Jugemu in City of London, Westminster

I must update my review because I received a very spiteful reply from the restaurant owner!! To my review, the owner commented in Japanese, "It’s crazy how cowardly you are to write all that and hide after."! Does he think if he write in Japanese, people cannot read what he wrote? I also didn't realised that I was expected to have a conversation with the owner about the review. Please find the photo attached. This is quite a scary experience for me. It tells something about this restaurant, isn't it. Please stay away. オーナーの方から日本語で酷いコメントを受けたため、レビューの更新です。日本語で書いたら現地の人は読めないと思っているのでしょうか。私の書いた店への批判に対して、レストランのオーナーシェフから「書くだけ書いといてトンズラとかすごいね」とのコメントが。レストランの口コミでオーナーと会話することが求められているとは思いもしませんでした。この様なメッセージを受け取って、恐ろしいというのが正直な気持ちです。この店での自分中心の酷いサービスや食べ物の質もそうですが、本当に存在しているのが残念な店です。 ----Below is my review in Feb 2022---- My evening was ruined by this restaurant. It was not my first time visiting. Food tastes fine, but the portion became shockingly small for the price. Chef/owner never spoke or looked at me even though I was asking him a question. Instead, a waiting staff would go up to him to relay what I just said and she passed me his message. What a DIVA!! After £60 per person, we were still hungry, as the even the largest dishes we ordered wouldn't even count as sides in any other restaurant. I asked for some water, and I was told to go and help myself from a crusty pound-shop jug located right next to the loo. When we ordered a hand-roll sushi, I was told that the menu is only available to people sitting at the counter as they have to be physically handed to the customer directly from the chef/owner's hand. I am born and raised Japanese and I have never heard of such nonsense before. If so, why does he serve the other sushi on a plate?? I hardly leave such negative reviews, but mine and my friend's experience was horrific. A business like this should not be allowed to keep going. The owner is ruining this town. Similarly to other reviewers, I also think the owner is a racist. He said Hello and was friendly to me before. But, when I visited this restaurant with non-Japanese friends, he ignored our group completely. Anyway, no more wasting money in this place.

The owner was the most rude person I have ever met, yelling “f***ing customer” to a person who requested a little bit more soy sauce. The waitresses were apologetics for his mad behavior and they even looked afraid of the bully he is. Food not worth the hassle, average at best.

VERY RUDE COOK/OWNER. STAY AWAY!!! Food is average but service is terrible. We saw him curse at customers and refuse to serve them for no reason. He is also very rude to his staff which are very scared at all times. Everybody should boycott this place so he learns that his business cannot exist without customers!

We were 14 minutes late (which we had informed them beforehand via email, as there is no phone number available). Apparently the limit is a 15 minutes hold, and there were lots of available tables. However, chef/ owner did not even bother speaking to us and instructed his poor waitress to reject us. She asked for his permission to let the 2 of us take a seat 3 times, so clearly there were tables. She was very sweet and apologetic, but the rude chef was so arrogant and rude - clearly took one look at us and did not like what he saw. It was a particularly hot evening, so it was probably no bad thing to be squashed in a small slightly dirty looking restaurant anyway. We ended up having a great supper at Ducksoup - that is worth a visit!

We left this restaurant feeling that we had just been mugged. The chef is a temperamental nightmare. Rude beyond words. The poor waiting staff are extremely anxious. The portions are microscopic. While the sushi is beautiful, the rest is really second rate. Beef tataki was almost frozen. The food came out in the wrong order...edamame came out last. And the prices are inexcusable....really shocking...and we don't mind spending money to dine out. We came here before Covid and were charmed (though the chef was grumpy even back then) but this is now definitely a place to avoid. Vote with your feet. This gentleman might learn that customers are part of what makes his business exist - or not.

Food was average, selection limited and staff treated us like we were an inconvenience. Restaurant is tired, hot and uncomfortable. Avoid.

Good quality sushi 🍣 at a reasonable price is hard to find in London, Jugemu manages to provide just that. Mostly Asian visitors, and unlike many so-called Japanese restaurants in London, this one is actually run by a Japanese chef and staff. I should know, I speak Japanese, so I know when the people running the restaurants are either Korean or Chinese. The only downside with this restaurant is that they don't maintain their website and you never know when they are open. The owner/chef is also very temperamental. However, the food is authentic as it gets in London without the posh interiors or the pretentiousness of the high-end Japanese restaurants in London. I know the food is authentic because I lived in Japanese.

