The Araki

A Love Letter to The Araki – A Transcendent Omakase Journey There are meals… and then there is The Araki. I’ve been dining at this temple of culinary artistry since 2019, and every single visit feels like an exquisite ritual — a sacred dance between tradition, intimacy, and perfection that transcends the concept of “dinner.” From the moment you step through the discreet entrance tucked quietly into the elegant Mayfair surroundings, you are enveloped by a reverence that is both hushed and electric. It is not just the prestige of The Araki’s name or its Michelin-starred history that strikes you, but the calm assurance that you are about to witness something rare — not just a meal, but a profound expression of culture, discipline, and grace. The service at The Araki deserves its own standing ovation. Over the years, I have watched the team operate with the kind of harmony you might find in a centuries-old tea ceremony. Every gesture is intentional, every glance anticipates your need before you voice it. There’s a deep humility in the way they serve — no pomp, no pretense — just an authentic commitment to excellence and to honoring their guests. You are not simply welcomed here; you are seen. And then, there is the food — or more precisely, the culinary pilgrimage led by the master chef across each piece of nigiri, each course of the omakase. I’ve had the privilege of dining in some of the world’s most acclaimed restaurants and yet The Araki in London remains without peer. The fish is sublime flown in directly from the pristine waters off Europe’s coasts. But it is not merely about the ingredient; it is about balance. A sliver of fatty otoro, paired with rice of perfect body and temperature, brushed with a whisper of nikiri sauce — it doesn’t just dissolve on the tongue, it awakens something in you. There’s a near-spiritual quality to the way each piece is constructed and presented. The cadence of the meal is orchestrated like a symphony — crescendos of umami, moments of cleansing brightness, the textural play between silkiness and snap. One moment you’re in awe of the restraint behind a clean slice of seabream. The next, you’re overwhelmed by the smoky poetry of a lightly torched piece of nodoguro. Every bite is a meditation in precision. The atmosphere is intimate and almost monastic. The minimalism of the sushi counter — built from fine cypress — the hushed tones, the quiet anticipation of the guests, and the deep focus of the chef all combine into a space where the outside world melts away. You become attuned to the smallest sensations — the temperature of the rice, the scent of the vinegar, the lightest crunch of a seaweed wrap. It is one of the few places in the world where silence feels celebratory. What makes The Araki exceptional, though, is not just its technical perfection or the luxury of its ingredients — it is the heart behind every aspect of the experience. This is a place that does not chase trends or Instagram moments. It is deeply rooted in respect: for the product, for the guests, for the generations of knowledge that brought it to life. There is an unmistakable soul here, a kind of authenticity that is achingly rare in today’s culinary world. After six years of dining here, I can say with unwavering confidence: The Araki is not just the best omakase in London — it is one of the most profound dining experiences in the world. It has given me not only unforgettable meals but unforgettable moments. It has redefined my understanding of what food can be. I return again and again, not out of habit, but out of reverence. Because in a world of noise and novelty, The Araki continues to offer something that is pure, timeless, and deeply moving. Love & Gratitude 🙏❤️♾️

Excellent experience - the attention to detail and care the chefs put into every bite is exceptional. Everything from the intimate atmosphere, to the high quality ingredients and charismatic and attentive chefs made this one of the best meals I've ever had. Would highly recommend!

This was, without a doubt, the most incredible dining experience I’ve ever had. The Omakase at The Araki is something truly special – every single piece was prepared with such precision and care, it honestly left me speechless. You can feel the passion and dedication behind each course. The setting is calm, intimate, and absolutely perfect for fully immersing yourself in the moment. I’ve had great meals before, but this was on another level. Everything just felt right – the food, the atmosphere, the entire experience. Simply unforgettable. Thank you Araki Team🙌🏽❤️

Wow! It's really hard to do the taste experience justice with words. There's a level of refinement that has clearly been honed over years. Manae and Andy are incredibly passionate and driven. As Manae explained to me, omakase means "I leave it to you." I know these are just words from a Google review, but seriously. If you think you know sushi, or if you appreciate culinary excellence, go here. Go with an empty stomach, and leave it to them. You won't be disappointed!!

