London · Izakaya · casual
Inaho
IzakayaIzakayaSushiJapaneseNotting HillNeighbourhoodWestbourne GroveW2AuthenticNiigata
Inaho is a remarkably small, long-running Japanese restaurant hidden in a converted garage on Hereford Road in Notting Hill — a neighbourhood gem where a Japanese chef from Niigata delivers some of the most authentic sushi and izakaya cooking in west London.
- Price
- ¥¥
- Area
- Notting Hill
- Since
- 2007
Plate № 480
About
Occupying what was originally a compact box garage beside one of Notting Hill's grand townhouses, Inaho has been serving impeccably fresh sushi, sashimi, and izakaya-style dishes since the mid-2000s. The kitchen is led by a chef with roots in Niigata, Japan's celebrated food and sake prefecture, lending the menu a distinctly authentic quality: clean flavours, pristine fish, and preparation techniques rooted in genuine Japanese culinary tradition. Barely a dozen seats, zero pretension, and a menu that changes with the season have made Inaho a coveted neighbourhood secret — praised by The Times as serving 'the best sushi and sashimi' in the area and described by food guides as an 'eccentric Japanese shed' of the highest order.
Neighborhood & visiting
Inaho sits in Notting Hill, 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
- Micro-sized neighbourhood gem with chef from Niigata — one of Japan's most revered food regions
- Celebrated for ultra-fresh sushi and sashimi in an intimate converted-garage setting
- Long-running local institution praised by The Times and national food press
No official website identified; phone reservations advisable given tiny capacity. Owner name not publicly listed.
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Frequently asked
About Inaho
- Is Inaho an authentic izakaya restaurant in London?
- Yes — Inaho 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 Inaho located?
- Inaho is located at 4 Hereford Road, London W2 4AA, London, UK in the Notting Hill neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Inaho?
- Inaho 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 Inaho?
- Inaho sits in the ¥¥ price range — typical for izakaya of this format in London.
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