Business Details
Authentic Japanese Dining Experience in London
Zen Mondo Japanese Dining is a family-run establishment dedicated to delivering authentic, fresh, and modern Japanese cuisine in a welcoming environment. Founded with a passion for Japanese culinary traditions, we pride ourselves on being the only restaurant in Islington with a Japanese owner and chefs, ensuring an unparalleled level of authenticity. Our menu features meticulously prepared sushi, sashimi, and hot dishes like Sukiyaki and Ishikari Nabe, alongside bespoke catering services for events of all sizes. We prioritise quality ingredients and traditional techniques, offering a cosy dining experience just five minutes from Angel station. With a philosophy centred on 'nourishment for body and soul,' we strive to create memorable meals that balance refinement and approachability.Our team combines decades of culinary expertise with a commitment to hospitality, ensuring every guest feels valued. Whether dining in, ordering takeout, or attending a private event, customers benefit from our attention to detail and dedication to preserving Japanese culinary heritage. We partner with delivery platforms like Deliveroo and Uber Eats for convenience, while our seasonal ceramics collection adds a unique cultural touch to the experience. Customer testimonials consistently highlight our fresh ingredients, attentive service, and ability to make traditional Japanese cuisine accessible to Londoners.
Services
Sushi
Sashimi
Hot Dishes
Bento Boxes
Catering
Ceramics Sale
Takeaway
Delivery
Private Events
Seasonal Menus
Highlights and features
- We are the only Japanese-owned and operated restaurant in Islington
- Our menu features fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared using traditional techniques
- We offer bespoke catering services for private and corporate events
- Our chefs have decades of combined experience in Japanese cuisine
- We provide both modern and traditional dishes to suit diverse palates
What people say
Fresh food
Friendly service
Excellent sushi
Delicate refined food
Fantastic service
Services
Sushi & Sashimi
Our sushi and sashimi selection showcases the freshest seasonal fish, prepared using traditional Japanese techniques. We offer classic nigiri, hand rolls, and specialty sets like the Zanmai Chirashi. Each piece highlights the natural flavours of premium ingredients sourced daily.
Hot Dishes
Traditional Japanese hot dishes feature slow-braised meats, tempura, and hot pots prepared with authentic methods. Signature items include Butakaku pork belly and Sukiyaki beef hot pot. Ingredients are carefully selected to maintain regional authenticity and depth of flavour.
Catering Services
We provide bespoke Japanese catering for private and corporate events with custom menus. Our team creates authentic dining experiences ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale functions. Menus can include sushi stations, bento boxes, or multi-course traditional meals.
Bento Boxes
Freshly prepared bento boxes combine traditional Japanese dishes in convenient takeaway format. Each box contains a balanced selection of rice, protein, and vegetables. Ideal for office lunches or home dining with easy reheating instructions provided.
Ceramics Sale
We sell handcrafted Japanese ceramics created by owner Akemi, featuring traditional glazing techniques. Pieces are available for purchase during restaurant hours and include tableware like plates, bowls, and teacups. Each item reflects the aesthetic principles of Japanese craftsmanship.
Questions
What Japanese dishes do you specialise in?
We focus on authentic sushi, sashimi, and hot dishes like Sukiyaki and Butakaku. Our menu also includes bento boxes and seasonal specials.
Do you offer catering services?
Yes, we provide custom Japanese catering for events with menus tailored to your requirements, from casual to formal settings.
Are reservations available?
We don't take bookings via our website, but you can call us directly at 020 7502 2078 after 5pm for reservations.
Can I order takeaway?
Yes, our bento boxes and full menu items are available for takeaway or delivery through Deliveroo and Uber Eats.
What are your opening hours?
We're open Tuesday-Saturday 5pm-9:30pm and Sunday 11am-4:30pm. Closed Mondays and Sunday evenings.
Do you sell Japanese ceramics?
Yes, we showcase handcrafted ceramics by our owner Akemi, available for purchase during restaurant opening hours.
Reviews (5)
Yasmin El-Mallah
Jan 07, 2022
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A wonderful meal - the sushi was tasty and fresh. Service was very pleasant. Recommend the 2 day braised pork and lychee granite. We will be returning.
Neta Oren
Sep 30, 2021
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Excellent! Great food, great service, amazing ceramics and presentation and lovely atmosphere. The matcha ice cream had a very unique flavor which I never tasted before.
Virginie Quach
Jul 15, 2021
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The food is so fresh!! By far the best japanese restaurant in Angel. Highly recommend it. Already went there a couple of times and keep going back. The service is excellent. I recommend the soft shell roll and the nigiri set. The prawn tempura roll is also to die for.
Sanskriti Naik
Apr 09, 2021
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Great tempura! This place offers a quiet relaxing ambience with soothing music. Simple but tasty udon with great service.
Edit post owners reply: Really striking the owner feels the need to rubbish the review considering I gave this place 4 stars, regardless of when I visited. I have been eating here for 3 years - your treatment of customers is rubbish. Do you feel the need to rubbish because you are not confident about your cooking or just frustrated because of the pandemic? Dont get angry at your customers - I will not be eating here anymore. Good luck with your business, dont be rubbish
Edit post owners reply: Really striking the owner feels the need to rubbish the review considering I gave this place 4 stars, regardless of when I visited. I have been eating here for 3 years - your treatment of customers is rubbish. Do you feel the need to rubbish because you are not confident about your cooking or just frustrated because of the pandemic? Dont get angry at your customers - I will not be eating here anymore. Good luck with your business, dont be rubbish
ElliotNYC
Oct 22, 2019
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We had a deliveroo order. The 1 star is because the chicken gyoza was raw, which is a big no-no. Not just undercooked, but raw (see photos). We did eat the rest. The rolls (shrimp tempura roll and soft shell crab roll and yellowtail roll) were ok, but not especially notable. Chirashi bowl is ok as well, but I feel somewhat uninspired, with 1 strip each of 6 types of seafood. I suspect the deliveroo presentation may not be fully representative of the fine-dining experience but I'm not that interested in returning to find out. Going for a balanced review here and unfortunately negatively skewed to
