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What is Japanese tapas style dining and why is it so popular in London?

Japanese tapas style dining is all about sociable meals built around small, flavour rich dishes. It comes from Japan’s izakaya culture, where people unwind with shared plates and drinks in an informal setting. In areas like Soho and Mayfair, this relaxed style has caught on with diners who prefer variety and conversation at the table. Whether it is gyoza, robata grilled meat, or sake, the approach is as inviting as it is delicious.

What is an Izakaya?

An izakaya is a Japanese pub that serves small dishes alongside drinks. Originally linked to sake shops, these places became popular after work spots to enjoy flavour packed plates in a casual environment. In London, the izakaya format has taken off in restaurants offering a shared plate style with both hot and cold dishes. This Japanese pub dining tradition appeals to modern Londoners who want sociable, flavour led meals without the formality of a traditional restaurant.

Where to Eat Izakaya Style Small Plates in Central London

Titu – Japanese Tapas with a Twist in Mayfair

Titu is a standout for Japanese small plates in Mayfair. The venue blends sleek design with a sense of ease, making it a go to for relaxed but elevated meals. The menu spans wagyu tacos served pink in the middle, truffle gyoza, and other luxuriously casual dishes that encourage sharing.

Must Try Dishes

• Wagyu Tacos – A crisp shell holds tender beef with a citrus note

• Truffle Gyoza Platter – Five flavour profiles in one smooth, umami packed plate

• Chocolate Miso Parfait – Creamy mousse balanced by savoury richness

Lighter options include baby cucumber tataki and seaweed salad, which offer a clean contrast to grilled favourites like miso lamb chops and veal ribs. These are cooked over a robata grill, giving them a subtle char and smokiness. Seafood lovers can enjoy wasabi king crab leg or teriyaki salmon. Sides such as truffle chips or spicy miso soup round out the selection.

Desserts like the Green Japanese Forest are rich without being heavy. The drinks menu is well matched to the food, with savoury cocktails and sake pairings that bring out the deep umami flavours. Titu takes the heart of izakaya dining and adds Mayfair flair, making it one of the top Japanese tapas restaurants in Central London.

Himi – A Soho Spot for Modern Izakaya Flavours

Himi fits right into Soho’s mix of energy and variety. The atmosphere is relaxed and the food is rooted in Japanese pub dining. It is a spot where diners can share a few small plates and sip sake without feeling rushed.

Must Try Dishes

• Bluefin Tuna Sashimi – Delicate and sweet with a clean finish

• Grilled Trout in Sake Lees – Flaky, mild and full of depth

• Shishito Peppers – Lightly charred with a touch of salt and warmth

Himi brings a modern touch to traditional dishes. Sake pairing is taken seriously here, with options chosen to match grilled seafood, vegetables and rich meat dishes. It is ideal for relaxed evenings, spontaneous meetups or date nights with a twist.

Moi – Bold Sharing Plates and a Stylish Grill in Soho

Moi offers a sleek setting with a strong focus on presentation. The open kitchen and grill add a bit of drama to the experience. It is perfect for groups who want a longer, more interactive meal.

Must Try Dishes

• Crab Temaki – Hand rolled with creamy crab and subtle heat

• Duck Dumplings – Crisp and juicy with a touch of spice

• House Cocktails – Japanese spirits blended to match the bold dishes

The menu invites exploration and suits those who enjoy stylish, lively spaces. Moi delivers Japanese small plates with flair.

Flesh and Buns – Energetic Sharing, Robata Fire and Bao Drama

Flesh and Buns brings high energy to Covent Garden. The open robata grill delivers smoky meats and bold flavours. It is a lively spot suited to pre theatre meals or group outings.

Must Try Dishes

• Crispy Piglet Belly Bao – Soft bun meets crackling pork

• Robata Brisket – Beef glazed with miso and kissed by fire

• House Skewers – Charred meats packed with flavour

Flesh and Buns mixes theatre and taste, giving diners a bold take on izakaya fusion.

Atmosphere by Area: Soho vs Mayfair

Soho feels casual and spontaneous. It is where people drop in after work or plan low key dinners with flavour forward menus. Himi and Moi reflect this with open kitchens and unfussy settings. Mayfair takes sophistication to a new level for an experience to remember. Hidden in Mayfair is lively Shepherd Market where TITU offers their stand out asian fusion cuisine in the middle of all the action. It is ideal for those who want quality without the formality.

Why Izakaya Dining in London is More Than a Trend

Shared plates and social eating reflect how many people in London like to dine. These restaurants go beyond food. They create experiences. Whether it is miso lamb, spicy prawns, grilled aubergine or wagyu gyoza, dishes are designed to be enjoyed together. Open kitchens, sake pairings and creative formats keep the dining style fresh and relevant.

From the buzz of Soho to the calm of Mayfair, izakaya inspired venues are now a fixture in Central London. Titu, Himi, Moi and Flesh and Buns each bring their own personality to the trend, offering great food, inviting spaces and a shared sense of enjoyment. For anyone searching Japanese small plates London or Japanese tapas Mayfair, these spots set the standard.