Experience sake in a Japanese restaurant, enjoy the vibrant flavours, warm hospitality, and stylish izakaya-inspired atmosphere at Flesh & Buns, redefining modern Japanese dining in London. From steaming bao to bold robata-grilled dishes, expertly curated sake flights, and unforgettable omakase experiences, our restaurant blends tradition and trend in an izakaya-style setting built for both indulgence and connection.
Whether you’re seeking a casual evening with friends, an intimate omakase tasting, or an elevated private event, this is where London meets Tokyo in every bite and sip.
The Izakaya Dining Experience
Inspired by the dynamic izakayas of Japan, casual drinking and dining spots that bring people together over shared plates and flowing drinks, Flesh & Buns celebrates bold flavours and social energy. At our, we invite guests to lean into the spirit of discovery, from trying unique Japanese whiskies to sampling limited-batch sakes from boutique breweries in our Japanese restaurant.
Our curated atmosphere features moody lighting, communal tables, and upbeat vibes designed to transport you from Covent Garden or Oxford Circus to the backstreets of Shibuya.
A Welcome for Every Occasion
Whether you’re dining à deux or gathering with a group, we make room for every celebration. Guests can explore à la carte menus, or go all in on a chef-led experience with omakase. Hosting something special? Our private dining spaces offer a modern twist on Japanese elegance, perfect for birthdays, corporate dinners, or sake-paired tasting nights.
Explore the full taste of Japanese restaurant sake, where contemporary flair meets timeless hospitality.
Our Japanese Restaurant’s Sake Selection: Elegance in Every Sip
One of our proudest features is our extensive sake menu — a curated journey into Japan’s most revered beverage tradition. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a newcomer, our sake flights are designed to explore nuances in flavour, texture, and aroma.
We offer premium junmai, daiginjo, and ginjo styles, each hand-selected to complement specific dishes. Want something floral and light to go with our sushi rolls? Or a richer, umami-forward pour to match grilled lamb chops? Our team is here to guide your perfect pairing.
Sake with a story
Every bottle on our list tells a story about regionality, craftsmanship, and heritage. From small family-owned kura in Niigata to cult favourites brewed in Hiroshima, the range reflects Japan’s dedication to precision and purity. As a top-rated Japanese restaurant destination, our guests appreciate the care we take in sourcing each label.
Ready to explore further? Discover the full selection on our Sake and elevate your next visit with a pairing that tells a story.
Why Our Sake Stands Out as the Finest
At Flesh & Buns, our sake isn’t just another drink on the menu, it’s a carefully curated experience rooted in craftsmanship, heritage, and bold modern flair.
What Sets Our Sake Apart
- Artisanal Brewing – We choose sake from family-run kura (breweries) across Japan, where centuries-old techniques meet modern precision. Each bottle reflects the region it comes from — from the soft, polished notes of Niigata to the rich, full-bodied styles of Hiroshima.
- Premium Grades Only – From junmai to daiginjo, we pour only the finest. Each sake on our list has been selected for its quality, complexity, and perfect food-pairing potential.
- Sake with a Story – Whether you’re trying a sparkling nigori or a dry, crisp junmai ginjo, our sake menu is built to tell a story — about tradition, innovation, and the joy of shared discovery.
- Expert Pairings – Our team is trained to recommend the right sake for every dish — because when you get the pairing right, it’s a flavour experience like no other.
From the very first sip to the last drop, our sake brings balance, brightness, and an unforgettable touch of Japan to your table.
Dishes Best Paired With Our Sake
At Flesh & Buns, the menu is designed for sharing and showing off. Our signature bao buns are a must-try, with pillowy softness wrapped around crispy duck, smoked brisket, or spicy fried chicken. Each comes with fresh pickles and sauces that pack a punch, making them perfect partners for a crisp, dry sake that cuts through the richness and elevates each bite.
Star Dishes to Look Out For
Tuna Tataki – Delicate slices of seared tuna with citrus soy and shiso, beautifully complemented by a light, floral Junmai Ginjo that enhances the dish’s freshness.
Crispy Duck Leg – Served with sour plum sauce, cucumber, and bao. A rich Junmai sake balances the sweet-sour flavours and draws out the dish’s umami.
