If you’ve ever wanted to explore the delicate, complex world of sake, London has become a prime spot for diving into this Japanese drink (or, let’s be honest, slightly nerding out over it). Sake’s not just “rice wine”—it’s an entire experience, and there’s no better way to get a taste than at some of the capital’s best sake spots. Ready? Let’s head out on a sake-tasting journey, no plane ticket required!
Where: Raphael Street, Knightsbridge
For: Those looking for a luxurious, stylish dining experience with a focus on modern Japanese cuisine and premium sake.
Why You'll love it: Zuma offers a chic, contemporary setting with a vibrant atmosphere and a fantastic selection of sake, perfectly paired with their creative Japanese dishes. This high-end spot is ideal for both lunch and dinner.
Top Tip: Try their signature robata grilled dishes paired with one of their expertly chosen sake options. (Trust me, this is the kind of place where you’ll be tempted to order everything on the menu.)
Where: Northcote Road, Clapham
For: Sake lovers who appreciate fine dining with a modern twist on traditional Japanese dishes.r sake and food pairings, and take a bottle or two home to extend the experience.
Why You'll love it: Clap offers a sleek, minimalist atmosphere with an exceptional sake list. Known for its creative take on Japanese flavours, this is an ideal spot for those who love both innovative food and premium sake.
Top Tip: The Omakase menu is a must-try for those who want to indulge in an array of carefully curated sake and food pairings. (Perfect for those evenings when you want to let the chef surprise you.)
Where: Druid Street, London Bridge
For: Enthusiasts and those interested in learning about sake brewing and tasting.
Why You'll love it: As the UK’s first sake brewery, Kanpai is an absolute must for anyone curious about how sake is made locally. They specialise in producing small-batch, award-winning sake and host regular tastings, where you can sample their latest brews right on-site. If you’re feeling adventurous, sign up for a brewery tour to learn about the process and sample their unfiltered or nigori sake, which is creamy and bold in flavour.
Top Tip: Check out their events for sake and food pairings, and take a bottle or two home to extend the experience.
Where: Maiden Lane, Covent Garden
For: Those looking for a relaxed yet trendy vibe with Japanese street food and sake.
Why Go: Moto London is a cosy, atmospheric bar dedicated to bringing authentic sake experiences to the city. They offer an excellent range of sake flights, guided by expert sommeliers who help demystify the world of sake. You can explore flavour profiles from floral to earthy, while enjoying Japanese bites in an intimate setting that makes each sip feel special.
Top Tip: Try the 'Kanpai Flight' for a broad tasting experience, and don’t miss their small-batch Japanese snacks that pair beautifully with their sakes.
Where: The Prince Akatoki, Marylebone
For: Lovers of fine spirits and those seeking a refined drinking experience.
Why You'll love it: The Malt Lounge offers an elegant and immersive sake experience within a modern Japanese lounge setting. Known for its wide selection of Japanese whiskies and sakes, it’s perfect for an upscale night out. Their team provides recommendations for pairings that bring out the best in their selection, making each sip a chance to discover new flavour notes.
Top Tip: Don’t miss their sake flights, designed to showcase unique varieties across taste profiles. If you’re new to sake, ask for a balanced flight that includes fruity, dry, and floral sakes—just to see where your palate lands.
Where: Frith Street, Soho
For: Those who enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with modern twists on traditional Japanese dishes and drinks.
Why You'll love it: Although known for its Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) cuisine, Chotto Matte offers an impressive sake list that complements their unique menu. The lively, vibrant ambiance is unlike any other sake spot, offering a fun fusion of Japanese and South American vibes. It’s a great place to sip on sake while indulging in sushi with a twist, and they serve several types of sake by the glass or bottle, allowing you to try a few styles in one sitting.
Top Tip: Pair the sake with their tuna tostadas or Nikkei sashimi—unexpected but delicious combinations that will keep you coming back for more.
Where: Heath Street, Hampstead
For: Sake connoisseurs and those who love traditional Japanese yakitori.
Why You'll love it: Jin Kichi is a charming, authentic spot in Hampstead offering an izakaya-style experience with a traditional sake selection to match. This small restaurant feels like a slice of Japan with its wooden interiors and intimate setting. Their sake options are straightforward yet delightful, best paired with their grilled yakitori skewers cooked right in front of you.
Top Tip: Opt for sake served in a wooden masu box to experience sake in the most traditional way. The friendly staff are more than happy to guide you if you’re unsure where to start.
Where: Soho
For: Those seeking a traditional, elegant Japanese dining experience.
Why You'll love it: Machiya offers an intimate sake experience with a selection of high-quality sakes that pair perfectly with its Japanese home-cooking. Their basement bar is the ideal place to enjoy sake flights or sake-based cocktails that match the restaurant's stylish, laid-back vibe. It’s perfect for casual evenings out with friends or for trying something new.
Top Tip: Ask the bartenders for recommendations—they know their sake inside out and can match a sake to your taste and experience level. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the sparkling sake, a refreshing choice that’s becoming popular in the UK!
Where: Picadilly Circus
For: Those looking for an intimate dining experience with great sake and food pairings.
Why You'll love it: Ramen and sake—need we say more? Shoryu holds sake tasting nights that let you explore several sakes alongside their delicious ramen dishes. It’s a casual, cosy atmosphere, perfect for a night out with friends (or a solo tasting adventure if you’re feeling introspective).
Top Tip: The sake-tasting events usually include rare sakes, so it’s a great chance to taste something new. And don’t skip the ramen—pairing it with sake brings out amazing umami notes in both.
Where: Old Compton Street, Soho
For: Those who enjoy a trendy, lively atmosphere with creative takes on Japanese food and drink.
Why You'll love it: Shackfuyu is a go-to for Japanese comfort food with a twist, and it’s equally serious about its sake. Their sake flights are well-curated and come with tasting notes, allowing you to explore different types and learn about each one. The laid-back ambiance and knowledgeable staff make it a fun place to experiment with sake if you’re new to it.
Top Tip: Try the sake flight for a well-rounded tasting experience, and if you’re craving something unique, go for a sake cocktail. Shackfuyu’s menu often includes creative, sake-based options that are both refreshing and flavorful—perfect to accompany their Japanese-inspired small plates.
Sake in London? Absolutely! From traditional breweries to chic restaurants, the city has truly embraced Japan’s iconic drink. Whether you’re a sake newbie or a seasoned sipper, these spots are perfect for expanding your palate. [Just remember, sake cups are small, but don’t underestimate their power.]
Looking for more recommendations? Explore the whisky, tequila, and gin scenes in London, or sip your way through our list of rum experiences. And if you love cosy corners with stories, take a peek at London’s hidden gem pubs.
Cheers to discovering a new world of flavours, right here in London!
