London · Kaiseki · a la carte
Engawa
KaisekiKobe BeefWagyuSushiTasting MenuSohoJapaneseRobataHam Yard
Engawa at Ham Yard is the world's first restaurant concept dedicated to importing whole Kobe cattle from Japan for butchering on-site, operated by Tokyo-based Salt Group under executive chef Akira Shimizu, alongside a superb sushi and sashimi programme.
- Price
- ¥¥¥¥
- Area
- Soho
- Since
- 2015
- Chef
- Akira Shimizu
- Owner
- Salt Group
Plate № 450
About
Engawa opened in February 2015 within the Ham Yard Hotel courtyard in Soho, operated by the Tokyo and Osaka-based Salt Group — one of Japan's leading restaurant companies — making it one of the most authentically Japanese-owned restaurant ventures in London. Executive chef Akira Shimizu arrived in London in 2015 from Tokyo, where he had worked with Salt Group since 2002. Engawa was the world's first restaurant to import whole Kobe cattle from Japan and butcher them on-site, offering A5 Kobe wagyu across a range of preparations including slow-cooked, seared and raw. Tasting menus (from £60 for three courses) showcase the wagyu alongside exquisite house-made sushi and sashimi, organic egg rolls and tempura. The restaurant also operates AKIRA at Japan House London in Kensington.
Neighborhood & visiting
Engawa sits in Soho, one of London's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. Reservations are available online — for a focused kaiseki counter this is strongly recommended. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional kaiseki restaurants often close between service periods.
Why it's on Washoku Guide
- World's first whole-Kobe-cattle import concept — the most authentic wagyu experience in London
- Operated by Salt Group, one of Japan's leading restaurant groups (Tokyo/Osaka)
- Chef Akira Shimizu's rigorous Japanese technique applied to sushi, sashimi and robata
- Charming Ham Yard courtyard setting — a rare oasis steps from Piccadilly Circus
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Frequently asked
About Engawa
- Is Engawa an authentic kaiseki restaurant in London?
- Yes — Engawa is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for kaiseki in London: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused kaiseki format.
- Where is Engawa located?
- Engawa is located at 2 Ham Yard, London W1D 7DT, London, UK in the Soho neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Engawa?
- Engawa accepts reservations online. For an authentic kaiseki experience, especially at a focused counter, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
- What is the price range at Engawa?
- Engawa sits in the ¥¥¥¥ price range — typical for kaiseki of this format in London.
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