Struggling to find a restaurant in London that provides more than just a meal? With so many spots offering generic menus and forgettable vibes, it’s easy to end up somewhere that leaves you hungry for more. Even worse? Wasting your time and money on underwhelming bites when all you wanted was something bold, flavour-packed, and a memorable atmosphere.
That’s where Flesh & Buns steps in. We’re not just another Japanese restaurant in London—we’re a full-on izakaya experience. With bold dishes, a cheeky atmosphere, and immersive interiors at our Covent Garden and Oxford Circus locations, we’ve built the kind of dining destination you’ll want to come back to again and again.
In this blog, we’ll show you exactly why Flesh & Buns is your new go-to, from our legendary bottomless brunches and sizzling robata grills to tasting menus and private dining that brings the party. Let’s dig in.
What is an Izakaya, and Why Does It Matter?
An izakaya is a Japanese tavern—a casual, after-work spot where people gather to eat, drink, and unwind. Think of it as Japan’s answer to the pub, but with better snacks. The word itself roughly translates to “stay-drink-place,” and that’s exactly what we invite you to do.
At Flesh & Buns, we’ve taken the essence of izakaya culture and given it a bold London twist. That means moody lighting, upbeat playlists, an open robata grill, and a menu designed for sharing. It’s loud. It’s lively. It’s a bit cheeky. And it’s everything a modern Japanese restaurant in London should be.
Japanese Restaurant in London: Two Locations, Two Unique Vibes
Covent Garden: Underground and Unforgettable
Located beneath the streets of Seven Dials, our Covent Garden venue is a subterranean sanctuary. The ambiance? Think low lighting, Japanese art, and intimate corners perfect for whispering secrets or plotting your next bottomless brunch. It’s the kind of place where date nights turn into late night talks.
Oxford Circus: Bright, Bold, and Brimming with Energy
Just a short stroll from the buzz of Oxford Street, our Oxford Circus location brings Tokyo energy to the heart of the West End. With an interior decked out in rich foliage and a wall of waving lucky cats, it’s a visual feast before the food even hits the table.
Flavour First: Signature Dishes You Have to Try
We don’t do ordinary. Our menu is a tribute to bold flavours and texture play, with each dish crafted to surprise and satisfy. Here are a few crowd favourites:
- Crispy Piglet Belly: Served with mustard miso, apple pickle, and carrot pickle—designed to be stuffed into fluffy bao buns.
- Japanese Fried Chicken: Buttermilk-marinated, deep-fried golden, and finished with rocoto chilli mayo.
- Miso Grilled Aubergine: Umami-rich, sweet, and smoky, served with sesame and crunchy pickles.
- Smoked Miso Brisket: Slathered in chipotle miso BBQ sauce with vibrant carrot and red chilli pickle.
Whether you’re a meat or veggie lover, our sharing plates and bao pairings cater to every palate and diet. We’re proud to be known among the best Japanese restaurants in London for both variety and quality.
Bottomless Brunch: A London Weekend Staple
Brunch in London is practically a sport—and we came to win. Our Bottomless Japanese Brunch is available every weekend until 5 PM and includes:
- Edamame to get you started
- Robata-grilled yaki skewers (like crispy piglet belly and chicken teriyaki)
- Your choice of bao buns
- 90 minutes of bottomless Prosecco, Asahi beer, or mocktails
- Optional s’mores for dessert, toasted at your table
All for just £35 per person. It’s the best kind of indulgence: playful, satisfying, and just a bit messy (in a good way).
The Express Omakase: Perfect for Lunch or Pre-Theatre
Need something quick but craving something delicious? Our Express Omakase menu is your lunchtime hero. Served daily before 6:45 PM and after 10:00 PM, it features three flavour-packed courses for £25:
- Sea salt or chilli BBQ edamame
- A skewer of your choice
- Your pick from our signature flesh dishes, served with buns
Perfect for a midweek treat, a work lunch, or simply just fuel before catching a West End show.
Tasting Menus for the Curious and the Hungry
Sometimes, you want it all. And hey, we can’t blame you! We know that we make good dishes here for everyone. Try out our Omakase Tasting Menus, curated for sharing and served in five unforgettable courses:
- Starter selection (like salmon & avocado rolls and chips & dips)
- Small plates (including Korean fried wings and tenderstem broccoli)
- Big meats (crispy duck leg, brisket, piglet belly—served with buns)
- Dessert: our iconic s’mores with strawberry marshmallows
Available for £50 per person, it’s the ultimate way to sample the full spectrum of our izakaya magic.
Private Dining: Celebrate in Style
Whether it’s a birthday bash, corporate dinner, or family get-together, Flesh & Buns has private dining covered.
At Oxford Circus:
- A chef’s table near the robata grill for up to 20
- A private sunken dining room for groups of 10–20
- A large room for 20–40 guests
At Covent Garden:
- A semi-private area that fits up to 24, set in our atmospheric underground izakaya
With tasting menus and drink packages available, your group feast is in good hands.
The Drinks Menu: Sake, Cocktails, and Beyond
Drinks aren’t an afterthought—they’re part of the story. Our bar offers:
- Premium sake flights for the curious
- Japanese-inspired cocktails with bold, fresh ingredients
- A curated list of wine, beer, and spirits
Not sure where to start? Ask your server—we love pairing the perfect drink with your chosen dishes.
Gift Cards: Give the Gift of Feasting
Want to treat someone? Our gift cards are perfect for foodies, Londoners, or anyone who deserves a feast. Options include:
- General spend cards from £10
- Pre-paid tasting menu experiences
- Bottomless brunch gift packages
Why Flesh & Buns?
Because we’re more than just a restaurant—we’re a dining event. A flavour bomb. A Tokyo-meets-London mashup with a dash of rebellion and a lot of heart.
So whether you’re eating out in Covent Garden, meeting mates for Japanese food in Oxford Circus, searching through Japanese restaurants in London, or looking for the best Japanese restaurant in London, you’re exactly where you need to be, here, at Flesh & Buns.
Ready to feast? Book your table now and let’s make it unforgettable.