The food is always fantastic and the hospitality is second to none. Having been fortunate enough to visit multiple times over the years I can confirm that the quality and standards are being consistently upheld and improved on. With a maximum of 8 covers in the main restaurant you are guaranteed an intimate experience and depending on your fellow diners it can be a quiet affair or more sociable - the staff are professional and accommodating no mater which kind of vibe the guests opt for. If you have the chance: it’s an experience you won’t forget but beware that once you’ve had sushi at the Araki you’ll find regular sushi just doesn’t cut it anymore.

It is indeed undisputable, tonight is not just dining, it is simply an unforgettable experience. Every sushi served for the night brings you surprises and a discovery of a well blended mix of taste and texture. And as the chef shared, the finishing will always be completed with the original taste of the main ingredient. Simply awesome and a must for a return!

Foods were good as expected. The squid nigiri was the best in my life. That was a surprise. Their sushi rice is very delicate and well prepared. Not too sweet or sour, which is a big difference from other sushi restaurant. Chefs were good performers but one apprentice placed a knife on the counter with the sharp side facing me, which is a really bad manner for Japanese. The main chef corrected her there, though. She might not be Japanese as it is a common sense in Japan. Since we are in London, I don’t blame that seriously. The waiters can be trained a bit better as I felt they were just part timer students. That might be because of their clothes. Overall the experience was great and we enjoyed the foods. After seeing the chef’s replies to bad reviews, I wanted to remove some stars. And they said Japanese people don’t want to hear anything about sushi from non Japanese chefs. It is not true and I felt offended by that. The foods price was fair for the central locations but I did not like their attitudes. They thought they were discriminated but it is their delusion. If they are confident with their service, they would not say that. I was expecting chef Araki was there but I did not get disappointed but after I heard the discriminating comments on Japanese, I did not think the restaurant is not good enough to serve people.

I recently dined at The Araki in London and was absolutely mesmerised by the exquisite Japanese omakase experience. Each course was a masterpiece, highlighting the chef’s exceptional skill and dedication to the art of sushi. The intimate setting and impeccable service made it an unforgettable dining experience. Highly recommend for a truly extraordinary meal!

Service was rude and frankly despicable. The chef was insulted I did not finish an entire dish so decided to serve all my guests but not me. When questioned he told me that if I don't enjoy his food why serve it. This is after pre paying 1300 pounds. He then said I can leave if I am not happy staying there not being served. Following the evening 2 of my guests got food poisoning as well. Do not expect great things!

great food, compares to other michelin sushi restaurants in Japan and NYC, but wouldn't say it is superior. also wouldn't say that you have to pay this price tag for it (can probably do 500 usd in NYC, but of course, it can go much higher as well). in Japan we paid on a average about $700usd for our Michelin sushi restaurants, one in particular we went to in Tokyo included sake. I am sad to say I left somewhat hungry. the bigger issue I had was they were a bit pretentious - assuming I had never had sake before, or "high end sushi" before for some reason even though I had barely opened my mouth. I usually find this to not be an issue. maybe it's a London thing? I am a young woman of color, maybe it was that? But it didn't sit well with me.

Worth the trip! This place was awesome. Incredible service, really nice staff and sushi chefs, and delicious sushi, sake and food. It's a 2 michelin but with 3 michelin type service and food. The owner Araki-San will even see you out the door with a bow as you drive away. I posted the pictures of the food b/c I cannot remember the names of everything I ate.

One of he beat omakasi sushi experiences I've ever had! This was one of chef Araki's last days. It was such a memorable experience from the food to the service to the saki. I can't wait to go to Japan when/if he reopens his restaurant there. His understudy who will be running the restaurant moving forward is skilled and charismatic. I will definitely go again to The Araki London !

The Araki is hands down the BEST sushi restaurant I've ever been to and worth every penny of the not so cheap price tag. If I remember correctly, price tag is quite hefty actually. Even more than Masa.. but worth every cent. Unlike Masa, Chef Araki personally prepares each and every single bite for each of the 9 guests. Unlike other clowns like Nakazwa, Chef Araki is there every night or the place closes. If you're paying the big bucks for "the man", then you should expect "the man" to be there AND make you dinner. The quality is OUT OF THIS WORLD. He is so Zen. Beautiful to watch in action. If you want a real omakase experience by one of the best sushi masters on this planet, the best fish you've ever seen and tasted, prepared PERFECTLY, stop following the hype (the guys in the movies) and give Chef Araki a chance to give your taste buds an experience they won't forget.

