Dozo Soho London: Where to Eat Authentic Japanese Sushi in Soho

One of the greatest joys of living in London is its food scene endless pockets of culture, flavours from around the world, and hidden gems that make the city a playground for food lovers. But for me, as an Aussie who has grown up with access to fresh seafood and plenty of Japanese influences in dining, I’ve been searching for that authentic hit of sashimi and sushi here in London. My hunt has led me to Dozo Soho, a Japanese restaurant tucked away in the vibrant heart of Old Compton Street. This was my second attempt at Japanese food in London, and I can honestly say, this one struck gold.

Dozo is more than just another sushi spot. It has a certain atmosphere, a balance between modern flair and traditional Japanese dining culture, and dishes that are beautifully prepared, fresh, and made with care. In this post, I’ll walk you through the background of the place, my experience there, the standout dishes I tried, what you can expect in terms of pricing, and my final take on whether Dozo Soho deserves a place on your must-try list.

Background About Dozo Soho

Dozo Soho sits right in the heart of London’s bustling Soho district at 32 Old Compton Street, a spot that couldn’t be more fitting for its energetic vibe. Known for its nightlife and restaurants, Soho provides the perfect stage for a modern Japanese restaurant like Dozo.

The restaurant is spread over two levels, which makes it feel a little more spacious compared to many of the smaller, tighter venues in the area. What really struck me was the seating arrangement. Some tables are styled to feel as though you’re in Japan itself, low, intimate, and communal, encouraging you to slow down and enjoy your meal the traditional way. It’s a nice touch that sets Dozo apart from generic Japanese restaurants that lean too heavily on contemporary minimalism.

Dozo has gained a reputation for its beautifully presented sushi platters, artful sashimi, and a wide-ranging menu that covers everything from tempura and teriyaki to comforting bowls of ramen.

What is the Experience like at Dozo Soho?

Even on weekdays, there’s a hum of energy, a mix of couples, groups of friends, and solo diners at tables, all eagerly awaiting plates of sushi and steaming bowls of noodles. The staff were welcoming, guiding me through the menu and happily answering questions about recommended dishes.

The atmosphere blends the lively energy of Soho with subtle Japanese design touches. It feels warm and authentic, yet not overly formal, the kind of place where you could have a casual dinner one night or celebrate something special the next. I appreciated the flexibility in the dining setup, you can sit at a traditional-style table or take a more standard seat upstairs, depending on what kind of mood you’re in.

Payment is simple and convenient too. You can pay by card or cash, which is always a plus in central London where some spots still surprise you with cash-only policies.

What is the Food like at Dozo Soho?

As someone who has been craving fresh sashimi and sushi, Dozo did not disappoint. Every dish felt carefully crafted and tasted as good as it looked. Here’s a breakdown of what I tried and what stood out the most:

Soft Shell Crab Salad (£13.50)

This starter was light yet indulgent, with the deep-fried soft shell crab perfectly crisp and paired with baby leaves and a sweet chilli mayonnaise. It was a refreshing way to kick off the meal, with just enough spice and tang to awaken the palate.

Volcano Maki Sushi Roll (£19.80)

The dish I’d go back for again and again. The Volcano Roll combines eel, leeks, bonito flakes, cucumber, avocado, and mayonnaise, all topped with eel sauce. It’s creamy, indulgent, and bursting with flavour, a sushi roll that truly lives up to its dramatic name. This was my personal highlight.

Otoro Maki (£19.80)

Fatty tuna is always a luxury, and this roll did not disappoint. The richness of the tuna paired with spring onion created the perfect balance of buttery texture and freshness.

Sashimi Mori Kyu (£21.80)

A selection of nine pieces of sashimi across three types of fish. The quality was evident immediately, fresh, vibrant, and sliced just right. For anyone like me who misses fresh sashimi, this dish was like a little taste of home.

Gindara Saikyomiso (£34.80)

The grilled black cod marinated with saikyomiso is one of Dozo’s signature dishes and rightly so. The cod was tender, flaky, and infused with a deep umami richness from the miso. It’s a pricier option, but one that feels worth it when you’re craving something special.

Salmon Don (£15.80)

A comforting bowl of sushi rice topped with salmon sashimi slices and ikura (salmon roe). Simple yet satisfying, this dish showcased the freshness of the ingredients without too much fuss.

Overall, the presentation across all dishes was thoughtful and elegant, you can tell that detail and precision are core to Dozo’s food philosophy.

What is the Price like at Dozo Soho?

Dozo Soho falls into the mid to high range, which in London terms means it’s not budget-friendly but not extravagant either. Most mains hover between £15 and £20, with some of the higher-end dishes like the black cod closer to £35.

For the quality of the food, particularly the sashimi and signature rolls, I think the prices are justified. You’re paying for freshness, authenticity, and presentation, and in a central location like Soho. That said, if you’re planning to order a spread of sushi rolls, sashimi, and a few mains, the bill can add up quickly.

Final Thoughts

Dozo Soho provides an experience that is both authentic and approachable, with dishes that are consistently fresh, flavourful, and beautifully presented. The atmosphere makes you feel transported, and the food, particularly the Volcano Roll and sashimi platter delivers on every level.

As someone who has been searching for a Japanese spot in London that feels genuinely satisfying, Dozo has won me over. It’s not just about the sushi, it’s the care in the menu, the thought in the design, and the lively yet cozy dining environment. Whether you’re a sushi devotee, a sashimi purist, or someone simply looking for a great night out in Soho, Dozo should definitely be on your list.

London’s dining scene can sometimes feel overwhelming with choices, but when you find a place like Dozo, it makes all the exploring worth it. It’s a little slice of Japan in the heart of Soho, perfect for when you’re craving something fresh, flavourful, and just a little bit special. For me, Dozo has set the bar high for Japanese food in the city and I know I’ll be back for that Volcano Roll again very soon.

Highlights

• Must try dishes: the Volcano Maki Roll, Sashimi Mori Kyu, and Gindara SaikyomisoVibrant Soho location with a lively atmosphere
• Authentic Japanese dining experience with traditional seating options
• Wide-ranging menu covering sushi, sashimi, tempura, ramen, and more
• Aesthetic food presentation and fresh ingredients across all dishes
• Flexible payment options (card and cash accepted)

Dozo Soho Details

• Location: 32 Old Compton St, London W1D 4TP
• Opening Hours: Mon – Fri (12–3 pm, 5–10:30 pm); Sat (12–10:30 pm); Sun (12–10 pm)
• Price: ££

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