Jin Kichi - (Near Camden, South East)

5 /5 Aaron Horn: This is a hidden gem of an authentic Japanese restaurant nestled in the heart of Hampstead. The restaurant itself is quite small like many of the shops in Hampstead, but they have done an amazing job to make it an original feeling high and star Japanese barbecue restaurant. They offer a full menu, including sushi, sashimi grilled skewers, main courses, starters, and Saki. The flavours were authentic. The food was high-quality and the service was outstanding honestly I can’t fault it even though they’re very busy. We managed to grab a table downstairs last minute. I had the grilled mackerel and onion skewers which were amazing. It is not cheap but it is fairly priced especially for authentic Japanese food. This is definitely a highly recommended restaurant for Me. It’s probably one of the best Japanese restaurants in the area , honestly it’s a great spot well worth going.

4 /5 B Lee: My favorite Japanese restaurant in London. The food is nearly perfect in terms of seasoning and tastes incredibly fresh. My absolute favorite dish is the Maguro Natto, which I highly recommend. While the sushi set is delicious, I’d also suggest ordering à la carte to fully enjoy the menu. The only slight downside was the green tea, which felt a bit expensive at nearly £5 per cup and was not refillable. Walk-ins are possible, but making a reservation is highly recommended.

5 /5 Faye Wang: A proper hidden gem in Hampstead. Tucked away in one of the smaller streets, this Japanese restaurant is honestly a great find. It’s quite a small place (like most things in Hampstead), but they’ve really nailed the vibe — it feels like an intimate, high-quality Japanese spot you’d stumble across in Tokyo. They’ve got a full menu — sushi, sashimi, grilled skewers, hot mains, starters, sake… the works. Everything we had tasted proper authentic, and the quality of the food was spot on. The service was also lovely — even though the place was packed, the staff were super friendly and attentive. We managed to grab a table downstairs last minute and had a brilliant time. It’s definitely not the cheapest meal, but for the quality and authenticity, I think it’s well priced. One of the best Japanese spots I’ve been to in North London, no doubt. If you’re in the area and fancy a proper Japanese meal, this one’s 100% worth a visit.

4 /5 Moon Rabbit: Jin Kichi specialises in charcoal grilled yakitori and sushi & sashimi. The restaurant has two floors, with separate sushi and yakitori sections, plus bar counter and table seating. It’s busy at both lunch and dinner, so booking ahead is highly recommended. The atmosphere is excellent, very much like a traditional Japanese izakaya. Most of the staff are Japanese, and once you step inside, it genuinely feels like being in Japan. Sitting in the yakitori section is especially enjoyable, with the aroma of charcoal grilling filling the air. Sashimi Lunch Set A simple, classic set with tuna, salmon, yellowtail, and sea bass. Very fresh and good quality, clearly one of their strengths. Tempura Lunch Set Includes three tempura prawns and assorted vegetables. Light, crispy batter and fresh ingredients, served with rice and miso soup. Generous and satisfying. Yakitori Grilled to order and best enjoyed at the bar where you can watch the chefs at work. The chicken wings were excellent, though there was a short wait. Sadly, the charcoal grilled chicken skin was already sold out at lunchtime, very popular. In hindsight, I should have ordered more yakitori and one less sashimi set. Prices are mid range, with good portions and quality to match. If you’re looking for authentic Japanese yakitori and sashimi in London, Jin Kichi is a solid choice and definitely worth visiting.