Kind of quirky Japanese restaurant that's really all about the food. There's no décor worth mentioning, but there's a cozy feel to the place nonetheless Their Bento boxes are all really fantastic and they have a whole selection... each one comes with sushi and a refreshing seaweed salad. I always go for the veggie box, but my friend swears by the delectableness of the Katsu chicken box. I also recommend the edamame here - well-steamed and sufficiently salty. The staff is always extremely fast and efficient, but the establishment is so popular that it still tends to get crowded fast... I've never waited, but I also usually go at pretty off-times. Even though the service is great, in-keeping with Japanese tradition, the servers don't accept tips... however, if you insist, they will donate the money to charity - which I just think is so generous and kindly - a real reflection of this place's vibe and ethos. This philosophy, which flies in the face of greed, is also reflected in the prices... everything is supremely reasonable... especially for sushi and considering the level of quality you're getting. It may not be the swankiest sushi joint in London, but it's certainly an all-around delicious and enjoyable place. read more

Food here is delicious, authentic and full of umami. The staff are very friendly and helpful with the menu, and the prices are very reasonable for London. The food is really delicious and the menu is large, with Japanese dishes that I have so far only been able to find at the Tokyo Diner. If you are a large group it may be harder to fit due to the space constraints of the restaurant but I would definitely recommend paying a visit! read more

Sushi is my favourite Asian food. I recently found out where I can have the freshest and most delicious Sushi. In middle of Soho, at Newport Place, there is a 2 floor petite Japanese restaurant called the Tokyo diner. Japanese run the restaurant, the service is attentive when needed and discreet when not. Remarkably for Central London the prices are very reasonable. On arrival they serve green tea and rice munchies. I strongly can recommend the broccoli, eel and the bento boxes (a selection is made for you already). This little gem I recommend to couples or a small group of friends. I keep it as my secret hideaway for me and my best friend to catch up after work every week. read more

Great food, great atmosphere, great service... if you can get a table! :) One of the best Japanese restaurants in the area, and a huge cut above the likes of Wagamama. read more

Seems that whenever I am in Chinatown, I pass by this place. Since I often go to Chinatown to get my Chinese fix, I have been ignoring this place until today. This is a very down to earth diner. The food is well prepared and delicious. You can get Bento, noodles, sushi, and your standard Japanese starter dishes here. My friend and I ordered a sashimi plate and Agedashi tofu to start. At first we thought 10 pound for a plate of sashimi wasn't a bad price, but when we saw the 7 small pieces of sashimi, we realized it wasn't the deal of the century. The Agedashi tofu was really good. I had the Katzu don which I liked. It was different from the Katzu I am used to, in this version, Katzu was cooked first and then cooked with eggs to form a pancake that covered the rice in the bowl. It was very yummy and very filling as well. What I like about this restaurant is the attention to details. You will find the most comprehensive menu here with information about gluten and nuts/seeds content for each and every one of their dishes. They also clearly stated on their menu that they don't accept tips! Overall, a good place for a quick meal. read more

Not bad, but not the greatest by a long shot. Good for a cheap and quick dinner or lunch, but not much else. Ordered the chicken katsu, which was pretty good and miso soup. Pretty standard, but when you're cold and freezing (as I was back in January 2010 when I ate here), miso soup is AWESOME. If I'm ever in town, probably won't make the trek over here... read more

I found this place on Yelp after craving sushi late night after a long day working and not wanting room service. I opted for the sashimi set at 11:40pm. They close exactly at 12:00am and no yelp, they do not offer take away... Sushi was typical but not exceptional. As the other reviews say, the place is run by Japanese and is a good place to stop by but not anything special. read more

I've been here a few times and it seems like they have a lot more space than they used to (both upstairs and downstairs). I imagine it would still fill up on a busy night but it was a Monday so we didn't have to wait. I had sushi with a side of more sushi, miso and edamame. Overall the sushi wasn't amazing but it was still very good and definitely for the price. It's definitely one of my favourite places to go around Leichester Square. read more

On a recent visit to London we wanted some Japanese food. Tokyo Diner fit the bill and then some. I had the karaage (fried chicken) cold tofu, broccoli and sesame spinach. My mom had the udon and loved the dashi (broth) and my daughter has the soba noodles. Everything was delish and I even learned a new way to cook broccoli! Located in Chinatown it was the perfect spot before heading to the Prince of Wales Theater to see The Book of Mormon. If you're in London looking for Japanese, this is a great place to check out... read more

