London · Kaiseki · a la carte
Takagiya
Traditional JapaneseJapanese home cookingSakeWest Hampstead neighbourhood restaurant
Chef-patron Makoto Takagi's neighbourhood restaurant in West Hampstead, rated 4.9 stars for its deeply traditional Japanese cooking and genuine spirit of hospitality.
- Price
- ¥¥
- Area
- West Hampstead
- Since
- 2020
- Chef
- Makoto Takagi
Plate № 1030
About
Takagiya opened quietly at the start of lockdown in April 2020 and quickly became one of London's most cherished neighbourhood Japanese restaurants, built on the cooking of chef-patron Makoto Takagi and the warm front-of-house presence of his wife Yuko. Takagi brings over 20 years of professional cooking experience to a menu that respects traditional Japanese technique above all else, described by guests as food that 'actually tastes of Japan'. Reservations are essential and the restaurant operates on a small-team basis, maintaining exceptional quality control at every service. In 2025 it marked its fifth anniversary — a notable milestone for any independently run restaurant.
Why it's on Washoku Guide
- Chef Makoto Takagi's 20-plus years of experience and genuine passion for traditional Japanese cooking are evident in every dish.
- Rated 4.9 stars by guests — a remarkable score sustained over five years of continuous operation.
- The husband-and-wife team create a warmth of hospitality that cannot be replicated in larger or more corporate settings.
- Located on a quiet residential street in West Hampstead, offering an intimate experience miles from the bustle of central London Japanese restaurants.
Reservations essential — the restaurant operates limited seatings. Check website for irregular closure dates.
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Frequently asked
About Takagiya
- Is Takagiya an authentic traditional japanese restaurant in London?
- Yes — Takagiya is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for traditional japanese in London: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused kaiseki format.
- Where is Takagiya located?
- Takagiya is located at 102 Fortune Green Road, London NW6 1DS, London, United Kingdom in the West Hampstead neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Takagiya?
- Takagiya accepts reservations online. For an authentic kaiseki experience, especially at a focused counter, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
- What is the price range at Takagiya?
- Takagiya sits in the ¥¥ price range — typical for traditional japanese of this format in London.
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