Robata

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Review

479 reviews

#748 of 21,235 Restaurants in London££ - £££, Japanese, Sushi, Vegetarian Friendly

+44 20 7287 5766+ Add website

Hours

Sun

12:00 - 22:30

Mon

12:00 - 15:0017:00 - 23:00

Tue

12:00 - 15:0017:00 - 23:00

Wed

12:00 - 15:0017:00 - 23:00

Thu

12:00 - 15:0017:00 - 23:00

Fri

12:00 - 15:0017:00 - 23:00

Sat

12:00 - 23:00

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What is Travellers’ Choice?

Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Ratings and reviews

4.5

479 reviews

#748 of 21,235 Restaurants in London

Travellers' Choice 2023

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Food and ambience

Japanese, Sushi, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options

“The deluxe sashimi set and California roll arrived first, and these were supe...”

“The short ribs were especially good and really melted in the mouth.”

“The food is just so delicious it's unbelievable- the California Roll, Pork gy...”

“The Soft Shell Crab Bao Buns were very saucy and flavoursome.”

Location and contact

56 Old Compton Street Soho, London W1D 4UE England

Soho

+44 20 7287 5766

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Does this restaurant offer delivery?

Yes

Unsure

Details

Manage this business?

About

Specialising in Japan’s long-standing grilling tradition. ROBATA is an independent Japanese restaurant where each menu item is created with care, passion and love. Bringing the flavours of Japan to the heart of Soho whilst delivering a unique dining experience where exceptional Asian flair meets 21st century creativity. Offering a hotbed of sharing plates, our celebrated robata skewers and sake cocktails, this is a restaurant not to be missed.

PRICE RANGE

£15.00 – £40.00

CUISINES

Japanese, Sushi

Special Diets

Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Drinks

FEATURES

Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Street Parking, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Gift Cards Available

Top 3 reasons to eat here

Sponsored by: Robata

1. Amazing Food & Cocktails

"Went all the way to London just to try the food at this place."

FatsoEats

2. A Hidden Gem

"a hidden gem with high quality food and relaxed environment"

rosen644

3. Great Atmosphere & Decor

"I love the atmosphere and ambiance in this place"

gavgav333

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4.5

479 reviews

Excellent

327

Very good

Average

Poor

Terrible

beachbumIrricana

45 contributions

Food was amazing, but service was slow!

Dec 2019 • none

This is not a huge restaurant, so I would highly recommend making a reservation in advance, especially if you are wanting a table (my husband and I sat at the counter in front of the window looking out onto the street as there were no tables available when I had booked our reservation). The food itself was amazing. We tried several of the small plates (chili pepper squid & the pork gyoza), as well as a couple of the sushi dishes, robata skewers and bao buns. All were incredible and full of flavour. While the food was out of this world, the service was very sub-par. After we were seated, it took a good 10 minutes for someone to come and take our drink orders. We then waited another 10 minutes only to have our waiter come back and tell us that they didn't have the gin my husband had ordered. While the food came out fairly quickly, the drink and table service itself was lacking, even though there were at least 3 waiters on staff (and it is a fairly small restaurant). Would I return - yes (because that food was that good), just don't go with high expectations on service.

Written 6 January 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

RobataTeam

Hi there, Thank you for your positive review. We are delighted to hear of your enjoyable dining experience, I would like to sincerely apologise for what seems to have been a disappointing visit and wish to reassure you that all issues you raised will be discussed with the whole management team and staff so we can make everyone aware of where we went wrong and to ensure it does not happen again. If there is anything, in particular, you would like to discuss or investigate further please feel free to email us at info@robata.co.uk. We hope that you do give us another chance and not let this particular experience defer you from revisiting us in the future. kind regards, ROBATA Team

Written 21 January 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Seema V

45 contributions

Husbands 40th birthday, great service, delicious food and great ambience

Aug 2020 • family

Food was incredible, we had starters and mains, sake and wine, lovely champagne on arrival for the bday boy and 2 family members. Great great selection on fish, chicken, pork, steak and vegetarian. Ordered the veg gyoza And pork dish twice as was soo tasty. The smoked broccoli and aubergine was phenomenal for a vegetarian like me! Waiting service was great, always on hand to check if needing anything. Only one criticism, as I am vegetarian couldn’t understand why they put mushroom dish on same serving plate as the scallops. I didn’t know it was scallops so I tried it and felt like my stomach turned, possibly as it was unfamiliar to me. I only found out it was scallops when another family member tried it, really disappointed with that as really should serve vegetarian separately. Other than that excellent service and a nice little boutique place in the heart of Soho. Have recommended this place to friends already but really do hope this mistake can be rectified in future.