Service, Service, Service. You've maybe never had a meal where your hosts were so attentive to your needs, and in a humble restaurant that appears to pay close attention to the ethics of serving food. They refuse to serve some popular sushi fish because of the unsustainable fishing practices that have depleted their stocks; they provide smaller portions for most dishes with the option to get more for a small price in order to prevent wasting food that people don't finish, and to top it all off the price that they ask for the meal is final and there's no haggling over a tip for the service. It's included. I suppose I should have gotten to the food by now, which is great! Even if you can't have your big eye tuna sashimi, their sushi rolls are tasty and the noodle soups can be quite filling. They also serve beer and sake. Tokyo Diner isn't very big, and it's not exactly a secret as these reviews and the front window, almost entirely obscured by stickers from various London food guides, can attest. Still, it's a great find and a choice place to stop for a lunch or dinner in the area. read more

Maybe it was an off night, but I did not have a very good experience here. It's too bad, I had really heard nice things! I went for a chicken and egg stirfry-type dish. The panko was soggy and the egg cold. It just seemed like it had been sitting out for ages. My friend had the salmon sashimi which looked a bit better, but he wasn't raving by any means. couple those with one beer and one tea and the bill was nearly £30! I would have been ok with half that. I'll go back just on the off chance that this was an anomoly, but I was not impressed with Tokyo Diner. read more

I used to come here a lot, but have mostly stopped going since finding out that there is meat stock in all the katsu curries, including the vegetable one which leaves only maki and other cold dishes for vegetarians :( It is otherwise a fun, if slightly cramped, experience. This is great value food for central London, and it's a good relaxed place for a quick meal if you're catching a movie in Leicester Square. I just wish they did more I could eat! read more

3 stars for food + 1 star for value/service. I had a chicken katsu curry and it was pretty bland even after dumping shichimi on it, so it would have been nice to have spiciness levels for the curry. Fukujinzuke would also have been nice. Additionally some shochu options would be cool. read more

One of those rare central London things - a cheap (for London), reliable and good quality restaurant. Not a place for an occassion, but perfect if you've been out shopping, or are going to the cinema. My favourite is the Salmon Don, warm rice served with salmon sashimi, omlette and seaweed. This is a place I often visit on my own, often before meeting friends for afterwork drinks (we all know the dangers of drinking on an empty stomach). read more

For photos please refer to http://hungryinlondon.com/2010/10/tokyo-diner-chinatown/ Ironically in the middle of Chinatown there is Tokyo Diner, a cheap but decent Japanese restaurant. Even though the owner appears to be English (if you agree with me that Richard Hills does not sound terribly Japanese) the place has a distinct Japanese atmosphere to it. I have just been to Japan couple of months ago and Tokyo Diner feels very much like one of the Izakayas I went to in Kobe. I am talking not only about the furnishing and (as far as I can judge it) Japanese waiters but also the fact that, just like in Japan, tips are not taken, that you pay on the counter when you leave and that green tea (I think it was Hojicha) is served free of charge. The menu is really weird but at the same time rather entertaining: you can spend ages reading the detailed description about every dish as well as some trivia about Japan and Japanese food. In addition the menu contains 5 whole pages with allergy information regarding the nuts/seeds and gluten content for each individual dish. The food only partly lived up to my expectations. I was a bit disappointed actually by the Hoso-MakiI Set (6.20). The rice was too sticky and the salmon didn't taste that fresh. The vegetarian cucumber and pickled radish maki were much better actually but also they did not quite satisfy my palate which has become used to the outstanding quality of sushi in Japan. I love all kinds of Japanese noodles and particularly when I am hungover, as I happened to be at this particular occasion, nothing is comparable to the healing powers of a Japanese noodle soup. I chose the Curry Udon with Chicken (8.20) which was a very decent bowl of soup drenched with the rather mild but strangely addictive flavour of Japanese curry. The udon were not quite Koya quality but really not bad at all. It is not the best Japanese restaurant I have ever been to but considering how cheap, friendly and uncomplicated it is, it is well worth a visit for a quick pre-theatre bite or for a hangover cure. read more

Very nice place for an authentic sushi dinner. Was there in line with a vacation in London. I already made the place out via the internet from Germany and specifically went there one evening. Nice area for nightlife around it. Two stories, ground floor and cellar. I got a table in the cellar, where it was a bit crowded but the atmosphere was nice. While I waited for my order I was served a pot of jasmine tea and some japanese crisps. Nice gesture. Sushi was quite tasty and the price was alright. The restaurant made the decision, that they do not serve tuna due to the catching conditions. They state that nice sushi is also possible without tuna. They shall be assuered. Respect for that. Next time in London, next time at Tokyo Diner! read more