We were met by one member of staff on the door who was very unwelcoming and tried to prevent me from joining my husband who was already there. Despite booking in advance, we were only told on the spot that there was a minimum spent of £30 excluding drinks. We were 4 including 2 children. Ordering was chaotic. The menu was not on a book like other restaurants but there were different menu, all on different flying pieces of papers, including some options on the wall. They also came with annoying rules, like you cannot have a temaki served on the table but only the bar. The food, to be fair, was good but extremely small. We ordered a octopus course and it came in a soy sauce ramekin and was cut so small and mixed with other things, we thought it was an accompaniment pickle to our food. There was probably one round slice of octopus in there just minced. We were given soy sauce for our sushi and there was so little sauce in the ramekin that it finished before my food. My miso soup cup was only hall full. They finished salmon and tuna and was only 7pm in the evening. Although the place looked authentic, the place was small and uncomfortable, the waiters made you feel like you were an inconvenience and the prices were there of a 5 stars place where in reality you are in what it feels like the back of a cabinet in soho, eating recombined left over food.

Horrible staff, horrible atmosphere. Have made a formal complaint to the council about the head staff members. AVOID AVOID AVOID Not worth your time or money

We booked a table here, in person, and after waiting an hour, they refused us entry because my wife is blind. It ruined a good day. Prejudice like this should not be tolerated.

味はよかったけれど値段の割に量がとても少ない。一番気になったのが接客の酷さ。丁寧な日本人らしいサービスは期待できない。2 回目行くことはないでしょう。

We had a booking at 8.30 we came at 8.41 and we are shown the door. Straight away. No explanation no apology no compromise. I am patient but this is too much. The CHEF IS SO BLOODY RUDE. STAY AWAY

Reservamos para cenar , fue horrible desde el principio, les molestaba explicarnos la carta . Después cuando quisimos pedir más platos nos dijeron directamente que no que ya estaba así , que habían cerrado la cocina. Pedimos más salsa de soja y no nos dieron más . Una experiencia muy mala y un mal rato . El dueño es un impresentable y maleducado .

They ran out of food halfway through dinner. It's complicate to order at the beginning as they bring you 3 different menus which you have to write on what you want. We were told we couldn’t order any more sushi or rolls but they kept seating more customers. They were also very "precious" with their soy sauce - when we asked for more they literally gave us 10 drops. We had to pay for ginger and wasabi. Needless to say - I do not recommend. The prices are pretty steep, the owner was pretty rude too. They did not give us an itemized bill at the end so they could've charged whatever they want. The bill just said food $70, drinks $40. "Authentic" should not be an excuse for poor service.

Speechless!! Very authentic! But only to their own nationality!! Over priced food, miniature portions and wine served by half a bottle! With no recommendations, ordered the traditional omelette , 2 tiny cubes of scrambled egg arrived! Sushi was terribly poor & edamame beans out of a microwave! Staff were okay but the owner/chef ?!!! Resurrected from the kitchen screaming & shouting to a customer who asked for something as an extra (wasabi) ! First thought it was an entertainment act but soon realised it was his manor!! Avoid at all costs!! ..and trust me it will cost you ! Japanese girl smoking some substance beside us! ..and falling asleep at table ! …ignored by all staff! That was more entertaining !! Never ever again 🙈 !!

This place is just wonderful, if you treat the staff with respect, you will get what you invest. The food is just star michelin level. I have eaten here many times, and have never been disappointed. Ask for the specials (normally written in Japanese on the walls). Not your average typical sushi place, but proper authentic Japanese food with so much flavor -umami, you will come back for more! Yes, the chef is very concentrated, and is passionate about food. It's a very unique and special place. Can't wait to come again!!

Too expensive and rude and also racist servers and chef/owner, I would never ever coming back again.

Had to wait for food for an hour and a half (no exaggeration) despite having chased our order so many times. No meaningful apology from the staff or the owner. We wanted to order more but were told last order had passed considering our food arrived 15 mins before last order! Now at home eating fried rice

This was my third or fourth visit. Each time different, but each time very enjoyable. It’s a very small place, perhaps 25 places when full but this adds to the authentic feel. The food is good and we found the service was just right. Give...

I am a native Japanese and am very selective when it comes to my home country food. Jugem is amongst a very few decent Japanese restaurants in London. I call it authentic where I don't mind paying what it costs. Unlike other Fake Japanese restaurants...

Basically did not want us in there. The restaurant was empty. Said that we had booked at a different time which was a lie. Even if we had booked at that time we were 15 minutes late so they should have been able to accommodate.

Tasty food but wildly overpriced. The place has a very authentic feel having been in Japan several times, which is probs it’s greatest perk

By far the worst service I’ve experienced in London, the chef is very rude and bad mouths customers in front of them in Japanese, probably assuming they don’t speak the language!!! Food is not worth the price. Refused to give extra wasabi and soy sauce...

