Moi

Redefining Japanese food in London 

Sashmi of tuna, trout, sea bream and red mullet

Moi sits on a busy Soho street that never really switches off, but stepping inside feels like lowering the volume on the city rather than escaping it entirely. It sits in Soho with the quiet confidence of a place that doesn’t need to announce itself, and that same restraint carries straight through to the food. This is Japanese-inspired cooking that leans into precision rather than spectacle, and the menu reads like a carefully edited statement rather than a list designed to impress by volume. There is a reason why I am back again for Moi for my 3rd visit.

Temaki of tuna and urchin

A5 wagyu nigiri

Tuna, scallop, red mullet, fatty tuna, brill, trout and trout roe

Lamb belly skewer

A piece of red mullet sashimi isn’t just fresh, it’s cut with precision that changes how it feels in the mouth, the texture clean and almost silky, seasoned just enough to bring out its natural sweetness. The sea urchin and tuna temaki is another highlight, especially in the way the rice is handled. It’s slightly warm, gently seasoned, and pressed just enough to hold together before falling apart in the mouth. A grilled brill is handled with care, the char never overpowering the ingredient beneath it. It comes with a light glaze that adds savoury richness without masking its character. A potted rice that contained mushrooms and truffles is treated with the respect it deserves, each grain distinct and gently sticky, anchoring the meal and making even the simplest toppings feel complete.

Grilled red mullet

Baked Rice, Scottish Girolles, Cacklebean Egg With Black Truffle

Cornish Brill, Trompettes, Miso Butter, Cod’s Roe Sauce

Baked rice, shortrib, sesame, onions

What makes Moi stand out in a city crowded with Japanese restaurants is that it doesn’t try to compete on spectacle, trendiness, or exclusivity. Instead, it focuses on consistency, balance, and a clear point of view on open-fire cooking to deliver something very interesting and unusual. This is a restaurant for people who enjoy eating thoughtfully, who care about how food is prepared and served, and who appreciate subtlety over drama. It’s equally well suited to a quiet solo dinner at the counter, a relaxed meal with a close friend, or a low-key celebration where the food does the talking.

Food 4/5


Average cost without drinks and services:
£85

84 Wardour St, London W1F 0TQ

https://moirestaurant.com/