Harden's says
Japanese chef Takuya Watanabe transfers his high-end skills from Paris (where he has spent 10 years at restaurant Jin) to Mayfair, for connoisseurs with deep pockets who want to experience traditional 'edomai' sushi, which uses a vinegar cure to bring out the umami flavours in fresh fish.
Harden's survey result
Summary
“Incredible to watch a master sushi chef at work close-up” and a perch at Takuya Watanbe’s Mayfair 12-seater is one of the best vantage points in town at which to do so: with the counter in London presided over by head chef, Long Ng, and head sushi chef John Park. Those who’ve made the investment say it’s “expensive but definitely worth a visit at least once”, with the ‘Signature Omakase’ being £300 per person over 20 courses; or if you make it £400 per person the ‘Prestige Omakase’ includes more luxurious ingredients and extra courses. No-one suggests the culinary results are anything short of “brilliant… but there’s not much engagement or ambience” beyond what’s put on the plate. Top Top – Wednesday to Saturday lunch the ‘budget’ option is a 17-course ‘Tasting Omakase’ for £160 per person.
Summary
Japanese chef Takuya Watanabe transfers his high-end skills from Paris (where he spent 10 years at restaurant Jin) to Mayfair, for this November 2022 debut. A visit is an investment – lunch is £130 per head, dinner £280 per head, or £380 for the ‘prestige’ offering. We have had limited but outstanding feedback to date in our annual diners’ poll; Michelin rushed to award it an early star after less than six months in operation; and veteran blogger Andy Hayler – who knows his way around a chopstick – declared it “definitely some of the best sushi to be found in the capital” after an April 2023 visit.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Taku?
36 Albemarle Street, London, W1S 4JE
Restaurant details
Taku Restaurant Diner Reviews
"I really enjoyed Taku. Lunch is much more realistically priced than dinner. It's excellent ratings are deserved, the staff are friendly, lunch was well paced and the accompanying drinks worked well. It does depend if counter seating is your thing. I enjoyed it but it isn't for everyone"
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £125.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £1.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 10.00% |
36 Albemarle Street, London, W1S 4JE
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | CLOSED |
| Wednesday | 12:30 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12:30 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Friday | 12:30 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12:30 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
Best Japanese restaurants nearby
French restaurant in Mayfair
Pan-Asian restaurant in Mayfair
Japanese restaurant in St James's
