If you are looking for fresh sushi to go in London, especially around Leicester Square, then Sushi Joy is one of those spots you might have already seen on social media. I had noticed it a few times online, but only recently walked past it in person and finally decided to try it myself.
This review is about my experience at Sushi Joy Leicester Square, a grab-and-go sushi spot in the heart of London that offers surprisingly good quality sushi at very reasonable prices.
This review is part of Foodtober, my October series celebrating memorable food and drink experiences in London and beyond. For another quick London luxury-food stop, read my Harrods lobster roll review.
Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Sushi Joy Leicester Square: First Impressions
Located at 15A Little Newport Street in Chinatown, close to Leicester Square, Sushi Joy is a small takeaway spot specialising in fresh, customisable sushi boxes. What immediately caught my attention was the variety on display. Everything looked fresh, colourful, and neatly prepared.
There is a lot of choice, and the best part is that you can build your own sushi box instead of only buying pre-made supermarket-style packs.
Prices also felt very reasonable for central London, especially considering the location.
Fresh Sushi To Go in London for Under £20
One of the best things about Sushi Joy is that you can easily put together a full sushi box for under £20.
For my visit, I mixed and matched a few different items:
- Unagi nigiri (eel) — £1.89 per piece
- Spicy salmon nigiri — £1.89 per piece
- Seaweed salad inari — £1.99 per piece
- Fried ebi (prawn) — £1.99, per piece
At the time of my visit, my total came to around £16-£18, which is actually really good for central London sushi, especially near Leicester Square.
What I Ordered at Sushi Joy
I started with the unagi nigiri because I absolutely love eel. It was soft, slightly sweet, and had that classic rich flavour that makes unagi one of my favourite types of sushi.
The spicy salmon nigiri had a nice kick without being too overpowering. It was fresh, creamy, and balanced.
The seaweed salad inari was a nice surprise, slightly sweet, soft tofu pocket with refreshing seaweed inside. It added a lighter element to the box.
The fried ebi was crispy and satisfying, adding a bit of crunch to the overall mix.
Is Sushi Joy Better Than Supermarket Sushi?
In my opinion, yes, definitely.
While supermarket sushi is convenient, Sushi Joy feels fresher and more customisable. You can actually choose exactly what you want, and it tastes more freshly prepared rather than pre-packed.
The textures were better, the rice was soft, and everything tasted like it had been made with care right before serving.
Takeaway Sushi Near Leicester Square
Sushi Joy is mainly a takeaway spot, so it is perfect if you want to grab sushi and eat it somewhere nearby. Leicester Square and the surrounding area have plenty of benches and small parks where you can enjoy your food.
It is also a great option if you are heading to a show, shopping in central London, or just want a quick sushi fix while exploring the city.
Explore More of Soho and Chinatown’s Food Scene
If you would like to discover more places to eat around this part of central London, this guided Soho and Chinatown food walking tour combines pre-booked tables, international tastings and local stories about both neighbourhoods. It could be a good option if you want to explore beyond one quick takeaway stop and experience more of the area’s food scene.
Check availability for the Soho and Chinatown food walking tour.
Final Thoughts on Sushi Joy London
If you are searching for affordable sushi near Leicester Square, Sushi Joy is definitely worth checking out. It is not a fancy sushi restaurant, but it delivers fresh, tasty sushi at great prices in a very central location.
For under £20, I had a really satisfying sushi box that felt fresh, customisable, and much better than standard supermarket options.
If you are in the area and craving sushi, I would definitely recommend stopping by Sushi Joy and building your own box.
