Taku
Mayfair, London
Restaurant in London, United Kingdom
The Read
European-Waters Omakase
Dress
Smart Casual
Why go
Chef Takuya Watanabe's 16-seat omakase counter focuses on European-sourced fish and a single-sitting format that rewards punctuality. The tuna two ways exemplifies the precision and purity of flavour here, while Bowie Tsang's wine program; heavy on French selections and £100+ bottles; distinguishes this from sake-only sushi bars. Book the counter for the full experience and arrive on time.
About Taku
Taku is a London restaurant associated with internationally renowned sushi chef Takuya Watanabe and Long Ng. The verified details are concise but distinctive: the restaurant is described as a 16-seater centred around a striking counter fashioned from fine English oak, with an omakase menu focused on quality.
The Oak Counter and the 16-Seat Room
The English oak counter is the central verified feature of Taku's room. Rather than presenting the restaurant as a large or flexible dining room, the available information points to a compact 16-seater in London where the counter shapes the experience. That makes Taku best understood through its verified setting, without assuming unverified details about the exact seating arrangement, pace or number of sittings.
Chef-Led Omakase in London
Taku is described as the home of internationally renowned sushi chef Takuya Watanabe and his right-hand man Long Ng. The verified menu detail is that it is an omakase menu with a focus on quality. Beyond that, specific dishes, sourcing claims, drinks pairings and pricing should be confirmed directly with the restaurant before booking, because those details are not part of the verified record supplied here.
Hours, Dress Code and How It Compares
Taku is open Wednesday to Saturday for lunch from 12:30–2:30 PM and dinner from 6–11 PM, is closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. The dress code is smart casual. In London's dining scene, Taku stands out on the verified facts as a compact, counter-centred omakase restaurant. Diners comparing premium London options may also consider Gymkhana or other London dining rooms, depending on the kind of meal they want.
Booking and timing: Because Taku is verified as a 16-seater, availability should be checked directly with the restaurant. Confirm current menu details and any booking requirements before you go, note the smart-casual dress code.
Planning details
- Location
- Ground Floor, 36 Albemarle St, London W1S 4JE, United Kingdom
- Reservations
- Book on SevenRooms
- Website
- takumayfair.com
- Phone
- +442074340899
The take
The Take
The Vibe
Taku presents a restrained, intensely focused omakase experience centered on a 16-seat English oak counter in Mayfair. The service feels deliberate and refined: seating all guests together encourages a shared, attentive atmosphere rather than a bustling dining room. The writing positions the restaurant as a thoughtful, contemporary take on high-end sushi — less about spectacle and more about rigorous technique and provenance. Chef Takuya Watanabe’s decision to foreground European waters gives the menu an argument-driven, modern sensibility that complements the quiet precision of the counter format. The result is a polished, contemplative setting for serious sushi fans.
Best For
Taku is best for diners seeking a focused, high-end omakase tasting rather than casual meals. The counter seats only 16 guests and operates one sitting at lunch and two at dinner, so it suits diners who appreciate structured, single-sitting services and are prepared to arrive punctually. The restaurant’s emphasis on European-sourced seafood and a disciplined format makes it especially rewarding for those interested in ingredient provenance and technique. It’s a destination for special dining occasions where the meal itself — the sourcing, cuts, and calibrations — is the primary draw.
Ordering Tips
Book early and plan around the single-sitting format: the counter runs one lunch seating and two dinner seatings, so punctuality is important. Embrace the omakase format and let the chef lead — the menu is purpose-built around European waters and the tasting’s sequencing is the point of the experience. Because all guests sit together at the single counter, be prepared for a communal yet focused environment; reservations and timely arrival are the practical keys to getting the full tasting as intended.
