Saikou Japanese Camden: Hidden Sushi Gem Near Camden Market, London
Camden is known for its busy markets, alternative culture and street food chaos, but tucked just a few steps away from the crowds is a Japanese restaurant that feels like a proper little find.
Only five minutes from Camden Town station, yet somehow removed from the noise, Saikou serves fresh sushi, crispy tempura and comforting Japanese dishes at reasonable prices.
About Saikou Japanese
Saikou Japanese Bar and Restaurant is located at 20–22 Inverness Street, London NW1 7HJ, right in the heart of Camden. It’s just a short five-minute walk from Camden Town underground station, and only a few steps from Camden Market, making it an ideal stop if you’re craving Japanese food during a day of exploring.
From the outside, it doesn’t scream for attention. It’s low-key and modest and zen. Step inside and the atmosphere feels calm and unfussy. It’s not overly trendy, just a relaxed Japanese restaurant that focuses on doing the food well.
Perfect for casual catch-ups, laid-back date nights or even a solo sushi moment.
What is Saikou Japanese known for?
Saikou is particularly known for its sushi and sashimi. The quality stands out, especially considering the price point. Their maki rolls are a highlight, especially the crab and salmon variations. The sashimi platter is another standout, with a selection that feels genuinely premium.
What is the Experience like at Saikou Japanese?
Dining at Saikou feels easy. And honestly, that’s a compliment.
Camden can be overstimulating, especially on weekends. After navigating the markets and crowds, walking into Saikou feels like stepping into a calmer pocket of the area. The vibe is relaxed. The staff are friendly and welcoming without being overbearing, and the overall atmosphere is comfortable rather than flashy.
There’s WiFi available on request, which is handy if you’re meeting friends or need to quickly check something. The seating is comfortable, and it’s the kind of place where you can take your time without feeling rushed out the door.
It feels like a hidden Japanese gem in Camden, tucked away from the crowds.
What is the Food like at Saikou Japanese?
We ordered a range of dishes to get a proper feel for what £80 could cover.
Crab on Maki (£9.50 for 4 pieces)
The crab on top maki was fresh, neatly presented and well-balanced. The sweetness of the crab paired nicely with the seasoned rice. It felt clean and light, not overloaded with sauce, which allowed the seafood to shine.
Salmon on Maki (£9.50 for 4 pieces)
A classic done right. The salmon was fresh and buttery, with a smooth texture that melted slightly on the tongue. Sometimes simple is best, and this proved that point.
Sashimi Platter (£36.50 – 5 kinds, 15 pieces)
The platter included salmon, tuna, yellowtail (hamachi), seabass and ama ebi. The seabass and hamachi were personal favourites. The seabass was delicate and subtly sweet, while the hamachi had that rich, clean flavour that sashimi lovers look for. The cuts were thick enough to feel substantial, but still refined.
Soft Shell Crab Tempura (£9 for 2 pieces)
Crispy on the outside, tender inside. The batter was light rather than greasy, which is exactly what you want from tempura. It added a satisfying crunch to the meal and paired well with the lighter sushi dishes.
Ebi Prawn Tempura (£9.50 for 2 pieces)
Similarly crisp, the prawns were juicy and fresh, encased in a delicate golden batter. Again, not heavy or oily.
Chicken Karaage (£6.80 for 6 pieces)
A comforting classic.
Mochi Ice Cream (£5.90 – 4 kinds)
To finish, we tried the mochi ice cream in matcha, mango, strawberry and vanilla. It’s a nice, light way to end the meal. The matcha had a nice earthy depth, while the mango and strawberry were refreshing and fruity.
Altogether, the meal felt cohesive. Fresh sushi, satisfying crunch from the tempura, comforting bites from the karaage, and a sweet finish to round it off.
What is the Price like at Saikou Japanese?
In London terms, Saikou sits comfortably in the reasonable category. Most dishes fall between £10 and £20, with starters even lower. The sashimi platter at £36.50 is one of the higher-priced items, but considering the quality and portion size, it feels somewhat justified.
If you’re someone who loves Japanese food but doesn’t want to spend £150+ for a quality sushi experience, Saikou is a very satisfying middle ground.
Overview of Saikou Japanese
Saikou Japanese Bar and Restaurant is a hidden gem in Camden that delivers fresh sushi, premium sashimi and comforting Japanese dishes at reasonable London prices. Just five minutes from Camden Town station and steps from the market, it has a calm escape from the area’s busy energy.
It may not be the flashiest sushi spot in London, but that’s exactly why it works. It focuses on quality, consistency and value. The sashimi is fresh, the tempura is crisp, the karaage is comforting, and the atmosphere is relaxed.
For sushi lovers who care more about flavour than hype, Saikou is well worth a visit.
Highlights and Tips of Saikou Japanese
- Hidden Japanese restaurant just steps from Camden Markets
- Five-minute walk from Camden Town underground station
- Fresh, premium sushi and sashimi at reasonable prices
- Relaxed, friendly and low-key atmosphere
- WiFi: Available on request
- Recommended dishes: Crab and Salmon on Maki
Saikou Japanese bar and restaurant Details
- Opening hours: Sun – Wed (11:30 am–10 pm); Thur – Sat (11:30 am–10 pm)
- Address: Camden / 20-22 Inverness St, London NW1 7HJ (5 minutes walk from Camden Town station)
- Price: Average £10 – £20 per dish
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