Sushi Kyu is easy to miss among the bright lights and bustling energy of Brewer Street, but behind its understated exterior lies one of the most intimate sushi experiences in London. With just ten seats facing the open kitchen, this tiny sushi bar offers a personal and immersive dining experience where every guest gets a front-row view of the chefs at work.

The Art of Sushi Omakase

The Omakase menu is the real star here. Unlike traditional menus where you pick your own dishes, omakase puts your meal entirely in the hands of the chef, who selects the freshest ingredients of the day and crafts each course right in front of you.

Once I was settled into my seat, I was served a glass of Black Chalk Classic sparkling wine, followed by a starter of chutoro tuna with black pepper tuna tataki sauce. This was a knockout dish — the tuna was fresh, and the black pepper gave it just the right amount of heat without overpowering its delicate flavour. Sushi Kyu sources its fish directly from Cornish dayboat fishermen, the selection changes daily, but one thing remains constant, the stunning trio of tuna. Throughout lunch I was treated the most delicious lean, mineral-rich akami, to buttery medium-fatty chutoro, and finally, the incredibly rich, melt-in-the-mouth otoro belly. I’ll be honest, I was blown away by the otoro.

Sushi Courses That Keep Impressing

My lunch date and I were presented with a seamless flow of dishes that only got better as the afternoon went on. Yellowtail, bright and clean with a delicate citrus touch. Then scallop, plump and sweet, balanced with a whisper of wasabi. Next, wagyu beef, lightly seared to perfection, bringing a rich contrast to the lighter seafood courses. Then came sea bream, lifted with a zingy hit of yuzu zest, before lobster, tender and luxurious, rounded out the menu.

Despite each course being small, you will leave surprisingly full. Every bite is so carefully composed that by the end of the meal, you leave feeling perfectly satisfied, rather than stuffed. The whole experience looks effortless; dishes appear in front of you in a smooth, rolling rhythm, each one a masterclass in taste and simplicity.

The service at Sushi Kyu is just as polished as the food. The front-of-house team is knowledgeable and attentive, happy to explain the intricacies of each dish without overloading you with detail.

 Sushi Chefs of the Highest Calibre

For those familiar with London’s Japanese dining scene, Sushi Kyu is the sister spot to Cubé in Mayfair, a considerably glitzier affair. Every chef at Kyu first trains under head chef Mogi at Cubé before stepping up to helm the intimate counter in Soho, ensuring the same level of skill and precision across both venues. While omakase is the main attraction, there’s also an à la carte option if you prefer to choose your own adventure.

And then there’s the unexpected quirk that makes Sushi Kyu uniquely Soho, the karaoke room downstairs. Head to the bathroom and you might catch snippets of diners belting out Kylie Minogue.

Sushi Kyu isn’t about flashy décor or extravagant presentations, it’s about exceptional sushi, prepared with skill, and served with care. The simplicity of the experience is what makes it so special. If you’re looking for a sushi spot that delivers pure, ingredient-led perfection in a setting that feels both exclusive and welcoming, Sushi Kyu is a must-visit.