ARAGAWA

Japanese Purity, Mayfair Elegance and Wagyu at Its Finest

In 2025, Aragawa London continues to establish itself as one of the most exclusive and refined steak destinations in the city—and globally. As a new entry in 2024 in the World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants, this Mayfair-based sanctuary of simplicity and precision has quickly become a must-visit for connoisseurs of Wagyu and those who appreciate the quiet mastery of Japanese culinary tradition.

The restaurant’s ambiance mirrors the ethos of its cuisine: understated, graceful and deliberate. Clean architectural lines, soft lighting and tactile materials create an intimate space that feels removed from the bustle of central London. Every detail is curated to focus attention on the main event—the beef.

At the heart of Aragawa’s philosophy is its unwavering commitment to the highest-grade Japanese Wagyu, meticulously selected and cooked over binchōtan charcoal with no more than salt and time-honoured technique. The result is Wagyu at its purest: incredibly tender, intensely marbled, yet elegant on the palate—never heavy, always balanced. The most coveted cuts, including Tajima and Kobe beef, are served in precise portions that honour the craftsmanship behind the product.

The menu remains focused and minimalistic, celebrating restraint rather than opulence. Every element on the plate is intentional. Accompanying dishes—like seasonal Japanese pickles, dashi-based soups and perfectly steamed Koshihikari rice—provide thoughtful balance and structure to the richness of the meat.

The sake and wine programme is curated with equal care. Whether it’s a rare Junmai Daiginjo or an aged Bordeaux, the pairings are designed to complement the delicate umami profile of the Wagyu without overshadowing it. The sommelier team and waitstaff are deeply knowledgeable, with service that is quietly confident, deeply respectful and perfectly timed.

In a dining scene often defined by spectacle, Aragawa offers something more meaningful: an immersive, meditative experience built around purity, discipline and reverence for the ingredient.