First Look: Maki & Ramen Opens in London

Looking for a new spot to get sushi and noodles in the capital? Maki & Ramen are bringing their first London bricks and mortar store to the capital and we can’t wait…

  • Maki & Ramen are opening their first London branch this March
  • Opening in the former La Bodega Negra site on Old Compton Street
  • Brings a new mid-range Japanese dining experience
  • It will accommodate 110 covers
  • Will double-up as a bar

Maki & Ramen will launch its first bricks-and-mortar London restaurant in Soho on 6th March 2026. The UK restaurant brand – already widely established across England and Scotland – is opening in the former La Bodega Negra site on Old Compton Street, bringing a new mid-range Japanese dining experience to the heart of the capital. 

The Interiors of Maki & Ramen Soho

Maki & Ramen Soho will accommodate 110 covers and is designed to reflect the neighbourhood’s night-led energy. Drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese ramen shops, the interior design incorporates contemporary elements, featuring natural wood finishes, warm lighting, neon signage, and Japanese-inspired decor.

What Food Will be Served at Maki & Ramen Soho?

Maki & Ramen serves authentic and innovative Japanese dishes, offering an inclusive menu to suit every diet and taste, including vegetarian, vegan, and halal options. Its extensive menu features Japanese favourites – from sushi rolls to ramen bowls –  delivering premium-quality dishes that bridge the gap between high-end dining and grab-and-go convenience. Popular items include Black Garlic Tonkotsu Ramen, Hell Ramen, Halal Steak Tataki Ramen, Salmon Teriyaki Roll, Green Dragon Roll, Chicken Gyoza, Spicy Chicken Teriyaki Karaage, and Chicken Katsu Curry. 

What Drinks Will be Served at Maki & Ramen Soho?

The restaurant also boasts an impressive drinks list, ranging from Japanese-inspired beverages such as bubble teas and matchas – created in partnership with Perfect Ted – to unique soft drinks, including XOXO Drinks, which has crafted three sodas available exclusively at Maki & Ramen. 

The new Soho site has a 1AM alcohol licence and will double up as a late-night bar, bringing the downstairs of the former La Bodega Negra back to life. The cave-like bar will serve a curated range of alcoholic and alcohol-free drinks, from authentic Japanese beers, such as its signature Makiburi lager, to fruit-forward and tea-based cocktails and mocktails designed for Soho’s nightlife crowd. Serves include Cherry Blossom, Japanese Elixir and Hanami, while Geisha’s Kiss is the most immersive cocktail on the menu, combining rich colour and theatrical smoke adding a sense of spectacle to the drinking experience. 

Good to Know

Maki & Ramen was named Scotland’s Best Japanese Restaurant by Deliveroo in both 2024 and 2026 and has received multiple other high-profile accolades in the Japanese dining category. In 2026, the brand was also nominated for four Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Awards, including recognition for its partnership with Thistle Foundation.  

Committed to supporting local communities, Maki & Ramen works with dedicated charities in each of its locations. In London, it will partner with The Felix Project, donating £1 from every ramen sold on select days and times. 

Location & Other Essential Information

Maki & Ramen Soho will be located on Old Compton Street and open seven days a week from 11:30am to 1:00am. 

To mark the launch, Maki & Ramen will be offering £5 ramen to the first 100 people between 6th and 8th March. 

Teddy Lee, CEO of Maki & Ramen said: “We’ve been preparing for a London opening for a long time, and finally bringing Maki & Ramen to Soho feels incredibly special. Soho is electric – it’s where food, drink and late nights collide. Our Soho site has its own energy, designed for long dinners that turn into late nights. This is just the beginning of our London story, and we’re so excited to bring Maki & Ramen to even more neighbourhoods across the city very soon.” 

Maki & Ramen Soho 
Opening 6th March 2026 
9 Old Compton Street, London W1D 5JF 
Open 7 days a week, 11:30am – 1:00am 

Natasha Colyer
Natasha Colyerhttps://seeninthecity.co.uk
My name is Natasha and I am the Editor and Founder of Seen in the City. I have always loved to express myself creatively, most particularly through my writing, and after working for a number of other companies including Vogue and My Chic City I decided to head out on my own and Seen in the City was born. You can contact me on natasha@seeninthecity.co.uk

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