Chisou
Japanese · Mayfair, London
Restaurant in London, United Kingdom
Book with PearlThe Read
Mayfair Japanese Precision
Chef
Waldemar Kocjan
Dress
Smart Casual
Why go
Chisou is a consistent, OAD-recognised casual Japanese restaurant in Mayfair, well-suited to diners who want quality Japanese cooking without the price tag or booking difficulty of London's high-end Japanese rooms. It is easy to book and well-positioned for weekday lunch or a relaxed dinner. For kaiseki or omakase, look elsewhere; for reliable Japanese in W1, Chisou delivers.
About Chisou
Why use this page
This page is useful if you are looking for Japanese food in Mayfair and want a dependable option that is more accessible than London's high-end kaiseki or omakase rooms. Chisou is described as a casual Japanese restaurant on Woodstock Street, with an intimate, elegant, cozy and modern setting. The page also identifies chef Waldemar Kocjan and notes Chisou's recognition in Opinionated About Dining's Casual Europe list.
How to think about a visit
Chisou suits diners who want quality Japanese cooking without the formality or price tag associated with more specialised Japanese restaurants. Weekday lunch is presented as the lowest-friction entry point, while Saturday dinner is more likely to have the room at full energy. The restaurant is rated Easy for booking, although prime Friday and Saturday evening times may call for a few days' notice.
Before you go
Check the current booking options, service times and menu before travelling, particularly if you are planning around lunch or Sunday service. Chisou is not positioned as a kaiseki or omakase destination; diners seeking that style may prefer a more formal Japanese restaurant. The venue is at 22-23 Woodstock Street, London W1C 2AR, a short walk from Bond Street station, the listed dress code is Smart Casual.
Planning details
- Hours
- Monday: 12–3 pm, 6–10:30 pm · Tuesday: 12–3 pm, 6–10:30 pm
- Location
- 22-23 Woodstock St, London W1C 2AR, United Kingdom
- Website
- chisourestaurant.com
- Phone
- +44 20 7629 3931
The take
The Take
The Vibe
Chisou presents a quietly confident, casual sophistication in Mayfair. It deliberately sits between two clear poles of London’s Japanese scene: the high-ceremony omakase rooms and the everyday lunchtime spots. That mid-position gives it a balanced temperament—approachable and unpretentious, yet attentive enough to draw consistent critical notice. The Mayfair setting adds a discreet urban polish without turning the meal into an exercise in formality. Overall it feels like a considered neighbourhood Japanese restaurant with the kind of composure that attracts serious diners and office trade alike.
Best For
Chisou is a dependable pick for daytime and evening diners who want strong Japanese cooking without the strictures or price of omakase. The description highlights a healthy lunchtime trade from nearby offices and retail, so it works well for business lunches or solitary weekday meals. At night it appeals to people seeking a relaxed Mayfair dinner that still registers with critics—those who want clarity of technique and well-executed classics without high ceremony. It’s a sensible choice for visitors who value food-first focus in a polished but unshowy setting.
Ordering Tips
Order with a mix-and-share approach focused on Chisou’s signatures: the Tori Karaage and Teba Shioyaki show off fried and grilled poultry textures, while Tempura and Sashimi provide contrasting lightness and raw finesse. Because the restaurant is described as a "casual Japanese address" rather than an omakase counter, building a la carte plates to pass around is appropriate—pair a few hot items with fresh sashimi to balance richness. Prioritize a variety of textures and temperatures to get a rounded sense of the kitchen’s strengths.
Planning details
Hours
- Monday
- 12–3 pm, 6–10:30 pm
- Tuesday
- 12–3 pm, 6–10:30 pm
- Wednesday
- 12–3 pm, 6–10:30 pm
- Thursday
- 12–3 pm, 6–10:30 pm
- Friday
- 12–3 pm, 6–10:30 pm
- Saturday
- 12:30–10:30 pm
- Sunday
- 1–9:15 pm
Location
Recognition and awards
Also consider
To cross-shop Chisou against other Pearl options in London, start with the kind of Japanese meal you want: Chisou is the accessible, casual Mayfair choice, while Umu is better suited to kaiseki or omakase. Akira and Ginza St James's are useful comparisons if a more formal sake and wine pairing experience matters. You can also use Pearl's London restaurant guide to compare options across neighbourhoods and price tiers.
Restaurant context
When Chisou is the right Japanese restaurant choice
Chisou is the right fit when you want quality Japanese cooking in Mayfair without the formality, price tag or advance planning associated with London's high-end Japanese rooms. Choose it for a relaxed lunch or dinner where accessibility and reliable execution matter more than a destination-style kaiseki or omakase experience.
Around this place
Discover more on Pearl
Unlock the full Chisou guide in Pearl, including awards, comparisons, FAQs, planning details, and nearby places.
Compare Chisou
| Venue | Best fit | Planning and style | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chisou | Accessible Japanese cooking in Mayfair | Casual, Smart Casual, rated Easy to book | 2025 OAD Casual in Europe Ranked · #8692024 OAD Casual in Europe Ranked · #677 |
| Umu | Kaiseki or omakase | More formal Japanese dining | No published awards |
| Akira | A more formal Japanese experience | Worth comparing for sake and wine pairing | No published awards |
| Ginza St James's | A more formal Japanese experience | Worth comparing for sake and wine pairing | No published awards |
FAQ
Chisou frequently asked questions
What kind of restaurant is Chisou?
Chisou is a casual Japanese restaurant in Mayfair, London, serving Japanese food in an intimate, elegant, cozy and modern setting.
Is Chisou suitable for kaiseki or omakase?
No. The page positions Chisou as a reliable, accessible Japanese restaurant rather than a kaiseki or omakase destination.
When is a practical time to visit Chisou?
Weekday lunch is described as the lowest-friction entry point. Saturday dinner is likely to have the room at full energy, prime Friday or Saturday times may need a few days' notice.
