Japanese food in London does not have to mean a £150 omakase. Some of the city's best Japanese restaurants offer incredible lunch deals, set menus and budget-friendly bowls that prove great food and good value are not mutually exclusive.
Best Ramen Lunch Deals
The set lunch (ramen + side + drink for £9.95) is one of London's best deals. Seasonal ramen rotation means there's always something new, and the quality punches way above its price.
Monday and Tuesday retro ramen deals at £9.99. The Sapporo miso is excellent. Retro 70s Tokyo alleyway vibes right off Regent Street.
Budget tonkotsu across south London. Five locations, consistently good bowls that won't break the bank. Add the matcha ice cream dessert for a nice finish.
No-frills counter spot with 48-hour broth. The house special ramen has real depth. Cash preferred.
Best Udon & Noodle Deals
Sanuki udon with machines imported from Japan. 10 locations, noodles made fresh in front of you. Tempura add-ons are freshly fried. Incredible value.
Budget bento and curry udon in Soho. Bring cash. Don't expect ambiance, expect flavour. The curry udon is hearty and satisfying.
Casual bento, donburi and noodles. Honest, affordable Japanese food. The bento boxes are great value across multiple locations.
Best Comfort Food Deals
Conveyor belt sushi and curry in Soho. Cheap, cheerful, surprisingly authentic for the price. One of the cheapest proper Japanese meals in central London.
Tiny Osakan home-cooking canteen. Worth the queue for the most authentic okonomiyaki in London.
Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki near the South Bank. The classic from £12.50 is filling and flavourful. Add prawns for the full experience.
Japan's #1 curry chain. Fully customisable — spice, rice, toppings, everything. The chicken katsu is the classic order.
Best Cafe & Bakery Deals
Award-winning shokupan, yuzu custard tarts and pillow-soft melon pan. Go early — the shokupan sells out fast.
Founded in 1860 by tea master Riemon Tsuji. The soft serve matcha ice cream is the signature. Over 160 years of matcha expertise.