Affordable Japanese Food in London’s Soho: Eat Tokyo

If you’re living abroad and craving a familiar taste, Eat Tokyo offers a solid option for Japanese food in London. Since arriving in the UK, I hadn’t had a proper Japanese meal until I visited Eat Tokyo. The food brought back that comforting, familiar feeling I’d been missing. With several locations across London, the Soho branch is especially convenient — right next to Chinatown and close to major attractions. It’s a popular spot among both Asian locals and international visitors.

During peak hours, the restaurant is usually packed, with many Asian customers filling the space. It almost felt like being back in an East Asian city. I visited with a group of friends, and we ordered a table full of rice-based dishes — oyakodon, unagi don, tonkatsu curry, and more. The menu has plenty of choices, and portions are generous. Ramen options are more limited in comparison.

One of the best surprises was the price. Most meals range from £7 to £9, which is very reasonable by London standards. For students or budget travellers, Eat Tokyo is a great find and easy to revisit.

Chicken Teriyaki Bento (£8.50): The portion is large — a full-size Japanese bento. Rice and chicken are served in equal amounts. The tofu side was less impressive — a bit oily and heavy after a few bites.
Chicken Teriyaki Donburi (£7.90): This one’s a personal favourite. If you’re really hungry, it’s a great choice — packed with rice and tender chicken. The teriyaki sauce is well-balanced, not too salty or sweet.
Oyakodon (£7.70): This one is lighter in flavour, good if you’re dining with kids. (Fun fact: “Oyakodon” means “parent and child” — the dish combines chicken and egg in one bowl. Slightly dark if you think about it, but it tastes great. Best not to overthink it!)

The restaurant space is comfortable, and there’s also basement seating. Even when it gets busy, the wait time isn’t long, and the staff moves quickly. Whether you’re travelling, studying, or on a working holiday in London, Eat Tokyo is a reliable place to enjoy rice dishes and familiar flavours. It’s rare to find this kind of value in the city, and once you try it, you’ll probably want to go back.

📍Eat Tokyo Soho
16 Old Compton St, London W1D 4TL United Kingdom