Kiyoto Sushi West Hampstead — Restaurant in London

I've often found myself curious about this sushi restaurant every time I walked past it, and tonight, I finally decided to give it a try.

From the outside, this restaurant presents a very simple, unassuming facade. Inside, there's a sushi counter and some seating, but not much in the way of decor or atmosphere. It’s a simple setup, which might appeal to some.

The staff were a highlight of my visit. They were very helpful and attentive, ensuring that my experience was smooth from start to finish.

I chose to sit at the sushi counter, expecting the usual benefits of interaction and a more personal experience that such seating usually offers at sushi restaurants.

Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case here. The sushi chefs worked diligently but with little to no engagement, almost like they were on an assembly line, more focused on the efficiency of their tasks than on creating amazing sushi or connection with diners.

When I saw the menu, my disappointment grew. The selection was quite limited, with the focus squarely on salmon, tuna, and prawns.

If you’re looking for a broader range of sushi options or something more authentic, you won’t find it here.

However, when the sushi did arrive, I was reasonably pleased. The nigiri was well-made, the fish fresh, and the portions were a good size. The quality of the sushi itself was solid, and I appreciated that it was all reasonably priced.

It seems that the owner has made a deliberate choice to focus on the most commonly ordered types of sushi—salmon, tuna, and prawns—perhaps to cater to delivery orders or those looking for a quick meal.

While this strategy might work for some, it also means that dining in feels more like eating in a sushi factory than in a traditional sushi restaurant with a warm, inviting atmosphere.

In summary, this restaurant is a great option if you need quick, good-quality, and reasonably priced salmon, tuna, or prawn sushi.

But if you’re craving a more authentic Japanese sushi experience with a wider variety of options and a more engaging atmosphere, this might not be the...

If you’re looking for authentic Chinese cuisine in London, Kiyoto Sushi is a must-visit. Tucked away in West Hampstead, this spot offers a perfect blend of traditional flavors and a modern dining experience.

The menu is extensive, featuring everything from classic dim sum to flavorful Sichuan dishes. We started with the dumplings, which were perfectly crafted—thin, delicate wrappers filled with juicy, well-seasoned meat. The crispy duck with pancakes was a highlight, with beautifully crisp skin and succulent meat. For mains, the mapo tofu packed just the right amount of spice, and the stir-fried beef with black bean sauce was incredibly tender.

Service was efficient and friendly, with staff happy to make recommendations. The ambiance strikes a balance between cozy and stylish, making it great for both casual meals and special occasions. Prices are reasonable given the quality, and portion sizes are generous.

Overall, Kiyoto Sushi delivers an excellent Chinese dining experience in the heart of London. Whether you’re after a comforting bowl of noodles or a full banquet-style feast, this place won’t disappoint. Highly...

We were asked to sit at the counter, which is ok, but half of it was used by the chef to hold bottles of sanitizer next to kitchen rolls and dirty equipment. He had a container of rice that he kept refilling by adding the fresh rice on top of old rice when it was getting low. VERY DANGEROUS. On top of that while we sit at the counter for 1.5h the chef never changed his gloves once or washed his hands after touching his face. The hot food was not bad, but I had to gather some courage to eat the sushi, hoping not to get a food poisoning.

Imagine going out on a date and having to eat on a table next cleaning products, equipment and the container of the sushi rice that the chef used for the service. The food was not bad per se, but the whole experience was extremely...