From tamago sandos to traditional teishoku sets, here’s where to start your day the Japanese way.

By now, you’ve probably clocked that London’s Japanese food scene goes well beyond sushi counters and ramen joints. But what about the first meal of the day? In Japan, breakfast isn’t just fuel—it’s a ritual. Think delicate tamagoyaki, steamy bowls of miso soup, and perfectly grilled fish, all served with quiet intention. And while the English fry-up will always have its place, sometimes you want something lighter, cleaner, and maybe even a little nourishing.

Here’s where to find the best Japanese breakfasts in London, whether you’re after a grab-and-go sando or the full teishoku experience.

Koya

📍 Soho / City / Hackney

Koya does for udon what others can’t seem to get right—simple, elegant bowls that feed your soul. But it’s their Japanese breakfast menu that deserves more hype. Available at Koya City and Hackney, their traditional asa gohan comes with grilled fish, pickles, miso soup, and rice. If you’re in the mood for something warming, their breakfast udon with hot broth and runny egg is the perfect London winter remedy.

Don’t miss: The traditional Japanese breakfast set or the seasonal breakfast udon.

Good to know: Served until 11:00 am. Get there early for the full spread.

Pantechnicon (Cafe Kitsuné)

📍 Belgravia

Tucked inside the ultra-sleek Pantechnicon, Café Kitsuné serves a distinctly modern take on Japanese breakfast, in a space that looks like it was made for Instagram (in the best way). Their tamago sando—Japanese milk bread stuffed with fluffy omelette—is light yet rich, and the matcha latte game is strong. It’s a great spot for a quiet morning if you want something Japanese-inspired without committing to a full teishoku set.

Don’t miss: Tamago Sando with a side of yuzu granola and yogurt.

Good to know: Opens from 8:00 am on weekdays, 10:00 am on weekends.

Sachi at Pantechnicon

📍 Belgravia

For a more traditional experience, head downstairs to Sachi, where they offer a Japanese breakfast set on weekends. The menu includes miso soup, grilled fish, pickles, and rice, alongside seasonal specialties. It’s a quieter, slower experience—designed for those who want to channel a Japanese ryokan morning without leaving London.

Don’t miss: Grilled fish breakfast set, often featuring salmon or mackerel.

Good to know: Weekend mornings only; book ahead.

Niji Kitchen

📍 Islington

A local favourite for homey Japanese cooking, Niji Kitchen offers a traditional Japanese breakfast at weekends. Expect grilled salmon, miso soup, tamagoyaki, pickles, and rice—all freshly prepared and as comforting as it gets. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’re in someone’s home kitchen in Tokyo.

Don’t miss: Japanese Breakfast Set with grilled salmon and natto (optional, for the brave!).

Good to know: Only available on Saturdays and Sundays until noon.

Kissa Wa

📍 Holborn

This retro-inspired kissaten (Japanese-style café) is a love letter to Showa-era Tokyo. Their breakfast menu includes Japanese-style French toast, tamago sandos, and a rotating list of sweet treats. While not strictly a traditional breakfast, the vibe and the menu will make you want to linger with a coffee and a novel.

Don’t miss: Japanese French toast with kuromitsu syrup and kinako powder.

Good to know: Opens at 9:00 am, great for a quiet weekday morning.

WA Café

📍 Ealing Broadway / Covent Garden

Better known for their beautiful Japanese pastries and matcha treats, WA Café also offers lighter breakfast options that lean Japanese. Their melon pan and anpan (sweet red bean buns) are perfect for something simple, paired with a hot genmaicha. It’s more of a casual morning pick-me-up than a sit-down breakfast, but sometimes that’s all you need.

Don’t miss: Melon Pan with matcha latte.

Good to know: Opens at 9:00 am. Seating is limited.