London’s Best Kept Japanese Restaurant

There are so many Japanese restaurants in and around London, but every now and then you find one that really sticks with you. Koji in Fulham is exactly that. It’s not flashy or pretentious, just a genuinely great independent spot with amazing food and a beautiful interior.

The space itself strikes the perfect balance between relaxed and refined. There’s a buzz in the room and the service is warm, knowledgeable and unpretentious. You’re welcomed like a regular, even on your first visit.

Last week we had a 6pm reservation for dinner and it did not disappoint. One of its most distinctive features is the counter seating, which turns dinner into an experience. It’s immersive, personal and quietly impressive, adding a layer of connection between kitchen and diner.

We kicked things off with edamame (because obviously), followed by what might be the best gyozas we’ve ever had. Steamed then lightly fried, and generously filled with prawns and pork, not the usual shredded veg situation. These were packed with flavour and paired perfectly with a spicy, sweet, umami soy sauce.

Next up was the tuna tataki, incredibly fresh and beautifully done. Then came the salmon sashimi with green salsa, which we weren’t sure about at first… but it completely won us over. A tiny amount of this sharp, vinegary, fresh salsa on each slice worked so well with the salmon. We also ordered two pieces of salmon sashimi each, which were thicker cuts and hands down some of the freshest sashimi we’ve ever tasted. Dipped in soy sauce, it was a solid 10/10.

The prawn tempura arrived next. Then came the lamb chops, cooked medium rare. Juicy, tender and full of flavour, easily a highlight. Because the salmon sashimi was that good, we ordered another round to finish!

What really sets this restaurant apart is its lack of fuss. There’s no trend chasing, no theatrics, just confidence in doing things well. It’s the kind of place you could visit midweek for a casual dinner or bring friends to when you want to quietly impress.

For more, visit Koji.com.