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Harajuku KitchenB+Worth Trying

Name: Harajuku Kitchen
Address: 10 Gillespie Pl, Edinburgh EH10 4HS, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.6

10 Gillespie Pl, Edinburgh EH10 4HS · Japanese restaurant, Restaurant, Sushi restaurant · 4.6/5 Google (1111 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout

A warmly run neighborhood Japanese spot delivering fresh sushi and comforting classics with lively service, but expect tight seating, possible waits, and prices at the premium end.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Harajuku Kitchen delivers excellent sushi craftsmanship and thoughtfully prepared Japanese classics with warm, attentive service that earns strong loyalty. However, inconsistent execution during peak service—including occasional tempura quality dips and pacing delays—prevents grade A territory. The compact, tightly-seated room adds charm but limits comfort, making this a solid neighborhood favorite rather than a destination standout.

Restaurant Summary

Tucked into Bruntsfield, Harajuku Kitchen feels warm and buzzing rather than formal, with friendly servers who often guide newcomers through sake flights and sushi. One diner put it best: "everything felt impeccably fresh and thoughtfully prepared", though on packed nights waits and noise can creep up. The room is compact and cute, which adds charm but can mean tight seating at peak times. The cooking leans classic Japanese with selective modern twists—think karaage, teriyaki dons, crisp tempura, and futomaki rolls with kimchi mayo or rainbow toppings. In practice, it is elevated traditional more than theatrical, a style that suits those who value clean flavors and fresh fish over showy techniques. Highlights from recent visits include silky salmon nigiri with a gentle smokey note, a plush miso-glazed aubergine, and a well-curated sake flight. Do note that on very busy services, tempura crispness and pacing can wobble. Families fare well here: there is no formal kids menu, but simple hits like tamago nigiri and avocado maki, miso soup, chicken teriyaki don, and ice cream or mochi cover many bases. Portions are adult-oriented and prices are premium for sushi, so budget accordingly; if you want a sampler that kids can share, the bento or lunch set is the most approachable route.

At a Glance

Fresh, well-crafted sushi and comforting Japanese classics
Friendly, knowledgeable service with personal touches
Strong vegan labeling and gluten-free available options
Small, lively room can be noisy and tightly seated
Peak-time waits and occasional pacing issues

What Sets It Apart

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What People Love

Impeccably fresh salmon and balanced nigiri
Crisp karaage and satisfying teriyaki bowls
Kind, attentive servers who guide choices
Cute, homely room with a lively buzz

Points of Concern

Busy nights can bring 40-60 minute waits for food
Tempura and pacing occasionally slip when the room is full
Tight seating and lively acoustics reduce privacy
Pricing is premium for sushi and specialty rolls

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost£36-52 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Start with edamame or agedashi tofu, share one premium roll (The Dragon or Volcano), then split a teriyaki don; end with mochi for a clean finish.

Perfect For

Date night with sushi and a sake flight
Catch-up dinner where cozy vibes matter
Solo lunch with a comforting set menu
Families seeking approachable Japanese dishes

Location Insights

Area: Leafy residential high street with independent cafes and restaurants; popular with students, professionals, and families.

Safety: Generally safe and well-lit with steady evening foot traffic.

Nearby: Close to Bruntsfield Links and Meadows; cluster of eateries, pubs, and boutique shops; easy access to city centre by bus.

BruntsfieldBruntsfield is a lively and affluent neighborhood with a strong community feel, featuring a variety of cafes, pubs, and independent restaurants. The dining scene is diverse, catering to casual diners and food enthusiasts alike, with a focus on quality and local produce.

Gillespie PlaceGillespie Place is a small, quiet street within Bruntsfield, characterized by residential buildings and a few local eateries, offering a more intimate and relaxed dining environment compared to the busier nearby streets.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:30 Tuesday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:30 Wednesday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:30 Thursday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:30 Friday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:30 Saturday12:00–22:30 Sunday12:00–16:00, 17:00–21:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout

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