HIMI
Tucked into the vibrant fabric of Soho’s Newburgh Street, Himi is a modern Japanese izakaya where Tokyo’s relaxed late-night spirit meets London’s culinary precision. Founded by Tamas Naszai and Tomoko Hasegawa—the acclaimed chef duo behind Mayfair’s Roji—Himi offers a more casual, soulful alternative to their Michelin-acclaimed work, while preserving the finesse and seasonality that made them a name to know. The neo-izakaya concept is brought to life through a menu of carefully composed small plates and charcoal-grilled dishes, including scallop isobe age, Yorkshire wagyu with Jerusalem artichoke, and their own playful take on kara-age. The setting is intimate yet strikingly modern, designed for those seeking high-level technique in a laid-back atmosphere. This is modern Japanese dining reimagined—precise, flavourful, and undeniably stylish. The drinks programme at Himi is curated by sake and wine expert Yuta Fujii, spotlighting rare imports from Yokohama’s revered Kimijimaya sake shop. SquareMeal praises Himi for delivering the relaxed intimacy of a Japanese backstreet joint with the edge and quality expected from two chefs at the top of their game, calling it “a stylish Soho hangout offering elegant but unpretentious Japanese fare.” The chef-led kitchen, seasonal Japanese menu, and natural wine list combine to make Himi a Soho hotspot for after-hours dining, sometimes offering seasonal sake pairings or exclusive dishes brought over from Roji. Open for lunch Wednesday to Saturday and dinner Tuesday to Saturday, Himi is ideal for casual fine dining, pre-theatre bites, or impromptu evenings centred around fire, umami, and discovery..
May 16, 2025