Kimchi Chicken Wings – Spicy, sticky, and outrageously addictive. A chilled sparkling sake or a fruity Nigori cuts the heat while keeping it playful.
Every dish is crafted for visual impact and palate pleasure. Looking for something lighter? Try the sushi rolls, sashimi platters, or seasonal salads — refreshing and flavourful options that pair beautifully with a clean, dry Daiginjo or a sake spritz on the side.
Pair your meal with our curated sake for an experience that balances flavour and finesse a modern izakaya journey where food and drink are designed to bring out the best in each other.
Beyond Sake: Innovative Cocktails and Other Japanese Spirits
While sake is the soul of the experience, Flesh & Buns brings more to your glass than just tradition. Our bar menu is a playground of Japanese-inspired innovation, where skilled bartenders craft cocktails that are as photogenic as they are flavourful. Whether you’re a sake lover or simply curious, there’s something here to sip, savour, and share.
Cocktails at Flesh & Buns
Our drinks are built to match the energy of our dishes, bold, balanced, and memorable.
- Yuzu Margarita – A Japanese twist on the Mexican classic. Yuzu citrus adds a zesty brightness that’s the perfect refresher alongside bao and wings.
- Umeshu Negroni – Combines the sweetness of umeshu with the bitterness of Campari and vermouth.
- Kocho No Hana – A floral and exotic fusion of butterfly pea flower gin, umeshu, lychee, and jasmine syrup, an enchanting flavour that feels like a walk in the garden.
- Zen Garden – A crisp, herbaceous cocktail featuring melonade, mint, elderflower, and lemon, elegantly topped with prosecco for a sparkling finish.
And for those looking beyond alcohol, we’ve curated a non-alcoholic lineup that still brings the flavour. Try our homemade yuzu berry soda, painappuru mint fizz, or maybe just a simple green tea to clear the palate.
Whether you’re toasting a celebration or just unwinding after work, our drinks are designed to enhance your dining experience — always refreshing, never ordinary.
Private Dining & Events: Tokyo Nights, London Lights
Planning a corporate gathering, birthday bash, or engagement dinner? Our private dining rooms offer a luxe yet playful backdrop for your event. Tucked away from the buzz of the main restaurant, these spaces feature custom lighting, curated playlists, and flexible seating arrangements.
We offer exclusive sake tastings, interactive dining experiences, and tailored menus designed to suit every preference. Whether it’s 10 guests or 50, our events team handles every detail so you can focus on enjoying the evening.
Still searching for ‘sake in a japanese restaurant near me’? Go beyond the basics because our team is ready to help you craft a memorable event with flair and flavour.
Book Your Event today and bring the energy of Tokyo to your next celebration.
Try Out Sake in a Japanese Restaurant Near You
Flesh & Buns has several locations in London, so you’re never far from one. You can find them in Covent Garden, Oxford Circus, and Fitzrovia. Each place offers the same great food and drinks, but with a slightly different feel to match the local area
COVENT GARDEN MENU| OXFORD CIRCUS MENU
A Culinary Destination Rooted in Experience
From intimate dinners to lively brunches, from curated sakes to flavour-packed dishes, Flesh & Buns is more than just a restaurant; it’s an immersive journey into modern Japanese dining. Our izakaya roots bring joy, connection, and discovery to every table.
Whether you’re looking for a Japanese restaurant’s sake experience, planning a private tasting, or simply craving bao and bubbles, our doors (and bottles) are always open.
We invite you to explore the heart of our Japanese dining experience — our expertly curated sake selection. From crisp, dry notes to smooth, aromatic pours, our sake menu showcases the true depth and variety of Japan’s most iconic beverage.
Each sake in a Japanese restaurant is handpicked to complement our menu, with pairings designed to elevate dishes like robata-grilled meats, bao buns, and delicate sashimi. Whether you’re a seasoned sake enthusiast or just starting your journey, our team is here to guide you — offering tasting notes, serving recommendations, and food pairings to suit every palate.
Looking for something new? Try our seasonal selections or discover rare brews from small-batch Japanese distilleries you won’t find anywhere else.
Book a table now to try out our sake!
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