RAI Restaurant London

We visited RAI for a 13-course omakase lunch to celebrate my wife’s birthday, and it was a memorable experience. The staff were extremely accommodating from start to finish, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The food was very good, and watching the chef prepare each piece of nigiri right behind the counter was a real highlight — a wonderful blend of craftsmanship and presentation.

The ambience of the restaurant is refined and intimate, adding to the overall enjoyment. However, the bar seating area felt a bit crowded, and having staff reach between diners to clear plates at times was slightly awkward. A little more spacing between seats would definitely improve the comfort. Additionally, while the Wagyu beef was delicious, it was pricey for the portion size. £45 for 3 pieces of Wagyu, poor value. I would avoid the À la carte bolt ons and just stick with the omakase set.

Overall, RAI offers a delightful omakase experience with excellent service, quality dishes, and a beautiful atmosphere — just with a few seating layout improvements that could make it even more enjoyable.

We had the counter-seating 11-course omakase, and each course showcased a range of flavours. We also added Kobe beef to share, priced at £65 for 100 grams. Unfortunately, the beef wasn’t particularly impressive and didn’t complement the meal well, as it was served right at the end after a series of delicate seafood courses. The 11-course omakase alone is already filling, and I wouldn’t recommend the add-ons.

My rating is based on comparisons with several omakase experiences I’ve had in Japan, and the experience at RAI fell short and at times felt awkward. The pacing was quite fast, leaving little time to savour each course, though I may simply be a slower eater. The server frequently reached between diners to clear plates, which was uncomfortable given the already tight counter seating. You constantly had to move to avoid the server’s elbow being close to your face. In most omakase settings, plates are usually collected from the counter instead to avoid this issue.

The main reason for my rating, however, is the misleading presentation of the “11-course” meal. It did not appear to be 11 courses. A very small bowl of miso soup was counted as a course, even though it was served alongside another item as a complimentary side. Even including the miso soup, the total still came to 10 courses. I politely asked about this and received a vague explanation that the side of miso soup was considered part of the 11-course offering. Maybe the bizarre shot of the chef’s rice wine at the end is counted as a course also?

Our dining experience was truly exceptional—an easy 10/10. The staff and chefs struck the perfect balance between professionalism and warmth. The food was of outstanding quality and honestly some of the best we’ve ever had. Absolutely worth every penny.

Went here for my wife’s birthday and it was amazing. The food was excellent and the experience felt really special. Only small downside was the staff being a bit pushy with recommendations - it would be nicer to let guests relax and enjoy it at their own pace.

I visited Rai for my birthday lunch as a solo diner and chose the 13-course Omakase. It was an incredible, intimate experience where the chef’s expertise really shone - each dish was beautifully crafted, and watching the skill and precision behind them made it even more special. The fish was unbelievably fresh and melted in my mouth; every course felt like a new favourite. Standouts for me were the butterfish, eel with grated black truffle, spicy scallop, and the black cod main.

The service was exceptional - attentive, friendly, and made me feel very welcome dining alone. A lovely surprise was a complimentary glass of champagne and a birthday dessert with a candle, which made the whole experience extra memorable.

Rai truly delivered a 5-star dining experience and made my birthday feel very special. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to enjoy a refined and beautifully thought-out omakase in London.

Order from RAI Fitzrovia