Just a stone’s throw from Green Park and tucked neatly between the elegance of Mayfair and the classic charm of St. James’s, Ginza St. James’s is where serious lovers of Japanese cuisine come to worship.
This isn’t just dinner – it’s a finely choreographed performance of precision, tradition and unashamed luxury. Whether you’re seated at the sushi counter or nestled in one of the serene dining booths, every plate at Ginza St. James’s whispers of heritage, seasonality and technique honed to perfection.
Step inside and you’re greeted by warm wooden panelling, dim lighting and an ambience that exudes calm confidence. The interior of Ginza St. James’s blends minimalist Japanese elegance with refined urban polish – all clean lines, cedar beams and an understated aesthetic that lets the food do the talking. The downstairs dining room feels intimate without being claustrophobic – a hushed, respectful space that sets the tone for what’s to come.
At the heart of Ginza St. James’s is an unwavering respect for the culinary codes of Japan. From binchotan-grilled seafood to intricately crafted sashimi, the menu is a love letter to washoku – traditional Japanese cuisine – executed with contemporary finesse.
The highly trained chefs at Ginza St. James’s work with meticulous discipline and deep reverence for the raw materials – think snow crab hand-rolled to order and black cod marinated for 72 hours. It’s a place where the time-honoured meets the modern, without compromise.
Drinks at Ginza St. James’s
Ginza’s cocktail menu is as artful as the cuisine. For depth and warmth, the Hakushu Old Fashioned leans into smoky Japanese whisky, underpinned by tonka bean syrup and Malagasy chocolate bitters – a sophisticated twist on a classic. The Omikami is punchy and confident – mezcal, Patron Silver, Aperitivo and grapefruit-thyme cordial – smoky, sharp and not for the faint-hearted.
The Hanami is a delicate, floral affair – Roku gin (crafted with sakura and sansho pepper), Yuzushu (a citrus liqueur), jasmine, Italicus, and Genmaicha (roasted rice green tea) rounded with a peppery whisper and foamed to velvet. Tenshi-Gao – served in a striking Fu Manchu ceramic tiki mug – pairs Aba Pisco with pistachio and herbaceous notes from a basil, sage and thyme cordial, topped with a grapefruit-rosemary tonic that zings with fragrance.
Starters at Ginza St. James’s
The Crispy Baby Squid arrive golden and feather-light, delicately coated in buttermilk batter then dusted with aonori (green seaweed flakes) for an oceanic punch, finished with a vibrant shiso dressing that adds herbal freshness. A perfect opener – moreish, balanced and beautifully judged.
The Tuna Tataki is a show-stealer – the akami (lean tuna) is applewood-smoked and lightly marinated in soy, bringing depth and savoury richness, cut through by a sharp ponzu.
A blue cheese gomadare (sesame dressing) adds a nutty funk that shouldn’t work but absolutely does – helping to make this Tuna Tataki a bold, thrilling plate.
Nasu Dengaku features grilled aubergine lacquered in sweet dengaku miso, served with shimeji mushrooms and padron pepper, its silkiness punctuated by puffed wild rice for textural contrast. It’s soft, sweet, smoky – a comforting and complex vegetarian dish with Kyoto roots.
Crispy Tofu arrives shatteringly crisp in its kataifi nest, giving way to silken miso-marinated tofu inside. A spicy shiso dressing dances on the palate – herbal, slightly peppery, adding brightness to every bite.
Tempura at Ginza St. James’s
The Scallop Tempura is ethereal – plump Jersey scallops delicately encased in an ultra-light batter, paired with a scallop roe XO mayo that is umami-rich and deeply indulgent. It’s a masterclass in restraint and richness, with texture to spare.
Seafood at Ginza St. James’s
The Caramelised Black Cod is sublime – marinated for 72 hours in miso and grilled until the surface glistens with a lacquered sheen. Inside, the flesh yields in buttery flakes, offset by red miso and crunchy bubu arare (tiny rice pearls) and lifted with the acidic tang of pickled daikon.
Octopus Yawarakani sees slow-cooked Spanish octopus finished over coals for a kiss of smoke. The flesh is tender yet toothsome, balanced by a shiso-yuzu romesco that’s both nutty and citric, and served alongside potato and cherry tomato for sweetness and bite.
Sushi & Sashimi at Ginza St. James’s
The 9-piece Sashimi Platter is a display of purity – salmon is buttery and clean, tuna rich with deep iron tones, and mackerel surprisingly light and umami-laden with a bright, vinegared snap. Each slice showcases the chef’s knife work and the quality of the fish in full.
The 9-piece Nigiri Platter is equally triumphant – warm, seasoned rice beneath perfectly sliced fish. No wasabi overload, no flashiness, just precise balance and restraint.
Maki is the most popular sushi roll and at Ginza St. James’s you are spoilt for choice when it comes to these delectable bites. We chose the Snow Crab California Maki and the Softshell Crab Maki to compare the flavours and textures of these two must-try sushi dishes.
The Snow Crab California Maki is a cooling, sweet bite – fresh crab meat folded with creamy mayo, cushioned by ripe avocado and crisp asparagus. It’s subtle and elegant, ideal for those who prefer delicate, clean flavours.
By contrast, the Softshell Crab Maki packs some crunch – the tempura crab is rich and savoury, the shiso leaf adds brightness, and the spicy mayo cuts through the richness with flair. A bold, brash mouthful – the extrovert to snow crab’s refined minimalism.
Sides at Ginza St. James’s
The Kimchi Fried Rice is a triumph – smoky, spicy, with enough fermented tang to cut through the richness of accompanying dishes. A jammy yolked fried egg and the decadent lift of black truffle take this humble dish to luxurious new heights.
The Verdict
Ginza St. James’s is a temple to Japanese culinary artistry – elegant, authentic, and pitch-perfect for a special occasion. Every dish reflects years of craftsmanship, from sashimi sliced with reverence to miso-marinated cod that simply melts. If you’re looking for impeccable service, extraordinary seafood, and the serene elegance of Japan in central London, look no further. Ginza St. James’s is, quite simply, a class act.
Ginza St. James’s
15 Bury Street St. James’s London SW1Y 6AL
0203 862 7700
www.ginza-stjames.com
