Christoff.ai

Jinkichi

restaurants•
London
London

Jinkichi

73 Heath St, London NW3 6UG, United Kingdom

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked away on Heath Street, Jinkichi delivers what might be London's most authentic slice of Tokyo izakaya culture. This compact multi-level gem has earned a reputation as the 'best-value high-quality Japanese in London' – though that comes with some distinctly Tokyo-style trade-offs that you'll need to embrace.

Jinkichi: Tokyo's Soul Transplanted to Hampstead Heath

Where authentic izakaya energy meets London's leafy village charm

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Step through those noren curtains and you're transported straight to a Tokyo back-street joint. The multi-level space maximises every inch with ground-floor counter seating where you can watch the robata action unfold, plus cozy tatami rooms tucked upstairs and downstairs. Wooden finishes dominate the aesthetic, while smoky robata aromas fill the air – it's authentically bustling with an energy level that scores a solid 7.8 out of 10. The sophistication hits 6.5, striking that perfect izakaya balance between refined technique and dive-bar accessibility. Don't expect spaciousness though – this is compact dining that mirrors Tokyo's space constraints. The atmosphere genuinely captures that authentic Tokyo energy, complete with the hurried pace and intimate quarters that define the real izakaya experience.

Food & Drink

The robata counter is where the magic happens, showcasing 16 varieties of yakitori skewers grilled before your eyes. Beyond the skewers (priced at £1.80-£3.50 each), the menu spans glistening sashimi, miso black cod, mixed tempura, udon, and bento boxes. The signature Hampstead roll adds a local touch to the otherwise traditional lineup. Lunch sets range from £9.80-£19.80, offering exceptional value for this level of authenticity. The sake flights, shōchū, and Japanese whisky selection properly complement the food. While the quality earns rave reviews for authenticity and technique, the experience is designed for efficiency rather than leisurely exploration – very much in the Tokyo tradition where quality meets speed.

Service & Experience

The service embodies authentic Tokyo izakaya style – friendly but decidedly hurried. Staff operate under the pressure of a strict 1.5-hour seating limit, which creates an unavoidably rushed dining experience. This isn't leisurely British dining; it's Tokyo efficiency transplanted to Hampstead. Advance booking is absolutely essential – spontaneity scores just 4.2 out of 10 here. The team knows their craft and keeps things moving, but don't expect lingering conversations with your server. It's professional and knowledgeable, just operating at Tokyo pace rather than London's more relaxed dining rhythm.

Value for Money

With lunch sets starting at £9.80 and a typical dinner spend of £35-£55 per person, Jinkichi delivers remarkable value for authentic Japanese cuisine in one of London's priciest neighbourhoods. The individual yakitori skewers at £1.80-£3.50 each allow for flexible ordering, while the lunch deals represent exceptional value. Given Hampstead's generally inflated prices, this represents genuine affordability for quality Japanese dining. The price level sits at 2 out of 4, making it accessible without compromising on authenticity. However, the 1.5-hour time limit means you're paying for efficiency rather than a leisurely experience – factor that into your value calculation.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Lunch service (Tuesday-Sunday, 12:30pm-2:15pm) offers the best value with those £9.80-£19.80 sets. Dinner service runs 6pm-10pm, but advance booking is absolutely essential. Avoid if you're hoping for spontaneous dining – the low flexibility score of 3.5 means planning ahead is crucial.

What to Focus On

Secure a counter seat for the full experience – watching those 16 yakitori varieties being grilled is half the appeal. The lunch sets deliver exceptional value, while the miso black cod and signature Hampstead roll are standout dishes. Don't miss the sake flights to complete the authentic experience.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Book the counter seat for maximum experience – watching the chefs work their magic on those yakitori skewers up close is where the real theatre happensEmbrace the 1.5-hour limit rather than fighting it – this is Tokyo-style efficiency, not leisurely London diningThe lunch deals represent some of Hampstead's best dining value – perfect for experiencing the quality without the dinner price point

The Final Verdict

Jinkichi succeeds brilliantly at what it sets out to do – deliver authentic Tokyo izakaya culture to London. The uniqueness score of 8.2 reflects just how rare this level of authenticity is. Yes, it's cramped and rushed, but that's precisely what makes it genuine. The quality justifies the reputation, the value impresses for the location, and the experience transports you. Just understand you're signing up for Tokyo rules, not London leisure. If you can embrace the pace and book ahead, you'll discover why locals rave about this Hampstead gem.

Christoff's Rating:
7.8/10

Perfect For:

Tokyo izakaya veterans seeking authentic atmosphereValue-conscious diners wanting quality Japanese in expensive HampsteadDate night diners who appreciate intimate, bustling energy over spacious romance

Quick Details

1

Jinkichi

⭐️ Authentic tokyo energy
⭐️ Robata counter dining
⭐️ Tatami rooms
⭐️ Sake flights

The robata counter at this Hampstead izakaya delivers pure theater , watch chefs work their magic on 16 varieties of yakitori while the smoky aromas transport you straight to Tokyo's back streets. This multi-level space buzzes with authentic energy, from the ground-floor counter to cozy tatami rooms upstairs and down. The lunch sets at £9.80-£19.80 represent exceptional value for this quality, while evening sake flights and Japanese whisky selections create the perfect izakaya experience. The noren curtains and wooden finishes complete the authentic atmosphere that draws both Japanese expats and local food lovers seeking genuine Tokyo flavors.

What's Great

✓ 16 yakitori varieties grilled fresh at robata counter

✓ Exceptional lunch value in upscale Hampstead location

Keep in Mind

× Strict 1.5-hour seating limit creates rushed dining atmosphere

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Book the counter seat for maximum theater and arrive early for the full yakitori experience

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Tue-Sun: 12:30pm-2:15pm, 6pm-10pm; Mon: Closed"
📍73 Heath St, London NW3 6UG, United Kingdom
💷£££
📞+44 20 7794 6158
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

Jinkichi has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

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Tokyo Flavors in London: Authentic Japanese Dining Guide 2025

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