If you love Japan and Japanese food you will appreciate this adorable Soho gem.While sushi has become popular across London, this is above all-it’s how Japanese food should taste when created with care and attention.Quirky, authentic, atmospheric and most of all delicious.

I don’t know where to start, walking into the restaurant feels great thanks to the nice decor but near immediately, you feel confronted by staff that seem to wish you weren’t there. Having felt a bit put off, we still went ahead thinking we may...

Very bad service. The foods are expensive but the quality is not worth the price. The waitress kept ignoring us. Extremely long waiting time. We had waited 1.5hr for the food.

I heard many good things about this restaurant but left very disappointed. We were told to wait one hour for the sushi. After waiting 1h45min we left after only receiving 3 fried dishes and 2 drinks. Many people say that their experience was a positive...

I had high hopes, as I’d been told this was some of the best food outside of Japan. The first 3 dishes were great, then 45m later and no sign of anything else. As soon as we asked, they rushed off to the back and...

This is one of those places that you cannot tell which city you are in once you are inside. One of our favourite restaurants in town and we have been regulars wince the opening in 2017. We have also been to Japan many times and...

This place is simply special. The food is tasty, fresh and fun; better than a lot I’ve eaten in Japan. The staff will help if you ask questions kindly. Do not expect full-on fawning table service. Staff are busy and not always sure of themselves....

Pros-The food we have had on 3 separate occasions has always been tasty and good. The staff we’re busy but friendly and efficient. 4 stars. Cons- The manner of the chef is somewhat disappointing. His treatment of the female staff is questionable and sadly is...

To begin, food was not bad. However, service was extremely slow and we waited close to 2 hours for our Omakase. The bill at the end was confusing and frustrating. On the receipt there was only “FOOD” and “DRINKS”, no break-down of what we ordered...

Probably the best sushi bar outside Japan that I had the chance to enjoy! Everything was top quality. Great experience.

One of the worst restaurant experience I had in years. The staff was completely unprepared to take even the most simple order. They even have hidden from us an important part of the menu. Other tables (probably regular customers) were served dishes that weren't on...

I have been visiting Jugemu (and previously Kirazu) for years. This is without a doubt the best Japanese restaurant I have been to outside Japan, sushi is better than the top Mayfair spots and other dishes are also to die for. If you like authenticity...

Worst sushi I ever been: very filthy and extremely long waiting. A cook/owner full of sweat that preparare food in his bar hands in front of everybody, preparations are also tried with his hands or chopsticks that are reused to preparare plates. The owner/cook touched...

I very rarely complain in restaurants but the service was so slow and the staff were so rude that I had to. The food is average and it took 1.5-2 hours to come. When we asked where our food was after 1.5 hours, they said...

The place looks like a dump to start. I asked for water with ice. They said they will not give you ice, unless you purchase bottled water. The water was tucked away on a shelf, behind other diners, and the water glass was so small...

Terrible. Unprofessional chef. We ordered Omakase and told the chef our food preferences/allergies for shell fish. We have been to many top Japanese restaurants around the world and never had a professional sushi chef refused to take into consideration of food allergies. We also requested...

They discriminate against people who are not Japanese. I had the worst consumer service here for many years. The food was nothing special either. Our experience here nearly ruined our night, but we went somewhere else and it was much better. There should be no...

I certainly think this place offers an authentic Japanese dining experience. It is so authentic that my friends thought I was in Japan by looking at the photos. It is a very small restaurant, can sit around 20 people max I would say. But there...

Ignore the bad reviews, if you truly love exquisite food, this is the place to be. True authentic Japanese soul food, fresh fish, so full of umami/ flavour that it will rock your tastebuds! The marinated mackerel, mushrooms with egg & truffle oil and the...

Beautiful, super cool little restaurant. I’ve lived in japan and the food was the best I’ve ever had - including when there. It’s very authentic, so if youre expecting wagamamas or other mcjapanese versions of the real thing, you might be disappointed. Fabulous value. The...

After a not great movie we ate at Jugemu and what a delight is was ...The two of us had stools at the bar, the staff could not have been mote friendly. The other dinners were "edgy"...girl with blue/green hair with girlfriend next to us...

We love Japanese food, have eaten our way through the length of Japan and numerous Japanese restaurants in London. It was surprising to be told today, for the first time, how sushi should be eaten: "The chef does not want you to put ginger on...

I came here with friends for an evening out. When you eat under the eye of a great chef you have two choices- to enjoy the experience in the vision of someone who is clearly dedicated to his profession and is doing everything in his...

