London · Sushi · a la carte
Café Japan
SushiSashimiJapaneseGolders GreenNorth LondonNeighbourhoodOmakase
A Golders Green institution for over two decades, Café Japan serves impeccably fresh sushi and sashimi from its warm, neighbourhood dining room — a genuine Japanese culinary gem hiding in plain sight on Finchley Road.
- Price
- ¥¥
- Area
- Golders Green
- Since
- 1994
- Chef
- Shigeru Fukushima
- Owner
- JFLA Holdings / T&S Enterprises
Plate № 430
About
Café Japan has been a beloved NW11 destination since the mid-1990s, evolving from a modest neighbourhood Japanese to one of the finest sushi restaurants in North London after a thorough renovation and relaunch in December 2015 under Atariya Foods (T&S Enterprises). Under head sushi chef Shigeru Fukushima, the restaurant focuses on the freshest possible sashimi and nigiri, drawing on Atariya's peerless Tokyo-market fish supply chain. Reviewers have described it as comparable to high-end central London omakase at a fraction of the price, with premium cuts of chutoro, otoro and seasonal seafood arriving daily. The compact, warmly lit interior fills quickly, and reservations are recommended.
Neighborhood & visiting
Café Japan sits in Golders Green, one of London's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. The house does not publish an online booking link; call ahead to secure a seat, especially on weekends. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional sushi restaurants often close between service periods.
Why it's on Washoku Guide
- One of North London's best sushi — Atariya fish quality without central London prices
- Head chef Shigeru Fukushima with a Japanese-trained kitchen team
- Neighbourhood institution with 30+ years of loyal following
- Pristine otoro and seasonal specials from direct Tokyo sourcing
Formerly operated independently; now run under the Atariya Foods umbrella as 'Atariya Café Japan'. No standalone website — listed on atariya.co.uk.
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Frequently asked
About Café Japan
- Is Café Japan an authentic sushi restaurant in London?
- Yes — Café Japan is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for sushi in London: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused sushi format.
- Where is Café Japan located?
- Café Japan is located at 626 Finchley Road, London NW11 7RR, London, UK in the Golders Green neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Café Japan?
- Café Japan does not publish an online reservation link. Walk-ins may be possible, but for popular sushi restaurants in London we recommend calling ahead.
- What is the price range at Café Japan?
- Café Japan sits in the ¥¥ price range — typical for sushi of this format in London.
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