Written 31 August 2020

RobataTeam

Hi Seema, Thank you for your extremely positive review. We are delighted to hear of your enjoyable dining experience. However, we would also like to sincerely apologise for serving a non-vegetarian and vegetarian dish on the same plate. Your comments will most certainly be relayed back to our team, who will be delighted to hear your positive feedback and me made aware of their mistakes for the future. We hope to see you again soon in the near future. Kind regards, ROBATA Team

Written 7 September 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

S.Chapman

London13 contributions

Fab food but shame about tone of staff

Oct 2021 • friends

After reading the reviews around poor service we almost expected it but were still shocked. We asked for a couple more mins to decide on food and she responded “you have limited time ladies” even though we’d only been there for 10 mins. The waitress was then unhelpful when we asked how many dishes we should order per person and when we did order she said ‘oh well that’s definitely not enough’. Just a very rude and cold tone from the staff. A shame as the food is very good, especially the duck salad and pork belly.

Written 23 October 2021

SSHJ

33 contributions

Don’t waste your money

Dec 2020 • friends

We ordered a tasting menu, after about an hour we ordered a glass of wine. The waitress brought it over and came back 5 minutes later and told us we had to leave in 10 minutes because there was another reservation. We were still eating and the bill was plonked on our table. When we queried why we were being thrown out in the middle of our meal we got a shrug and were asked for payment. I understand times are tough but this is a despicable way to treat customers.

Written 4 December 2020

Cuong Lam

Hi there, Thank you for your honest feedback. We would like to sincerely apologise for what seems to be a disappointing experience. At ROBATA, we like to pride ourselves on delivering excellent quality food and prompt and friendly service. We take all feedback seriously so that we can make efforts to improve, and we would like to assure you that we can do much better. We value all our guests, and our everyday goal is to deliver a fantastic dining experience. Our management will look into this matter and if you would like to contact us directly so that we can discuss your experience in further detail, info@robata.co.uk. Kind regards, ROBATA Team

Written 18 May 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

MIA

London66 contributions

Poor service

Sept 2021 • friends

Awful treatment and service We arrived at the restaurant as a walk in and were told we strictly only had a 45-50 minute slot to dine in which we agreed to. We arrived at 7.10/15pm hence an expectation to have left at 8pm which we accepted. Unfortunately, on 5 separate occasions within the 50 minute slot, we were constantly reminded that we had to make sure we had left at 8pm by 4 different members of staff. The first couple of times we assured them that we would leave by 8pm. After all, we wouldn’t have agreed if we weren’t going to stick to our word. However, it all started to feel very personal after the second time. I can’t help but wonder whether it was because we were both BAME females. Other customers were looking over at us, which made us feel very self conscious. I would hate to think this was the reason but it was very pressuring and patronising to assume that we wouldn’t have left. Other customers were not treated in the same way. We were unable to enjoy our food in the 45-50 min allotted slot as a result, not to mention the constant staff interruptions. Interestingly, when we asked for the bill (given that the staff were trying to hurry us out every five mins), it then took almost 10 mins to get a staff members attention to ask for the card machine.

Written 10 September 2021

Tabitha

United Kingdom47 contributions

A gem indeed

Dec 2019 • couples

Came across Robata whilst looking for a japanese restaurant in Soho. It was busy but it was a Saturday evening so that's to be expected, and we were fortunate they had a table for two. I had the deluxe sashimi set 5, which tasted delicious and fresh, and my boyfreind had California rolls and soft shell crab rolls, all of which were superb. We also had short rib bao bun to share, which was gorgeous. Staff there were freindly and efficient, even though they were very busy. Will definitely visit again.

Written 5 January 2020

RobataTeam

Hi there, Thank you very much for providing such a fantastic review about us on your recent visit, we truly appreciate our customer's opinions. Your positive comments about our food and service are greatly valued and will be passed on to the rest of our team. We hope to see you again soon! Kind regards, ROBATA Team.