Very glad to eat from Chef Araki before he moved back to Japan. The meal was absolutely amazing. Fish prepared to perfection, ambiance and service to boot. One of my favorite meals ever. My only slight critiques are I wasn't full upon leaving and we almost exclusively had tuna.

Ok so the food quality is great. They've gone out of their way to source top quality ingredients to the point that it's a little contrived. Small setting to the point that people whisper. Yes the food was great - probably much better than great. But the ambience was a bit too reverred and the price way too excessive. They say you should try it once .. I don't think you really need to. But don't get me wrong. You couldn't fault the food.

Perfect sushi. As expected from a restaurant where the owner is also the chef. Not easy to get a reservation, it's a small place, but it is an incredible experience. It's expensive, but hey, it's omakase in London. Araki is worth it.

This is dinner theater. The amount of staging and presentation is unprecedented, maybe with the exception of Vespertine. But this dining establishment only seats ten at a Sushi bar. . You feel like you're eating in a Museum were only hushed tones are suitable. Now the price is something that many have spoken about, a six hundred pound non-refundable deposit, and without drinks about a thousand pounds. You get the picture. Thoroughly enjoyable, but Sushi Tetsu quality of food was equally enjoyable.

The Araki is a two star Michelin restaurant that seats 9 in datchi (counter) and a private dinning room in London which is likely to be three star next year. I am so privileged to be writing the first review. Food Chef Araki is a Gyushu three star Michelin chef from his now closed sushiya in Tokyo Japan. But still it is amazing feat to receive two star in less than one year of opening. The reason for his move overseas was to challenge himself with new ingredients - all the major fish he uses comes from Europe- and his daughter happened to come to London for study abroad. The food was excellent - I am a lover of Japanese food and have dined in numerous establishments and must say his seared tuna sushi is the best I have ever had beating Masa in NYC (Chef Araki is renown for his knowledge of tuna). The meal consisted of welcome daishi broth, five appetizers, and all Chef Araki made sushi, and tamago dessert. Every plate I was offered I devoured them. They informed us that the golden caviar is a special caviar which is only served this establishment in all of Europe and that they are the first restaurant in London to receive Italian white truffles (the best of its kind). The rice they serve is one of only ingredients imported from Japan, and is grown in the Chef's wife's family farm in Japan and mixed with rare red vinegar. Service Amazing service. Everybody is served sushi that Chef Araki makes in front of you but only point I would like to make is they start from one side of the counter and never change that order. It is fine when you are not dying of hunger, but I was and it annoyed me to wait every round. To compare the expertise to MASA in NYC, I would say Chef Araki is much more humble and genuinely cares about the food he serves. I was at MASA on Valentine's, which was barely booked since we reserved so late and was fine with not being on the counter since it was such last minute. When we got to MASA for some reason we were seated on the datchi and served personally by Chef Masa. One day I was talking with a Japanese lady whom enjoys culinary delight and was informed that Chef Masa prefers guests who are either famous or very rich. On the day of Valentine's our reservation was made by AMEX Centurion (the black card concierge) and I was carrying my crocodile Birkin. So we were considered 'important' thus moved to the special seat reserved to be served by Chef Masa. At the Araki, the place only seats 9 individuals to allow everyone to be equally served by the chef. But at Masa there is datchi for 6 and tables where no chef directly serves them. Personally when you are selling out the price they are asking for, everybody should be able to enjoy their meal equally. At Araki, although everybody came dressed I do not think it would have mattered as much to come low key as long as it is smart dressing. At Masa diamonds and exotic Birkin is a huge plus. Price 300 GBP per person for omasake plus service charge, drinks and additional food you request.