"We do not take tips" The above words are what you see first. The food is ok. I had the Mini Una Don ( Grilled Eel served with rice and sauce ) and it was tender and tastes good. Don't know why they said "NO" to Tuna but serving eel as both are getting on well are on the endangered list!!! They serve hot tea; which I liked as its aids in digestion. The first restaurant I visited in China town. I would recommend food lovers to try it. read more

One of my all-time favourite places to eat! No nonsense, pleasant and great, great food. And a spot of peace and quiet from the hurly-burly. And it's great for those with challenging diets. read more

This place is a good place to stop into after a show. There isn't anything especially good but it seems like mostly a traditional Japanese sort of place and I appreciate there consideration of the environment in terms of over-fishing of tuna. The service is slow at times which is unusual since the place is so small. read more

I was there yesterday for lunch. Nice place, authentic Japanese food in London's Chinatown. I had a great sauce chicken katsu don - YUMMY ! The resto has a strong Udon menu but perhaps lacking in the sashimi department. I also appreciate its sustainable development policy re not serving tuna. Would definitely return. read more

I've been coming for over 10 years, amongst the dross in Chinatown this is a really solid restaurant that ticks all the boxes. It's clean, fast, friendly and everything there from the donburi, to noodles to the sushi are all solid. It's classic Japanese food done well and it's nice to see it still going strong. It's not haute cuisine you go for here but comforting meals you know and love. read more

Cold broccoli was delicious. Had the bento box. Many things I have never tried at any Asian restaurant before. read more

Tokyo Diner - Japanese Near Me - London, XGL

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A Japanese friend discovered this restaurant and it soon became a favourite of ours (me and my husband). We have eaten here over a period of at least 10 years and have never been disappointed with the food or the service. The restaurant is on 3 floors, but the service is excellent no matter which floor you are seated in. All of the food is fresh and of excellent quality, and you can have noodle dishes, bento boxes, sushi and loads more! The cost is very reasonable and it's a great place to take friends, especially if you are attending a film in any of the nearby theatres. In proper Japanese-style, they don't allow tipping. This is one restaurant I always recommend to any friends visiting London. read more

The best Japanese food I've ever tasted. The bento box set meals and katsu curry are not to be missed, and try the eda mame if you want to try something new and tasty. Can get quite busy, but the prices are very good, especially for central London. If you're ever in the area, and are feeling peckish, be sure to drop in. read more

I used to go here all the time; went back recently and not much has changed, which is a good thing! It used to be extremely cheap but now it's a bit more. Still very cheap for Soho without being as dodgy as those Chinese buffet places all around the area. Bonuses include complimentary tea, free extra large portions if you want them, and strictly no tipping (which keeps prices even lower in real terms). The food is not extraordinary but there's plenty of seats and it's quick. Lots of people people have a katsu dish of some description because it's reliable, but the bento boxes are also good. One minor gripe: they missed one of the dishes from our group and we had to wait quite a long time for it. But they responded well: since it was so late in the end, we asked not to pay for it. They agreed without being stroppy, and it was struck off the bill. read more

This is one of the few places were you can taste authentic Japanese cuisine. Be sure to treat yourself to crunchy Tsukemono pickles or udon noodles. Of course free green tea only helps to cherish your meal. read more

Tokyo Diner - Delicious soba ! - Japanese Near Me - London, XGL

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This has to be one of the yummiest and cheapest Japanese restaurants in central London, serving food day and night Tokoyo diner is usually always bustling. There is a great range of bento boxes, sushi and rice dishes, the only problem is choosing which one to have. But i recommend what ever you have to team it with a plum wine! The food is well priced and they do not except tips! Nestled on the corner of China town and 2 min's walk from Leicester square make this small restaurant a little gem. read more

Good meal for the price. Located in Soho and very busy area in the evening. I got the chicken katsu curry. Recommend this place for a cheap meal. Cash only. read more

The free green tea and rice cake snacks gives it a nice service which makes it enjoyable and both welcoming. The decorations definitely give off the traditional Japanese feeling but the ornaments were a bit too much and highly suggest they change it a bit too much. The free miso soup that was provided along with the chicken katsu curry and tofu rice gives a negative salty taste before we could even get to try the food. Me and one of my friends ordered the Udon and was not good, although the chicken curry was delicious as well as the tofu and rice. For a simple meal as tofu and rice it was definitely 10 times better then the Udon and I wish they could improve on it. Overall, I think it's a decent place with good service and good food so I would suggest this place just as long as certain items are not to be ordered. read more