Written 21 January 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Hannah S

4 contributions

Awful service

Jul 2021 • none

We visited Robata for dinner and the food and cocktails were lovely. Unfortunately, just after we finished our mains and had chosen our desserts, which we were about to order, we were asked to vacate our table (with no prior notice) due to the next customers' arrival. We were told that we could finish our drinks at an outside table but within 5 minutes of sitting outside were told we needed to leave that table too as the next party had arrived. We walked by 15 minutes later and the table was still empty... The bill came to £114 for two people though when we asked to split the bill the waitress attempted to charge us £70pp rather than £57 and we almost paid this as you can usually trust that you are not being charged an uplift. Perhaps an honest mistake. Disappointing as the food was great but we won't be returning.

Written 22 July 2021

Cuong Lam

Hi there, Thank you for your honest feedback. We would like to sincerely apologise for what seems to have been a disappointing visit. We take all feedback from our customers very seriously and the points you have made will be discussed with the team. If there are any other issues you would like to raise awareness of please email info@robata.co.uk. We hope that you do not let this particular experience defer you from revisiting us in the future. kind regards, ROBATA Team

Written 23 July 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

JWV123

London51 contributions

The stingiest brunch I have ever had

Mar 2020 • none

What an absolute rip off! Luckily we got the Hot Dinners deal so got £10 each off the brunch but even at £25 each it was a rip off, definitely wouldn't pay £35! Granted, they were generous with the prosecco but unfortunately given they give you teensy portions (one of the few plates was a bowl of vegetable crisps, for heaven's sake, accompanied by an avocado mush), this is not ideal as you leave starving! The place was pretty empty and I can see why. Try Gamma Gamma or Gaucho for better value brunches, this place are taking the ... The good reviews for the brunch here must be written by the owners themselves as there is nothing to rave about! The place is not run by Japanese people and there is nothing authentic in the cuisine they offer

Written 9 March 2020

RobataTeam

Written 10 March 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Peersj1

Liverpool64 contributions

A great find!

Mar 2020 • none

Visited here for friends for dinner pre theatre. Food come quickly and when ready which makes it ideal for a quick in / out, if required. The food was unbelievably tasty! Sooo many lovely things to try. Short rib bao bun - wow! Our waiter was also super friendly; would defiantly recommend if this sounds up your street ( but make sure you book; it’s only small!! )

Written 1 March 2020

RobataTeam

Hi there, Thank you for your extremely positive review. We are delighted to hear of your enjoyable dining experience and that you loved our Short rib Bao Bun. We hope to see you again soon in the near future. Kind regards, ROBATA Team

Written 3 March 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Emma B

London16 contributions

Poor value for money and dangerous for anyone with allergies/intolerances

Aug 2021 • none

The food was okay and small but far from the quality I expected. The tuna was disappointing and far below the quality you get at restaurants like Taro and Sticks n Sushi (I recommend these places instead). I was also really disappointed by the service. I am coeliac and I understand that many restaurants struggle with gluten free and coeliac customers. However, the staff were dangerously uneducated and I was made to feel awkward and unwelcome. I ordered an espresso martini (naturally GF) and while it was being placed in front of me the waiter informed me that it wasn't gluten free because of the alcohol. This shows a complete lack of basic training and is deeply worrying for anyone with an allergy or intolerance. As a bare minimum if something I had ordered was not GF I would have expected to be notified soon after ordering and certainly before it's placed in front of me. We left feeling hungry and got a burger on the way home.

Written 4 August 2021

Bel C

Manchester203 contributions

Seems to have gone downhill since before the pandemic

Jul 2021 • friends

It was such a rip off. The food was alright but we ordered some scallops skewers and we only wanted one scallop each but they gave us two skewers and wouldn't return the extra ones so we had to pay double of what we had expected. The sushi seems to have shrunk in size as well. We weren't even full by the end of the meal and the bill came to around £50 per person and we didn't even order any alcoholic drinks.

