atmosphere that buzzes from the moment you walk through the door. This isn’t just dinner—it’s a high-energy, high-flavour experience that makes us one of the best Covent Garden restaurants for locals, theatre-goers, and curious foodies alike.
- Our signature bao buns are soft, pillowy, and packed with flavour — a must-try that lives up to the name.
- The sushi is a visual and culinary experience, crafted with precision and bursting with fresh, bold ingredients.
- Our Japanese-inspired cocktails are playful, punchy, and designed to surprise — no ordinary drink list here.
- We remix classic Japanese flavours with modern twists, turning every dish into a bit of theatre.
- The interiors are stylish and immersive, blending Tokyo cool with London edge for a vibe that’s instantly Instagrammable.
- From solo dinners to big groups, we bring the party to the plate and the entire experience.
Whether you’re planning a night out, celebrating something special, or simply on the hunt for the best restaurants in Covent Garden, Flesh & Buns delivers on all fronts. Come hungry, bring your friends, and let us show you just how exciting modern Japanese dining can be.
Signature Dishes That Turn Heads
At Flesh & Buns, we don’t just serve food—we serve spectacle. From the first bite to the last sip, every dish is crafted to excite all your senses. Our kitchen blends the bold flavours of a Japanese izakaya with modern flair, right in the heart of Covent Garden. It’s no wonder we’re considered one of the best restaurants near Covent Garden.
Our famous bao buns are the stuff of legend. They’re cloud-like, pillowy soft, and stuffed with rich, juicy fillings. Think crispy duck leg, pork belly, or miso-grilled aubergine that are all locally sourced where possible and bursting with umami. Every bite is a perfect contrast of texture and taste, hand-built at your table for maximum fun.
And then there’s the sushi. Delicate, vibrant, and almost too beautiful to eat. Our chefs treat each roll like a canvas, layering in flavour with fresh fish, seasoned rice, and a little theatre.
Omakase: Let the Chef Take the Lead
Omakase at Flesh & Buns is your backstage pass to the very best of our kitchen. No menus. No decisions. Just trust our chefs to guide you through a curated journey of seasonal plates, bold sushi, and exclusive off-menu surprises.
Perfect for adventurous eaters, special occasions, or anyone looking to experience one of the best restaurants in Covent Garden from a fresh angle. Each omakase is a one-of-a-kind experience—intimate, exciting, and always unforgettable.
Bottomless Brunch in Covent Garden
Weekends at Flesh & Buns are made for indulgence, and our bottomless brunch brings the energy. We’re talking bold Japanese flavours, brunch-ready twists, and free-flowing drinks to match. Choose from Prosecco, wine, or our signature cocktails, all served alongside a feast of izakaya favourites and playful plates made for sharing.
Whether you’re fuelling up before a day exploring the West End or recovering from the night before, our brunch delivers serious flavour in a buzzing setting. With its central location and standout menu, it’s easy to see why we’re one of the best restaurants Covent Garden has to offer and a top spot for brunch with a twist.
Drinks That Impress at Flesh & Buns Covent Garden
Whether you’re looking for a pre-theatre tipple or something to sip alongside sushi and steamed buns, our drinks menu is packed with Japanese flair and Covent Garden energy. Here are a few favourites that keep us firmly on the map of the best restaurants Covent Garden has to offer:
- Lucky Cat: Vodka, peach, cranberry, and Prosecco served with sparkle in a maneki-neko mug—fun, fruity, and totally Instagrammable.
- Kocho No Hana: A violet-hued martini with butterfly-pea gin, plum and lychee—floral, smooth and picture-perfect.
- Umeshu Negroni: Plum wine replaces gin for a bold East-meets-West twist on the classic Negroni.
- New Fashioned: Sesame-infused Japanese whisky and orange bitters bring nutty warmth with a smoky citrus edge.
- Frozen Yuzu Margarita: A frozen blend of tequila and tart Japanese yuzu—zingy, slushy and made to refresh.
- Suntory Hibiki Harmony: A smooth blend with notes of honeyed malt, orange and almond—pure Japanese elegance in a glass.
- Yamazaki 12yr: A single malt with red berry notes
- Hana Awaka Sparkling Yuzu Sake: A zesty sake spritzer with bubbles and citrus for a clean, crisp finish.
- Saika Cloudy Umeshu: Cloudy plum sake with a tart edge—sweet, playful, and surprisingly rich.
- Yuzu Berry Soda: Raspberries, blueberries, and cranberry juice meet house yuzu and soda—bright, fizzy, and alcohol-free.
Whether you’re sipping cocktails (or mocktails for the designated drivers out there) before a show or sampling sake over buns, our drinks list sets the scene for one of the most memorable meals in any Covent Garden Japanese restaurant.
A Lively Atmosphere That Matches the Flavour
Flesh & Buns is where good food meets good vibes. From the moment you walk in, the energy hits you: pulsing playlists, bold lighting, and a buzzing open kitchen that sets the pace. Whether it’s a date night, dinner with mates, or a solo sushi mission, the space is designed to feel exciting, social, and just a little bit cheeky.
We’ve got long communal tables made for sharing (and making friends), cosy corners for intimate chats, and a team that’s always ready with a recommendation or a joke. It’s this mix of atmosphere, attitude, and unforgettable dishes that keeps us firmly on the list of the best restaurants in Covent Garden.
Your Covent Garden Basecamp
Flesh & Buns sits right in the thick of it, just steps from theatres, shops, and some of London’s most iconic streets. Whether you’re ducking in between acts or fuelling up after a day of exploring, we’re perfectly placed for a bite worth remembering.
Catching a show? Our pre-theatre menu is designed to move at your pace, packed with flavour, served with flair, and timed so you’ll be out the door before the curtain rises. With quick service, no compromise on taste, and a central location, it’s no wonder we’re among the best restaurants near Covent Garden for a pre-show feast or a post-shop refuel.
Experience One of the Best Restaurants Covent Garden Has to Offer
Craving bold Japanese flavours, playful cocktails, and a dining vibe that’s anything but ordinary? Flesh & Buns delivers all that—and more. We’re more than just a Covent Garden Japanese restaurant. We’re your go-to for group feasts, date nights, spontaneous sushi cravings, and everything in between.
Whether you’re out exploring London or catching a show, we’re the place to fuel up, wind down, and soak up serious izakaya energy.
Book your table now and discover why Flesh & Buns is one of the best restaurants near Covent Garden—we’re ready to wow you.
