Namaiki London: Best Affordable Japanese Omakase in London
Hidden along the bustling streets of Soho lies Namaiki London, a serene corner of Japanese craftsmanship that feels a world away from the chaos of central London. Located at 14 Broadwick Street, just an eight-minute walk from Tottenham Court Road Station, Namaiki offers an authentic omakase dining experience that captures the spirit of Japan through meticulous attention to detail, tradition, and trust.
If you’re unfamiliar with omakase, the concept may sound simple at first, you sit at the counter and “leave it to the chef.” But the reality is so much more. It’s a conversation told through sushi, an art form that balances precision, respect, and creativity. And at Namaiki, under the watchful care of Chef Nobu-san.
Background about Namaiki London
Namaiki has built a quiet reputation among London’s food lovers for being one of the few true omakase experiences that doesn’t require a small fortune to enjoy. With prices ranging from £45 to £360, it caters to both curious first-timers and seasoned sushi enthusiasts seeking an elevated experience.
Seats are incredibly limited and there’s an intimacy to the place, a minimalist counter, subtle lighting, and a calm atmosphere where every sound and motion matters. This is no conveyor belt sushi spot;, Namaiki is an immersive dining ritual, an art performance where food and hospitality blend seamlessly.
Booking a seat here requires planning, I managed to snag a reservation three weeks in advance, which tells you everything about how popular this place is. You pay upfront online (£50 including service for the £45 lunch set menu), which secures your seat at the chef’s counter.
The restaurant operates Wednesday to Sunday (1–10 pm) and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
What Namaiki London Known For
At its heart, Namaiki is known for authenticity and freshness. Every day, Chef Nobu-san crafts a new menu based on the best ingredients available, sourcing directly from trusted local suppliers across the UK, Europe, and Asia. This means no two visits are ever the same, a true hallmark of genuine omakase.
Nobu-san, who has over 25 years of experience in Japanese cuisine, embodies the spirit of hospitality. His personality is easy-going and friendly, you can call him Nobu-san, yet his technique and attention to detail reveal the depth of his expertise. Watching him slice, shape, and season each piece of sushi is mesmerising, every movement is deliberate, refined, and somehow comforting.
Namaiki is also known for making omakase accessible. At £45 for a lunch set, it’s arguably the most affordable omakase in London, especially considering the quality and artistry behind it.
What is the Experience like at Namaiki London?
When you arrive, the staff warmly greet you, offering to take your coat before guiding you to your seat at the sushi counter. Every guest sits here, there are no separate tables, which means everyone shares the same intimate vantage point of watching Nobu-san at work.
Within the first ten minutes, Nobu-san personally introduces himself and explains what omakase truly means. It’s not just a meal, it’s a journey of trust between the chef and the diner. He then unveils a giant wooden box filled with glistening fish, freshly sourced and ready to be transformed. It’s a beautiful moment, almost ceremonial that sets the tone for the meal to come.
Throughout the session, there’s a rhythm to how dishes appear. You can sense the pacing, neither rushed nor dragging, designed so that by the end, you’re satisfied but never overwhelmed. The atmosphere is unpretentious, with just enough conversation to make you feel included, but quiet enough to focus on the artistry unfolding before you.
What is the Food like at Namaiki London?
We opted for the £45 lunch omakase, curious to see if such an affordable set could truly deliver. Spoiler: It did!
The meal began with a snow crab miso soup, delicate yet rich, with just enough umami to awaken the senses. It was comforting, the perfect prelude to the sushi to come.
They even serve fresh ginger on your plate to enjoy with your meal
Then came the nigiri, one by one:
- Yellowtail — clean and buttery, with the perfect bite.
- Salmon with a touch of grated lemon — refreshing, bright, and balanced.
- Snapper — firm yet delicate, beautifully seasoned.
- Scallop — silky smooth, easily one of my favourites of the entire meal.
- Bluefin Tuna — rich, deep, and wonderfully tender.
- Toro Tuna — pure indulgence; it practically melted the moment it touched my tongue.
Each piece was brushed lightly with soy, a hallmark of good omakase, no soy sauce dipping required. You trust the chef to season it exactly as it should be, and Nobu-san does not disappoint.
Next came the tuna hand roll, a satisfying end to the savoury sequence. The nori was crisp, the rice perfectly seasoned, and the tuna fresh and generous.
For dessert, we were treated to mochi in yuzu, matcha, and coffee flavours. The yuzu stood out with its bright, citrusy zing, a flavour I hadn’t encountered in mochi before, and now one I’ll crave again.
As we were celebrating a friend’s birthday, the staff dimmed the lights and surprised us with a plate of sweet melon slices and grapes, singing “Happy Birthday.” It was such a thoughtful touch, simple yet heartfelt and the melon was sweet, with a flavour that lingered long after the meal ended (we absolutely loved it!).
What is the Price like at Namaiki London?
The omakase experience at Namaiki ranges from £45 to £360, with lunch being the most accessible option. Our £45 set included six pieces of nigiri, a hand roll, miso soup, and dessert and to my surprise, I left perfectly full.
It’s rare to find such balance at this price point. Many sushi restaurants in London charge double or triple for similar quality, yet Namaiki delivers an authentic omakase experience without breaking the bank for their omakasing lunch set menus. For anyone curious about omakase but hesitant about cost, this is an ideal introduction a genuine taste of Japan in the middle of London.
Final Thoughts
I really liked how accessible it remains without compromising quality. You don’t need to spend hundreds to appreciate world-class sushi here. Whether you’re a seasoned omakase fan or just discovering it for the first time, Namaiki offers an experience that’s intimate, educational, and deeply satisfying.
If you’re planning to visit, book early, spots fill up fast, and for good reason. Namaiki is more than just a meal, it’s a culinary journey that transports you straight to Japan, one nigiri at a time.
Highlights and Tips
- Best known for their affordable omakase at £45 per person
- Recommend to book in advance to secure a spot
- For the booking, you have to pay upfront online at the booking at service fee so makes the total £50 per person
- Chef Nobu-san has over 25 years of experience in authentic Japanese cuisine
- Authentic omakase experience without the high-end price tag
Namaiki Details
- Location: 14 Broadwick St, London W1F 8HP
- Nearest station: Tottenham Court Road (8mins walk)
- Opening Hours: Wednesday – Sunday (1–10 pm); Closed Monday and Tuesday
- Price: Omakase ranges from £45 – £360
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