Had THE WORST experience at The Akari. We made our reservation on the phone and spoke with a lady who informed us full payment of 600 pounds was needed to be taken to secure the reservation and that there was a 24 hour cancellation policy (i.e. if we cancelled less than 24 hours before our reservation we would lose the full payment). No other policy was communicated to us. On the day of our reservation, several roads in London were closed due to road works and traffic was exceptionally bad. We called to inform them we were running late due to traffic and they informed us we had to be there by 6.30 latest. They called us several times after, checking where we were and we updated them constantly on our estimated arrival time. Upon arriving the door at 6.29pm, whilst simultaneously still being on the phone with them saying we have arrived - the door was locked and we could not enter. We called informing them we were outside but they simply said it was already 6.30pm and they could not let us in as this was their restaurant policy. We tried pleading with them to let us in and we would forgo whichever course they had already served but they still refused flatly saying this was their late policy. We told them that at no point was their late policy communicated to us (until we were actually running late), and it is not even on their website! Had we known prior we would not have made the reservation as we were on a tight schedule that day as we had just arrived from overseas (the restaurant reservation lady also knew we were arriving on that day). They were not apologetic at all and at one point even said "it is not their problem" when we were sincerely trying to explain the traffic situation. The manager even continued to explain he had customers previously who did not show up and gave false credit card numbers to which we already said we had fully paid and the transaction had gone through last week and why couldn't they just let us in! We tried asking for them to reschedule our reservations but they simply refused and hung up the phone. We have dined at many Michelin starred restaurants and have not experienced this level of un-hospitability and terrible service. This is truly unacceptable!

Stopped by tonight and bribed my way in to enjoy the chefs set menu, the service and food was fantastic. The Uni was almost Japan grade and almost as good as in Osaka or Kobe, Japan. The service was outstanding and sushi master is an artist. Completely worth the £400 dinner and couple drinks for one person.

Recently ate at The Araki, after having heard about it from many friends. I must say, it was absolutely brilliant! The dining experience, the flavour of the food, the service, the ambience - all were fantastic! Highly recommend The Araki! Thank you for a wonderful experience; will be back!

The venue is beautiful and the service was almost flawless from both the room servers and from the sushi bar. Most of the food was amazing. However, somehow the sushi rice tasted quite a bit over seasoned and it really overpowered the ultra thinly sliced finer tuna cuts that did not allow for full appreciation of tasting the fish. That Tuna looked gorgeous, but with the too thin and small cuts, and then the heavily seasoned rice, you just couldn't taste it it enough to enjoy it fully. Also, after eating at several other amazing sushi restaurants recently, I found the tamago (egg) at the end to be a let down, as it was just not as good as several others I have had recently, including one in London. Also disappointing that there was not a dedicated uni nigiri serving, although there was a small British Columbia uni component of another course. Would have thought they could have found a better uni from somewhere this time of year, even if it was not the top season. Was sad to see the former head chef returned to Japan just recently, yet the team there now generally did a great job besides the exceptions mentioned above. The meal didn't seem to last as long or be as much food as I have had at other recent omakase services, which may make the value a bit more questionable, yet they did serve many unique and special European seafood products that made the meal very interesting and unique for us. They also were wonderful teachers and ambassadors of the authentic way to enjoy sushi. This is a high value aspect of going there.

Ate here with my husband on a long stay in England. One of the most interesting, unique, and superb dining experiences I have had in a very, very long time.

Dining at the Araki was singularly the most captivating dining experience I've ever had. This was one of the greatest treats in my lifetime. Seated at the Chef's table, watching Mr. Araki, was akin to watching art transpire. The service is impeccable, but the food-- and the sensory experience inspired by the food-- is indescribable. Every piece of food is lovingly, painstakingly crafted to perfection. At one point, after selecting the best cuts of an utterly beautiful, huge plank of tuna, Mr. Araki then combed through my piece to remove the tiniest morsel with pliers until he deemed the whole of my cut absolutely perfect and ready to serve. The rice was like butter (HOW?? I'm still in awe of how RICE could be made to taste so gorgeous!), melting on your tongue as the flavors of this absolutely perfect fish lit up your mouth. I've never, ever eaten food so heavenly or so meticulously crafted. I am still dreaming about the langoustine nigiri and the creamy squid appetizer. And the truffle shavings! The appetizers were out of this world, the main course was indescribable and each piece was its own perfect culinary creation, and the dessert was an ultimate finale. Oh, and did I mention the sake? I've never, ever, ever tasted sake so smooth and fragrant...truly, the ARAKI is the place to go if you would like to ascend to a different plane of sensory experience. For many people, this meal may be one of the most expensive in your lifetime...but I can guarantee that you will never have another like it. Every bite is one to be savored. An experience like this is once-in-a-lifetime, and Mr. Araki and his staff ensure that every single second of it is unforgettable. Thank you for such a wonderful experience.