Akatuki London: Modern Japanese Dining and Wagyu Shabu Shabu in Covent Garden

Looking for a Japanese place that has both sushi and shabu shabu hotpot? It’s surprisingly hard to find a spot in London that does both and does them well. But tucked away on Great Queen Street, just a short five-minute stroll from Covent Garden Station, you’ll find Akatuki, a modern Japanese restaurant that manages to bring together the best of both worlds.

And if you happen to visit during the Harvest Moon season, you’re in for an extra treat. They have a limited-time promotion where, when you order a hot sake, you’ll receive a complimentary serving of Tsukimi Dango a soft, chewy rice cake traditionally enjoyed in autumn. It’s Akatuki’s way of celebrating Tsukimi, Japan’s harvest moon festival, and it’s such a nice little touch that makes the whole experience feel enjoyable.

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Background about Akatuki London

Akatuki first began its story in Muswell Hill, quietly introducing locals to a refined yet approachable take on modern Japanese dining. The name Akatuki (often romanized from “Akatsuki”) translates to “dawn” in Japanese, a fitting metaphor for what the brand represents, a new light on Japanese cuisine, blending traditional flavours with a modern sensibility.

The Muswell Hill branch quickly became a neighbourhood favourite, known for its thoughtful presentation, welcoming atmosphere, and dishes that balance authenticity with creativity. Building on that success, Akatuki expanded into central London, opening its Covent Garden location, an area known for its energy, theatre scene, and dining culture.

This Covent Garden branch captures the same spirit but elevates it for a busier, more urban vibe. It’s perfectly placed for a pre-theatre dinner, a post-shopping meal, or even a quiet evening tucked away from the West End’s hustle. Just a five-minute walk from Covent Garden Station, it’s incredibly easy to reach, yet it feels like a little escape once you’re inside.

What is the experience like at Akatuki London?

Akatuki describes itself as a modern Japanese dining experience, and that’s exactly what it delivers. The menu brings together a beautiful balance of delicate sushi and sashimi, hearty Japanese hotpots, and grilled dishes that celebrate the variety of Japanese cuisine. It’s not your typical sushi spot instead, it feels like a thoughtful meeting point between comfort food and refined dining, perfect if you’re after something casual yet slightly elevated.

The interior perfectly reflects this philosophy, sleek but inviting, with clean lines, warm wooden accents, and subtle lighting that creates an intimate yet relaxed atmosphere. Tables are nicely spaced for comfort, and the overall ambience carries a calm, understated elegance.

The staff are friendly and happy to help if you’re looking for recommendations on what to try. During my visit, they suggested a few of their popular items, including the wagyu hotpot, which ended up being one of my favourites of the night. I also noticed that the phone reception inside wasn’t particularly strong, so I asked for the Wi-Fi password and the staff happily shared it.

What is the food like at Akatuki London?

Nigiri and Sashimi Set (£28.80pp)

The first dish to arrive made quite an entrance, a wooden box filled with mist spilling over the sides, like something straight out of a high-end omakase restaurant. Inside was a generous selection: 12 pieces of sashimi and 20 pieces of nigiri, featuring scallops, salmon, tuna, and hamachi.

The presentation alone was stunning. The fish was fresh and vibrant. While I usually prefer sashimi sliced a touch thinner, it was still a treat, more than enough for three to four people to share. Definitely one to order if you love that “wow” factor, it’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate. We shared it between two, and it was more than enough, so keep that in mind when ordering.

Volcano Roll (£16.90)

This was hands-down our favourite roll of the night. The Volcano Roll combines avocado and eel, topped with tobiko, bonito flakes, and Akatuki’s signature creamy volcano sauce.

It’s the perfect mix of creamy, smoky, and umami, with that little crunch from the toppings. Every bite had that comforting richness you want from a special sushi roll. If you order one roll, make it this.

Lychee Shrimp Blossom (£16.80)

This one’s a bit of a showpiece shrimp paste and cheese wrapped in crispy red rice, served with a rich dipping sauce. The outside has that satisfying crunch, and while I personally wished the centre was a bit softer, it still was nice. Beautiful presentation, too.

Yellowtail Carpaccio (£16.80)

Thin slices of yellowtail sashimi served with a lightly spiced dressing and a touch of salad. It’s delicate, fresh, and has a gentle heat that livens up the fish. I did wish for a little extra citrus to brighten it even more, but it’s still a refreshing dish that balances the heavier options nicely.

Yuzu Saikyo Cod (£25.90)

The miso-marinated cod is one of those dishes that instantly hits the comfort zone. The fish is grilled until perfectly soft and flaky, infused with the sweetness of white miso and the brightness of yuzu.

One nice surprise, mains here come with a side included (you can choose from rice, yakisoba, salad, or mashed potatoes), and we ordered the fried rice. It’s a thoughtful touch that makes it great value. If you’re craving something warm and satisfying, this is a solid pick.

Exclusive Wagyu Hotpot (Shabu Shabu) (£36.80)

Now for the star of the nice, the Exclusive Wagyu Hotpot.

When it arrived, we all audibly gasped. It’s served in the cutest little pastel green gas stove, simmering away with a fragrant broth. It’s served with thin slices of premium wagyu, cabbage, bok choy, mushrooms, tofu, and a raw egg for dipping.

You cook the wagyu yourself, swishing it in the broth (hence the name “shabu shabu”) until it’s just cooked and it’s divine. The wagyu literally melts in your mouth. Dipping it into the raw egg gives it a silky texture, but if that’s not your thing, you can cook the egg in the broth too.

It’s hearty, comforting, and incredibly satisfying. The kind of dish that makes you pause mid-conversation just to savour the moment. Definitely my favourite of the night.

This is also a main dish, so you can choose one of the included sides to go with the hotpot, such as rice, yakisoba, salad, or mashed potatoes. We opted for seasonal vegetables, which came as broccoli.

Drinks: Matcha Coconut and Hibiscus Elderflower (£9.00 each)

We ordered mocktails for drinks. The Matcha Coconut contained pineapple, coconut, and matcha. The pineapple came through strongest, with a subtle coconut aftertaste, while the matcha flavour was gentle and understated. The Hibiscus Elderflower was made with apple, hibiscus, and elderflower, a nicely refreshing and sweet taste that was light and easy to enjoy.

What is the price like at Akatuki London?

Given its central London location and the quality of ingredients, Akatuki’s prices are relatively reasonable. Most dishes fall between £15–£30.

The presentation is high-end, and the service is thoughtful. For a place that delivers both style and substance, it’s pretty worth it especially when compared to some pricier spots that don’t offer nearly the same experience.

Final Thoughts

Akatuki London hits that sweet spot between refined and approachable. It’s stylish but not pretentious, elevated but still comfortable.

The Volcano Roll and Wagyu Shabu Shabu were absolute highlights, but honestly, everything we tried was still good. The Harvest Moon sake and Tsukimi Dango offer was such a lovely seasonal touch too.

Whether you’re on a date, catching up with friends, or just in the mood for Japanese comfort food done beautifully, add Akatuki on your Covent Garden dining list.