Written 23 July 2021

Scarlet Globetrotter

London142 contributions

Nothing special and not great staff

Jan 2020 • none

I came here for my mum’s birthday, her and some of my friends. First thing was that I let management know about this and the response was ‘We don’t do freebies’ but all I asked for was maybe a candle, a desert decoration etc which he then said could possibly be arranged. The attitude was not great basically especially since I neither asked nor expected a freebie but just great evening. It took a long time to then get the menus or even the opportunity to order. The wine list is not very extensive and there is also not really one to suggest or recommend any wine. The service was really bad. The food was average. We chose many different dishes to share and only really outstanding or good was the squid. The sashimi was very disappointing, the Gyoza tasted of nothing, the ceviche was OK and the grilled meats were average. What annoyed me that there was no check back, no empty dishes cleared up, no further drinks were offered. The table got so full as they added new plates and didn’t clean up that a few glasses and plates fell and broke when the waitress walked past. I had to clean myself up and also the glass which was on the bench next to me. No apologise from the lady who dropped it or management. Another thing, we sat under the air-condition and it was a constant change from hot air blowing at us to then cold again as they can’t regulate an average temperature. So we were either hot or cold. When we mentioned this we were told that they can’t do anything about it. We ended up not ordering desert. I won’t be back and there are many other Japanese grills/restaurant which are 100 times better

Written 3 February 2020

RobataTeam

Hi Scarlet, Thank you for your honest feedback. Here at ROBATA providing fresh high-quality food and great customer service. We are truly sorry to hear about your disappointing experience, we would like the opportunity to investigate this further if you would email us at info@robata.co.uk we will pass it to the manager. We do hope that you do not allow this isolated experience to put you off visiting us in the future. Kind regards, ROBATA Team

Written 7 February 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

SolihullTraveller

Solihull771 contributions

Flavour Sensation

Aug 2021 • none

Another late evening meal with colleagues last night and another flavour sensation. I love Japanese cuisine but this isn't your run of the mill, it fuses the best of Asian dishes and specialises in the grilling of the ingredients, you can watch it too as we did, seated right infront of the open grill area at the back of the dining room. It's a small and busy restaurant in Soho and I've always found it to be friendly and atmospheric. We opted for the £55 tasting menu again but augmented with Deluxe Sashimi at £23 and the J.Fried Chicken Boa Buns. You're pretty much on a rapid journey of dishes starting with nibbles, the Sashimi and Sushi, followed by the Boa Buns, Chilli pepper squid and Pork Gyoza and then mains of Black cod and Hay flamed beef fillet served on a Japanese BBQ. It's utterly gorgeous, all of it. The dipping sauces are also worthy of mention as they really enhance each dish. We had plenty of everything, too much if I'm honest, but my favourite would have to be the Boa Buns which I could eat all day long. Service was friendly and diligent with each dish arriving when we needed it and some suitably good pauses too. For the meal with a few beers, it worked out to be about £90 a head. Seriously good fare and if you really want great flavours and something different from your Japanese experience, then Robata is a great place to start.

Written 25 August 2021

Charlotte H

London18 contributions

Delicious!

Jul 2020 • couples

We booked the outdoor sitting and it felt like we were in the Med, eating out in the warm evening with the rest of the other restaurants in soho. The plates come out at different times when they are ready, and the service is extremely attentive. I would recommend the prawn sushi roll and bao rib buns! Reasonably priced for Japanese cuisine in Soho, and generous portions!

Written 19 July 2020

RobataTeam

Hi Charlotte, Thank you for your support and an extremely positive review. We are delighted to hear of your enjoyable dining experience our team will be thrilled to hear about your comments. It is great to hear you enjoyed our food and service. We hope to see you again soon in the near future. Kind regards, ROBATA Team

Written 20 July 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Zoe B

8 contributions

Very very average

Aug 2020 • none

After seeing positive reviews I thought I would visit Robata to try some of their dishes, in particular the Karage (fried Chicken). I have to say I was disappointed as a lot of the food was either very salty or bland in flavour. A lot of the accompanying sauces overpowered the meat or vegetables. The Yaki Niku (meat skewers) we had tasted rather burned and that was sadly the only flavour. The sweet corn was very interesting and was more of a dessert as it was so sweet! If you have visited Japan prior and want Japanese food, I would not recommend coming here, as the taste is not the same. On the plus side the cocktails were refreshing :)

Written 22 August 2020

RobataTeam

Hi Zoe, Thank you for your honest feedback. would like to sincerely apologise for what seems to have been a disappointing visit. If there are issues you would like to raise awareness upon please email info@robata.co.uk. We take all of our customers to feedback seriously and the points you have made will be discussed with the team. We hope that you do not let this particular experience defer you from revisiting us in the future. kind regards, ROBATA Team

Written 24 August 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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