After 20 beautiful years,
we are sad to announce that
we have closed Feb 2026
but it's not completely the end...

So Japanese Restaurant

Opening Hours

Tuesday – Friday
12-3:30pm
(kitchen closes 3pm)
5:30-10pm
(kitchen closes 9pm)

Saturday
5:30-10pm
(kitchen closes 9pm)

Closed Sunday, Monday

Address

5 Middlesex street, E1 7AA
We are the same So Restaurant of Soho, since 2006

We look forward to serving you ☺️

Authentic Japanese Restaurant in London

Nestled in Petticoat Lane dining quarter, in the City of London, So Restaurant was an intimate restaurant run by a Japanese family. Signature dishes included Miso marinated black cod, grilled kabayaki eel, prepared on a custom made yogan-yaki grill imported from Mount Fuji. All the much-loved traditional Japanese favourites like sushi, sashimi, katsu, mixed tempura, wagyu beef were also served.

The dining room was woody, spacious and calm with the choice of traditional Japanese yatai stalls and wooden tables to dine at.

So Restaurant opened near Covent Garden in west London in 2006 and moved to near Spitalfields Market in 2020, to share space with their sister company the Japanese cooking school, Sozai.

The main dining room had a large sushi counter where four course omakase were served. There was also a private dining room for hire for special gatherings.

Kabocha squash, spicy chicken wings and takoyaki at So Restaurant

Authentic Japanese Cuisine

So Restaurant

4.5 Out of 5 stars

Overall rating out of 676 Google reviews

It's my first time trying this place. It was a great experience from the atmosphere to ambience to food, everything was flawless. The best part was the service with the smile and care which is rare to find these days. It was not a crowded place where they want to serve table after table but a family run place who serve you just like your family. Will be back for sure.

Binny Arora

Fantastic Japanese restaurant in east central London. They seem to frequently host cultural events, one of which we were lucky enough to attend! The organisation was superb and a very smooth experience. We were treated to a multi-course set menu of salads and fresh sashimi, mains of chicken and sushi, followed by a dessert. All of which had creative and delicious elements to delight your palate.

Yoan Stoyanov

Family friendly authentic Japanese Restaurant with nice food, staff and interesting events held regularly. Food is fantastic. Recently we had "Truffle" flavoured Inari which is very tasty. My 3 year old daughter loves "Okoge" senbei with cream cheese and Nori-seaweed. Service is also good. Every staff is attentive and friendly.

watanabe shingo

This place is another hidden gem! I would be remiss if I didn't start and end this review without saying 'Try the tempura prawns!!' That aside this is an authentic Japanese eatery always with Japanese clientele. The venue is small and intimate which emphasises the friendly and personal service. The staff are knowledgeable about the menu and even wine selection was on point.

Paul Kingham

Very pleasant experience with delicious authentic Japanese food! I really enjoyed Teriyaki salmon lunch. Very succulent and full of flavour. Friendly staff and good atmosphere as always. Easy to access from Aldgate tube station. 5-star quality!!

Mika Higuchi

The food is remarkable. The flavours are exceptional. It's a bit like seeing a swimmer at your local pool, then seeing an Olympian. They're both swimming, but one is way better than the other. This food is way better than you imagine it will be!

Jonathan Monks

Favourite spot in the Square Mile for authentic Japanese cuisine, hosted by lovely, friendly staff.

Carl Osbourn

Their Ton katsu is one of the best in central London in my opinion, thanks to its use of higher quality pork, and the panko coating achieves the perfect crispiness. Their 'Ninja' charcoal curry is particularly eye-catching due to its uniqueness. The service is attentive, and the environment is very cosy.

Gary Fung