Jin Kichi

“Very attentive staff, quick service, and a vibrant atmosphere.”

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.

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, salmo

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.

Nandini Mazumdar★★★★

Good spot for Japanese fare - we liked the chirashi, the tuna and the salmon rolls, and the shrimp tempura. Only flag is that restaurant is quite small, so the tables are quite crammed.