Quirky Izakaya in Central Soho which doens't seem to have fixed opening hours (or ever answer the phone) but is worth it if you can get in. One man band chef with some assistants - very popular with Japanese company types for a late night...

I read about this place in Time Out and it sounded great - small place with authentic Japanese food. I love Japanese and have tried most places from Eat Tokyo at one end to 2 michelin The Araki at the other The food at Jugemu...

We booked a table for 2 at 6.30 on a tuesday. We arrived 10 minutes late and the guy refused to serve us although the restaurant was empty except for two dinners. I am never going there again

I do not understand the negative comments at all. I came for lunch, as I entered, a very nice lady greeted me and told me I could sit wherever I wanted. I greeted the chef, he seems shy and introvert, but he has a lovely...

"Respect for ourselves guides our morals, respect for others guides our manners." Before earning respect as a chief, first earn your respect as a human being.

Brilliant food. Really well thought out, beautifully crafted. Fantastic value (please feel free to recommend me somewhere better for the price). Personally had no problem with the (polite and attentive) service. Even the music was good. A real hidden gem. 5 star food in a...

As other reviewers have noted, portions are quite small, and not cheap; the restaurant is small with only a few seats. But those who prefer eating well to eating a lot won't be disappointed; likewise, value for money is also good.

The food was beautifully prepared, looked fantastic and the flavours were exceptional. Ordering was an experience, but we had a great time. The food was delicious. The handrails were stunning, and we had slivers of duck breast, some kind of pork broth, dumplings etc -...

Just go. The reviews here are all right in their way. It is a bit chaotic. The chef is slightly taciturn. He also has a great smile. The waitress was perfectly calm and helpful. Most of all, above all, the food is fab. It is...

food was delicious. Definitely worth a try. Service was on point unlike some of the reviews we had read on TripAdvisor. Simple decor. Very enjoyable

Been here several times now. A real family run place, with the kid of the owner sleeping on the bench at the end of the day. My kind of place. The problem is that the place is soooo small that you can hardly find a...

Went last night for the first time with a friend. We had some of the best sushi I have ever eaten. I couldn't recommend this place highly enough. Whilst it is not the most comfortable of restaurants, that isn't why you come somewhere like this....

very authentic food and service in a small traditional izakaya. the place is small and cramped but it is all part of the charm. maybe the ones with bad reviews didnt like the traditional style and food. there is so many good you can't get...

The food was ok, but the portions were miniature! Not the best sushi I've had and overpriced for the amount you get. However it was the service and the owner that were awful! I asked the waitress what fish they had as an alternative to...

My friend highly recommend this little izakaya on a hidden corner of soho. Then I googled it and found many negatively reviews, mainly on a "rude" master. I made a reservation and arrived earlier than expected, staff and master was friendly. Surprisingly nearly half of...

The chef in this restaurant is possibly the most rude and aggressive person I have ever come across and clearly has issues. He shouted homophobic and sexist abuse at myself and our group on our visit. I would strongly recommend avoiding unless you are desperate.

We have been here two times so far. After visiting Tokyo 5 times over last years we have become a fan of the local Jaoanese food culture and this place is the closest we could find in London. The sushi is exceptionally good.. the tapas...

If you have eaten good Japanese food in Japan, then you will understand why this place is worth 5 stars - if you haven't... then you should still find this food amazing. This place not only gives you the most authentic Japanese food in London,...

Shamefully rude chef forgotten the one fundamental of any good restaurant: good customers service. We tried to book a table on Saturday and been told that they don't do reservation & only accept walk-in on Saturday. We then arrive at 7pm prepared to queue for...

In my entire 7 years life in the UK, I can confirm that this was the worst ever restaurant I have ever been. The owner doesn't care if customers, we waited 20mins to just to get a drink, and after another 20mins we finally had...

After the recent Guardian review of this restaurant, I was looking forward to a decent and authentic Japanese meal. Authentic? I guess as much as London can provide.However, decent - sadly it was not. Let's get down to business - service was like any of...

Booked a table for 4 last minute as craving light Japanese bites and this cute little izakaya did not disappoint. Food was amazing mostly. I absolutely adored the soba noodle as well as the tofu age dashi, the broth was so delicious. Tempura was light...

We discovered this place quite serendipitously, and have simply fallen in love with it. Don't be surprised if you are the only Caucasian in there. The food is authentic, tasty and well presented. The variety is astounding but most notably the service is spot on....

cozy jap sashimi cafe operated by japanese husband chef and wife providing sit doen counter service. lunch menu sashimi is delicious.