Aqua Kyoto Menu Guide to Dishes, Timings, and Reviews
Dining in London is always exciting, but certain places truly stand out for their elegance and flavor. Aqua Kyoto is one of them, offering Japanese cuisine in a refined setting with a rooftop view. It is located in the heart of Soho, London, and has been a favorite for fine dining since its opening. The restaurant is part of Aqua Restaurant Group, founded by David Yeo, who has shaped it into one of the most stylish dining destinations in the city. Just as people explore the Gaia Mayfair Menu Guide to Dishes, Prices, and Timings, diners also want to know every detail about Aqua Kyoto menu before booking.
Restaurant Information and Ownership
Aqua Kyoto is found at 30 Argyll Street, London W1B 3BR, right above the bustling Regent Street. The company operating it is Aqua Kyoto Limited, incorporated in 2008. The owner, David Yeo, is a visionary who transformed Aqua Restaurant Group into a global brand with restaurants in London, Beijing, and Hong Kong.
The restaurant interior reflects modern Japanese design. With its sunken sushi bar, open robata grill, and rooftop terrace, Aqua Kyoto delivers an elegant dining atmosphere. Guests often visit not only for food but also for the striking London skyline views.
Locations in the UK
Aqua Kyoto is located at:
30 Argyll Street, London W1B 3BR
It shares its building with Aqua Nueva, serving modern Spanish cuisine, and Aqua Spirit, a cocktail bar with a rooftop terrace. This combination allows guests to explore different dining concepts under one roof.
The interior is dramatic, with bold red accents, dark wood, and Japanese art motifs. The sushi bar creates a sense of theater as chefs prepare dishes in front of diners. The rooftop terrace makes the space even more attractive, especially during summer evenings.
Reviews from Diners
Customer feedback on Aqua Kyoto is generally positive, although some diners mention high prices. On Tripadvisor, Aqua Kyoto holds a rating of around 3.8 out of 5 stars, with praise for sushi, sashimi, and the creative menu. On SquareMeal, reviewers highlight the stylish interior and presentation. Andy Hayler’s review notes some inconsistency in seasoning but appreciates the restaurant’s ambition.
Many people see Aqua Kyoto as a destination restaurant. It is often booked for special occasions, birthdays, anniversaries, or celebrations where the atmosphere is just as important as the food.
Aqua Kyoto Menu Overview
The Aqua Kyoto menu is divided into several categories: Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Bento Box, Kyoto Nights, and set menus. Each is designed to give guests a unique experience.
Lunch Menu
Lunch offers lighter meals, including an à la carte menu, a bento box, and desserts. The Bento Box is popular for business lunches.
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bento Box | 12 pieces of sushi (tuna taku maki, salmon temaki, yuzu truffle miso salmon, crystal tamari) | £45 |
| À la carte | Selection of sushi, sashimi, tempura, robata grilled meats and vegetables | Varies |
| Desserts | Japanese cheesecake, matcha mousse, fruit platters | £9 – £14 |
Brunch Menu
Brunch at Aqua Kyoto is vibrant and includes unlimited sushi, starters, mains, and shared desserts. Guests can add free-flowing drinks for an extra cost.
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Free-Flow Brunch | Sharing starters, unlimited sushi, one main, shared dessert | £58 |
| Drinks Package | Add champagne, cocktails, or wine | From £25 |
Brunch also features DJs and live entertainment, making it a lively weekend event.
