London · Izakaya · a la carte
Dinings
IzakayaIzakayaSushiJapaneseFine DiningMaryleboneEx-NobuBasement
Founded in 2006 by ex-Nobu chefs, Dinings' Marylebone basement is a beloved institution — creative Japanese small plates and exceptional sushi in an intimate, lively setting that helped define London's modern izakaya scene.
- Price
- ¥¥¥
- Area
- Marylebone
- Since
- 2006
- Chef
- Tomonari Chiba & Keiji Fuku
Plate № 200
About
Opened in 2006 in a quiet Marylebone townhouse, Dinings was founded by Japanese chef-proprietors Tomonari Chiba and Keiji Fuku, both veterans of Nobu London. Their compact basement izakaya introduced Londoners to a more accessible, creative style of Japanese cuisine — inventive small plates, brilliant sushi, and bold flavour combinations that drew on their Nobu training while pushing into distinctly personal territory. Nearly two decades on, Dinings remains one of London's most warmly praised Japanese restaurants, known for its intimate counter seats, lively atmosphere, and the distinctive creative energy of its Japanese kitchen team.
Neighborhood & visiting
Dinings sits in Marylebone, 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 izakaya restaurants often close between service periods.
Why it's on Washoku Guide
- Founded by ex-Nobu Japanese chefs — creative izakaya pedigree
- Intimate Marylebone basement counter — beloved for 20 years
- Outstanding sushi and Japanese small plates at accessible prices
- One of London's most influential modern Japanese restaurants
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Frequently asked
About Dinings
- Is Dinings an authentic izakaya restaurant in London?
- Yes — Dinings is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for izakaya in London: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused izakaya format.
- Where is Dinings located?
- Dinings is located at 22 Harcourt Street, Marylebone, London W1H 4HH, London, UK in the Marylebone neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Dinings?
- Dinings does not publish an online reservation link. Walk-ins may be possible, but for popular izakaya restaurants in London we recommend calling ahead.
- What is the price range at Dinings?
- Dinings sits in the ¥¥¥ price range — typical for izakaya of this format in London.
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