When Matsuri restaurant was opened in 1993 in the heart of Mayfair, we introduced not only traditional Japanese food, such as sushi and tempura, but also a new style of Japanese cuisine, Teppan-yaki, aimed at bringing the Japanese eating experience closer to Londoners’ hearts. The name 'Matsuri', which means 'festival' in Japanese, was chosen because Japanese festivals were traditionally linked to harvests and seen as a way of celebrating the best produce in each region.

Matsuri is a joint partnership between Central Japan Railway Company, the major Japanese high speed train operating company, and Kikkoman, the world's most famous soy sauce company.

The best possible ingredients

In Teppan-yaki, fresh fish, meat and vegetables are cooked by a chef on an iron grill in front of the customers. This style of cooking draws out the natural flavours, which are further enhanced by our head chef's continuing quest for the best possible ingredients, such as Yellowtail from Kyushu in Japan, flavoursome Japanese herbs and Aberdeen Angus beef.

Festival

On arrival, you are greeted by a gigantic mask made of washi paper and bamboo, which dominates the stairway leading from the bar to the softly-lit subterranean dining area. It is the symbol of one of the largest Japanese summer festival, called Nebuta. This festival theme is touched upon throughout the restaurant, such as in the colourful kimono worn by our waitresses.

We hope you enjoy our 'Festival of the Senses'.