Dinner Menu
Dinner is the highlight of the Aqua Kyoto menu. Guests can select from à la carte options, a set dinner, or the Experience Menu.
| Category | Sample Dishes | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Starters | Iberico pork & chicken gyoza, rock shrimp tempura, scallops with yuzu miso | £12 – £22 |
| Sushi & Sashimi | Tuna, salmon, seabass, chef’s selection platter | £8 – £40 |
| Robata Grill | Black cod kamameshi, Miyazaki wagyu skewers, Chilean sea bass | £25 – £60 |
| Set Dinner | Starter, main, dessert | £39 |
| Experience Menu | Multi-course tasting with wine or sake pairing | £100 – £185 |
Kyoto Nights
Kyoto Nights run on Thursday and Friday evenings. The offer includes unlimited sushi, shared starters, one main, a side, and dessert.
| Category | Example Dishes |
|---|---|
| Starters | Chicken katsu curry gyoza, edamame, miso aubergine |
| Sushi | Unlimited rolls and sashimi |
| Mains | Sirloin steak teriyaki, seafood udon, pan-fried seabass |
| Sides | Garlic spinach, steamed rice, tenderstem broccoli |
| Desserts | Dessert platter with chocolate delice, panna cotta, fruit |
Price: £58 per person for food only. Drink packages are available at additional cost.
Special Menus and Kids Options
Aqua Kyoto also offers a kids menu, making it more accessible for families. Desserts like miso rice pudding and chocolate delice are popular with younger guests.
While Aqua Kyoto represents a premium Japanese dining experience, casual options exist too. For instance, some diners who enjoy a family budget outing might review the Asda Cafe Menu Guide to Affordable Meals in the UK. This shows the wide range of dining choices across the city.
Opening and Closing Times
Aqua Kyoto follows a structured schedule for lunch, brunch, dinner, and bar service.
| Service | Days | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | Sunday – Friday | 12:00 pm | 2:45 pm |
| Brunch | Saturday & Sunday | 12:00 pm | 2:45 pm |
| Dinner | Sunday – Wednesday | 5:00 pm | 10:00 pm |
| Dinner | Thursday – Saturday | 5:00 pm | 10:15 pm |
| Aqua Spirit Bar | Sunday – Wednesday | 12:00 pm | 12:00 am |
| Aqua Spirit Bar | Thursday – Saturday | 12:00 pm | 12:30 am |
Currently, Aqua Kyoto does not provide a direct delivery service, since it focuses on dining-in experiences.
Why Aqua Kyoto Menu is Special
The Aqua Kyoto menu stands out because it blends traditional Japanese techniques with modern presentation. Guests can enjoy fresh sashimi while also experiencing signature dishes like black cod kamameshi or wagyu skewers.
The menu changes seasonally, which means repeat diners always find something new. The combination of atmosphere, rooftop view, and innovative Japanese cuisine makes it one of Soho’s top destinations.
What Makes the Aqua Kyoto Menu Unique
- Creative Presentation: Each dish looks artistic, with bold plating.
- Seasonal Updates: The menu changes with fresh produce.
- Balanced Experience: From sushi to wagyu, the menu covers a wide range.
- Atmosphere: The restaurant’s rooftop and live entertainment enhance the food.
Tips for Visitors
Dining at Aqua Kyoto is best when you book in advance, especially for brunch or Kyoto Nights. Dress code is smart casual, as the restaurant emphasizes an elegant experience. If you have dietary preferences, ask the staff about vegetarian or vegan options, as not all dishes are clearly labeled.
If you’re planning to dine at Aqua Kyoto, here are some tips:
- Book ahead, especially for weekends.
- Dress smart, as the space is upscale.
- Go for brunch or Kyoto Nights for more value.
- Mention allergies early, since soy, fish, and sesame are common in dishes.
Conclusion
The Aqua Kyoto menu offers something for everyone, whether you want a refined lunch, a lively brunch, or a luxurious dinner. Located in Soho with rooftop views, it delivers not only Japanese cuisine but also a memorable atmosphere. The restaurant may be on the higher end of pricing, but it continues to attract visitors who want a stylish and unique dining experience in London.
From bento boxes to unlimited sushi, and from wagyu skewers to indulgent desserts, the Aqua Kyoto menu brings together flavor, presentation, and style. For anyone searching for an unforgettable Japanese dining experience in the UK, Aqua Kyoto remains a must-visit destination.
