The story
Aragawa opened its first doors in Tokyo in 1967, building a reputation as a destination for those who seek the finest Japanese beef. In October 2023, the restaurant brought its heritage to London, settling on Clarges Street in Mayfair. The move was not an expansion for expansion’s sake – it was a deliberate transfer of a half-century of craft, precision, and respect for ingredients.
The restaurant’s focus is Tajima beef, the genetic foundation of Kobe beef. Aragawa sources its cattle from Nishizawa Farm and other select producers, ensuring the marbling and buttery texture that define this Wagyu. Every cut is handled with the same discipline that has characterised the kitchen since the 1960s.
Aragawa welcomes guests for lunch and dinner in a setting that is both refined and understated. The dining room, with a viewing platform over the kitchen, allows diners to observe the chefs at work. The atmosphere is calm, formal without stiffness – a space where the food commands attention.
The menu centres on the Japanese steakhouse cuisine, with Tajima beef prepared in multiple ways. The Aragawa Signature Lunch, a three-course affair priced at £120, offers a refined introduction to the house style. For dinner, the à la carte and tasting menus showcase the depth of flavour that Tajima cattle bring.
In 2026, Aragawa earned a Michelin Recommended distinction, a nod to its unwavering standards. The restaurant’s commitment to sourcing only the finest Tajima beef and its meticulous preparation place it among London’s serious steak destinations.
Aragawa also hosts intimate events that unite its culinary philosophy with great wine. In December 2025, the restaurant will collaborate with Bordeaux’s Cos d’Estournel for a six-course tasting menu paired with exceptional vintages, including the 1989 and 1996 Grand Vins. With only ten seats, these evenings reflect the restaurant’s dedication to rarity and precision.
Whether for a lunch celebrating the simplicity of perfect beef or a dinner that explores the intersection of Japanese and French traditions, Aragawa offers an experience grounded in heritage and executed with exacting care.
Recognition
Ambience
Location