There was a wait early on a Weds night. This had to be a good sign of greater things to come. After our twenty minute wait, we got seated in the downstairs dining room. We ordered Katsu don and the spinach with sesame seeds. I have to say that this was the best katsu don that I have had in a long time. And it was wonderful to be served Japanese tea and for it to be refilled constantly throughout the meal. This meal was thoroughly enjoyable! read more

Tokyo Diner is everything you could wish for if you're looking for a no-nonsense delicious Japanese eatery, and comes with an elaborate menu and background information on all the (authentic) dishes. The vegetable curry udon were juicy and aromatic, the Tofu Katsu Ju, apparently one of the chef's own creations, brings a smile to my face with its crispy breadcumbed tofu and flavoursome miso based sauce and the edamame are nice and fresh. As a vegetarian, or even vegan, you're more than welcome and they mark vegan dishes especially. Then there's the free green tea that the friendly staff top up without needing a prod, free large rice portions (ask for an oumori portion), and the refreshing 'no tips' policy, and I'd say it's a winner. Sugoi! (PS: Wouldn't necessarily recommend it for a fancy dining experience, but at the prices offered, it's definitely fantastic value for money) read more

These guys are saints. Quite amazing that they manage to keep up standards and politeness in the heart of the west end. Reminds me a little of a single trip to Tokyo a decade ago. Free rice crackers, green tea and extra rice. Tips and wasted food strongly discouraged by the owners read more

We visited on 25 Dec 2013. The male japanese staff is extremely arrogant& unfriendly, and is not serving in a way any typical japanese will do. The food is not fresh too. We order hot udon soup noodle and others but it's served cold, disappointing us on a chilly Christmas day. The chicken is tasteless. When we were still eating, our dishes are taken away. How rude can this be?! We felt we were being chased throughout the dinner. When we paid our bill which is 41.10 pounds. We handed in 42 pounds but weren't give the 90 pence change! We have to remind him that there is change. The bill has included 12.5% service charge. We would love to pay more tips if the service were not this appalling. After paying, we simply ran away and will not return more. read more

TERRIBLE sushi, worse in my life (rise was totally overlooked). I mentioned this to the counter and they did no do nothing but saying that it was a new type of rise (unbelievable) We will not go back ever. On top of tap we had to change tables as they could not fix the one we were it ... read more

Tokyo Diner - Lola god bit sushi rise was awful - Japanese Near Me - London, XGL

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Tokyo Diner is the coolest Japanese restaurant in West End for me! Prices are good and the meal is "oishi" (so good!) Good choice of Bento, sushi are delicious and the sake is really cheap! (£3!!) The place itself is cosy and simple, no extravaganza, but it is in a real japanese spirit! When I want a night out in the center, I go there no doubt! read more

Not like the other places I usually eat Sushi at, but i decided to give it a try! Fresh, light, and many interesting choices. I would return back with my wife for sure! she would love it. read more

I love this place. Despite a fascination with Japan I've never been and this place really hits the spot. It's very affordable and has a minimalist atmosphere. The food is truly Japanese dinner food it's not fancy but it's very well made and tasty. read more

its amazing and real japanese food in here.great restaurants good good. their service quality are very nice

Great food, unpretentious environment in a very convenient location. I recommend this place to people who like Japanese home cooking.

Before bentos, katsus, sushi and noodles became ubiquitous in London thanks to the like of Japanese Canteen, Wagamama and Wasabi, there was Tokyo Diner. Tucked away in a corner in Chinatown, Tokyo Diner is an authentic Japanese-run restaurant serving unadulterated and homely staples of modern Japanese cuisine including katsu curries, udon noodles, donburi, sushi and bentos. The menu and dishes are straight forward, but the quality here is far superior to that of the aforementioned chains. You will actually see Japanese people eating here, which is always a good sign, as are the tight crowds during the evening rush. The food quality here is superior to that which I've seen at 99% of the 'Japanese' diners in London though this is in part reflected in the prices. You can get away with spending under 10 pounds but I often find myself going closer to 15. I love the Japanese touches which make the dining experience here particularly welcome and authentic. There is no tipping or automatic service charge, you can request a complimentary large-sized portion of rice if you're extra hungry and the nifty automatic door which is cleverly disguised to look rather old and run down is a nice trick too. read more