Tobi Masa is at the Chancery Rosewood hotel in Grosvenor Square, introducing Masayoshi 'Masa' Takayama’s renowned sushi artistry to London. Housed in the former US embassy, the restaurant combines minimalist Japanese discipline with the hush of quiet luxury in the beating heart of Mayfair.
Masayoshi Takayama is one of the most famous Japanese chefs in the world. He is the owner of Masa, a three-Michelin-starred sushi restaurant in New York, and also runs Bar Masa in New York and Las Vegas. Tobi Masa isn't his first foray to London - his name is also on a sushi counter in the Harrods Dining Hall - but this is his first solo, dedicated restaurant in the UK capital.
The dining room centres around a sleek sushi counter where pristine fish flown daily from Japan is transformed into serene, precisely cut nigiri, sashimi and more. Pale woods, soft lighting and pared-back furnishings create a contemplative space, while a separate cocktail bar feels discreet yet inviting for aperitifs before the tasting begins. The design offers balance and stillness, evoking a sense of ritual from the moment one steps inside.
The menu is rooted in chef-selected omakase and small plates that balance tradition and invention. Signature dishes include the Masa Toro Tartare crowned with caviar, and the Peking Duck tacos - a surprising nod to culinary playfulness. Seasonal British produce is woven into the tasting menu: silver trout from Scottish rivers, English morels and heritage vegetables arriving in elegant seasonal Japanese plates.
Drinks reflect the same refined attention. A curated selection of sake and Japanese spirits supports the journey without overshadowing it. Sauvignon Blanc and delicate Champagnes by the glass are available, and cocktails are artfully distilled to harmonise with fish and rice rather than compete.
Service is poised and understated. Teams dressed in tailored uniforms move with ease and confidence, subtly guiding diners through each course.
Tobi Masa delivers a sushi experience of ritualistic precision and unspoken luxury. It remains respectful of tradition while lightly embracing locality in its British ingredients. Far from flamboyant, it immerses diners in a moment of quiet engagement, where each slice, each sip and each gesture resonates with minimalist perfection.