Christoff.ai

Mitsuba

restaurants•
London
London

Mitsuba

92 North End Rd, London W14 9EX, United Kingdom

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked away on North End Road, this 20-seat Japanese café has mastered the art of transporting you straight to Tokyo without the jet lag. With its shoes-off tatami seating, Totoro figurines, and those viral red-bean buns, Mitsuba has carved out a unique niche in London's crowded Japanese dining scene.

Mitsuba: West Kensington's Kawaii Corner of Tokyo

Where Totoro buns meet tatami seating in London's most Instagram-worthy Japanese hideaway

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Step into Mitsuba and you're immediately struck by how authentically they've captured that mini Tokyo café energy. The warm wood décor creates an intimate, homely vibe that feels worlds away from the bustling North End Road outside. The tatami-style seating at the front tables requires you to slip off your shoes – a charming touch that adds to the authentic Japanese experience. Totoro figurines scattered throughout the space give it that kawaii aesthetic that's become their signature, while soft J-pop provides the perfect soundtrack. With only 20 seats, the space feels genuinely cosy and intimate rather than cramped. The venue scores high on uniqueness (7.8/10) and trendy factor (7.2/10), which is immediately apparent from the moment you walk in. It's relaxed and flexible (8.5/10) – perfect for solo work sessions or catching up with friends at your own pace.

Food & Drink

The menu strikes a solid balance between comfort and quality, with teriyaki chicken bento bowls at £11.99 leading the charge alongside miso salmon, beef gyudon, and fresh sushi and sashimi options. The real stars, however, are the signature items that have made this place Instagram gold. Those Totoro red-bean buns are every bit as photogenic as promised, while the rotating Basque cheesecakes in matcha, yuzu, and berry-pistachio flavours show genuine creativity. The beverage program includes lavender-matcha lattes at £4.90 and hojicha drinks that complement the Japanese comfort food perfectly. Everything arrives with that Instagram-perfect plating that's become their calling card. While I can't speak to every dish's execution, the focus on both visual appeal and Japanese comfort food traditions suggests a kitchen that understands its audience.

Service & Experience

The counter-ordering system keeps things casual and efficient, with dishes brought to your table once prepared. This approach fits perfectly with the relaxed, café-style atmosphere they've cultivated. The venue offers free Wi-Fi, making it genuinely solo work-friendly as advertised. With a Google rating of 4.6/5 stars, customer satisfaction appears consistently high. The pace is deliberately relaxed, which works well for the intimate setting but could mean longer waits during peak times given the limited 20-seat capacity.

Value for Money

At a price level of 2/4, Mitsuba delivers on its promise of being affordable for London standards while maintaining quality. Mains ranging from £8-£16 with an overall price range of £8-£48 makes it genuinely accessible, especially for the West Kensington area. The lunch specials offer particularly good value, and the fact that it's tagged as both student-friendly and quality-without-splurge suggests they've found that sweet spot between affordability and substance. When you factor in the unique atmosphere, Instagram-worthy presentation, and authentic touches like tatami seating, the pricing feels fair for what you're getting.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Queue up at 11:30am for lunch to beat the rush – with only 20 seats, lunch hours can mean significant wait times. The venue is open daily from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, except for 25-26 December and 1 January.

What to Focus On

Don't miss the signature Totoro red-bean bun and try one of the rotating Basque cheesecakes for maximum Instagram impact. The teriyaki chicken bento bowl at £11.99 offers solid value, while the lavender-matcha latte pairs perfectly with the kawaii atmosphere.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Grab the tatami corner seating for maximum cozy vibes and optimal photo angles with the Totoro figurinesThe venue accepts both cash and cards, so payment flexibility isn't an issueIt's just 5 minutes from the tube station, making it easily accessible despite being slightly off the beaten path

The Final Verdict

Mitsuba succeeds brilliantly at what it sets out to do – creating an authentic slice of Tokyo café culture in West Kensington. The combination of genuine Japanese touches, Instagram-worthy food presentation, and reasonable pricing makes it a standout in London's Japanese dining scene. Yes, the 20-seat capacity means you'll need to time your visit carefully, and the energy level is decidedly calm rather than buzzy. But for what it is – a cosy, kawaii-cute spot serving quality Japanese comfort food – it delivers admirably. The high uniqueness score (7.8/10) is well-earned.

Christoff's Rating:
7.3/10

Perfect For:

Instagram enthusiasts seeking that perfect kawaii aestheticSolo workers wanting a cosy spot with free Wi-Fi and Japanese comfort foodStudents and budget-conscious diners looking for quality Japanese food without the Mayfair prices

Quick Details

1

Mitsuba

⭐️ Kawaii cute
⭐️ Tatami seating
⭐️ Totoro themed
⭐️ Instagram worthy

This kawaii West Kensington café feels like stepping into a Studio Ghibli film, complete with Totoro figurines and tatami seating where you remove your shoes. The signature Totoro red-bean bun and rotating Basque cheesecakes in matcha and yuzu flavors create Instagram gold while delivering authentic Japanese café culture. Teriyaki chicken bento bowls at £11.99 and lavender-matcha lattes showcase the kitchen's commitment to both comfort and authenticity. The 20-seat intimate space buzzes with soft J-pop and warm wood décor, creating perfect conditions for solo work sessions or relaxed catch-ups. Free Wi-Fi and accessible pricing make this a neighborhood gem that balances cute aesthetics with genuine flavors.

What's Great

✓ Totoro red-bean bun and rotating Basque cheesecakes are Instagram gold

✓ Authentic tatami seating creates genuine Tokyo café atmosphere

Keep in Mind

× 20-seat capacity creates long waits during lunch rush

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Queue at 11:30am for lunch and grab the tatami corner for maximum cozy vibes and Totoro photo opportunities

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Daily: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM"
📍92 North End Rd, London W14 9EX, United Kingdom
💷£££
📞+44 20 7385 8888
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

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

Tokyo Flavors in London: Authentic Japanese Dining Guide 2025 reference image

Tokyo Flavors in London: Authentic Japanese Dining Guide 2025

restaurants in london•
Aug 21, 2025
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