Roji to close as founders prepare to launch Himi in London

Japanese omakase restaurant Roji has confirmed it will be closing at the end of the month as the founders look to open a new izakaya in London’s Carnaby.

Husband and wife team Tamas Naszai and Tomoko Hasegawa opened the 10-seater omakase restaurant in July 2022, which served a 14-course tasting menu showcasing fish sourced primarily from British waters.

Dishes at the time of the launch included chawanmushi, salmon roe and green laver; winterbourne trout, coastal vegetables and wild garlic capers; and sea urchin soba and buckwheat noodles.

Roji was added to the Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland in January 2023.

The pair, who share experience from Tokimeite, formerly in London’s Mayfair, L’Abysse au Pavillon Ledoyen in Paris and Hakkasan’s Sake No Hana between them, have since revealed plans to open Himi this autumn.

Posting the news on Instagram, a spokesperson for Roji said: “As of the end of September Roji will close whilst Tamas and Tomoko open a new restaurant. 

“Himi London will open this autumn and serve a menu of elevated Izakaya dishes.”