HIMI is a highly regarded, intimate Japanese izakaya with outstanding cooking and hospitality, but very small portions, tight seating, occasional rushed service and bills commonly exceeding £100 per person make it an occasional splurge rather than casual dining.
HIMI delivers strong food quality and attentive service that justify its loyal following in Soho, with staff demonstrating genuine knowledge of Japanese specialties and precise execution on standout small plates. The intimate setting and prime Carnaby Street location appeal to regulars, though the compact space and occasional dish-to-dish variation prevent a higher grade. Unusual review patterns create modest uncertainty in our assessment, but core dining experiences remain consistently solid.
HIMI is a tiny, warm Soho izakaya tucked just off the Carnaby bustle, with a lively chef counter and quieter tables downstairs. The room is narrow and seating can be snug, but the atmosphere repeatedly wins people over: diners describe it as a little Tokyo hideaway, with chefs working close enough to make the preparation part of the evening. The counter is the move for two, though book ahead and expect a busy, social room rather than a hushed salon. The cooking is polished, Japanese-rooted and more adventurous than a standard sushi stop. Fresh nigiri, robata prawns, torikara fried chicken, duck udon and the famously praised mushrooms with walnut miso give the menu breadth, while hand rolls, scallop and wagyu push the bill upward quickly. Most diners find the quality memorable and the staff unusually good at explaining unfamiliar dishes and sake; the recurring caveat is that portions are small, and a few visits have exposed uneven sushi rice, rushed pacing or disappointing individual plates. Families are not the natural target here. There is no supplied evidence of a children’s menu, and the intimate layout, premium pricing, raw seafood focus, lively atmosphere and small portions may be difficult for younger or picky diners. Adventurous older children could manage fried chicken, udon or simply cooked dishes, but families should confirm options and seating before booking.
Area vibe: Busy retail and nightlife hub with a fashion and dining focus.
Safety: Generally safe with good lighting and regular evening foot traffic, though busy late-night crowds can be rowdy.
What's nearby: Located in Carnaby near Oxford Street, close to Soho nightlife, boutiques, and public transport (Oxford Circus).
The mushrooms with walnut miso, torikara fried chicken, duck udon, and chef-selected nigiri are strong starting points, but the premium sushi can change the economics of your meal.
Book ahead for this tiny, lively room and be prepared for small portions, premium drinks, and a full meal that can become expensive quickly.
This is a warm, narrow Soho izakaya where the chef counter turns dinner into part of the show, while downstairs tables offer a calmer alternative.