Planning details
Location
Ground Floor, 36 Albemarle St, London W1S 4JE, United Kingdom · Directions
Recognition and awards
Also consider
Also Consider
- Rextail, Notable alternative
- Browns Grill Room, Notable alternative
- Charlie's, Modern British, £££
- Gymkhana, Modern Indian, Indian, ££££
- Bar des Prés - Mayfair, Asian, ££££
Restaurant context
Taku operates at a higher price point than most London omakase counters but justifies the premium with European sourcing, a curated wine program, the intimacy of 16 seats. Gymkhana commands similar spending but delivers Modern Indian cuisine in a larger, more formal dining room, making it a poor comparison for omakase purists. Bar des Prés - Mayfair shares the Asian cuisine category and ££££ pricing but skews fusion and offers a la carte flexibility, appealing to diners who want choice over the structured omakase format.
For a more accessible counter experience, Charlie's in Modern British at £££ provides a similar seat-at-the-counter proximity to the kitchen but without the omakase commitment or the wine program depth. Rextail and Browns Grill Room occupy different cuisine categories entirely and lack the counter-centric format that defines Taku's appeal.
If Taku is fully booked, consider whether you want the omakase structure or just excellent fish: for the former, look to smaller Japanese counters outside Mayfair; for the latter, 101 Pimlico Road delivers high-quality seafood in a more flexible à la carte format, though the setting and price tier differ. Taku is the choice when the counter experience and European sourcing matter more than menu flexibility.
Around this place
Discover more on Pearl
Unlock the full Taku guide in Pearl, including awards, comparisons, FAQs, planning details, and nearby places.
Compare Taku
| Venue | Price | Booking Difficulty | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taku | Easy | 2026 Michelin 1 Star2025 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence | |
| Rextail | Unknown | No published awards | |
| Browns Grill Room | Unknown | No published awards | |
| Charlie's | £££ | Unknown | Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 20262025 Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence2025 Michelin Plate2024 Michelin Plate |
| Gymkhana | ££££ | Unknown | 2026 OAD Top Restaurants in Europe Ranked · #93Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 20262026 La Liste Top Restaurants2025 OAD Top Restaurants in Europe Ranked · #852025 National Restaurant Awards Top 100 · #92The Good Food Guide 20252025 Michelin 2 Stars2025 La Liste Top Restaurants2024 OAD Top Restaurants in Europe Ranked · #93 |
| Bar des Prés - Mayfair | ££££ | Unknown | 2026 Harden's Top 100 UK Restaurants · #90Star Wine Lists 20262026 Michelin Plate2025 Michelin Plate2024 Michelin Plate |
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Comparable nearby venues by cuisine and price for this tier.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Taku good for a special occasion?
Yes, if you are looking for a compact, counter-centred omakase restaurant in London. The verified details point to a 16-seater centred around a striking English oak counter, associated with Takuya Watanabe and Long Ng. Confirm current menu and booking details directly before planning a special occasion.
What are alternatives to Taku in London?
Rextail, Bar des Prés - Mayfair, Gymkhana, Browns Grill Room and Charlie's are London alternatives to consider if you are comparing premium dining options. Taku remains the choice if the verified details you want are a compact omakase restaurant associated with Takuya Watanabe, Long Ng and a 16-seat London setting.
Can Taku accommodate groups?
Taku is verified as a 16-seater, so group plans should be checked directly with the restaurant before booking. If you need a different setup, compare current availability and booking terms with other London dining rooms, including Charlie's or Browns Grill Room.
Can I eat at the bar at Taku?
The verified description says Taku is centred around a striking counter fashioned from fine English oak. For the exact seating setup on your booking date, confirm directly with the restaurant. If you prefer a different kind of London dining plan, Rextail or Bar des Prés - Mayfair may also be worth comparing.
Is lunch or dinner better at Taku?
Taku is open Wednesday to Saturday for lunch from 12:30–2:30 PM and dinner from 6–11 PM. Choose lunch or dinner based on the timing that suits you, confirm current menu details directly with the restaurant.
How far ahead should I book Taku?
Taku is verified as a 16-seater, but current booking windows and availability are not part of the verified information here. Check directly with the restaurant before making plans.
What should a first-timer know about Taku?
First-timers should know that Taku is a London omakase restaurant associated with Takuya Watanabe and Long Ng, centred around a fine English oak counter, with smart-casual dress. It is open Wednesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, closed Sunday to Tuesday.
