You’ll forget where you are when you’re at CLAP London (unless, of course, you happen to be taking in the views of Knightsbridge from the al fresco rooftop). The fine dining restaurant, serving up some of the most authentic Japanese dishes in the capital, will transport you right to the heart of Tokyo with its punchy flavours, vibrant style, and energetic spirit. Name a better place to spend your Friday night or weekend brunch? We’ll wait. 

At CLAP, it’s an all-around sensory experience. Waltz your way into a high-energy, low-lit scene where the music is ambient (chilled out playlists by day, cool DJs by night), the decor is Instagram-worthy with fireside cooking and open kitchen spaces, and the service is second to none. Inspired by the electric nightspots of Japan’s capital city, park yourself in the sixth-floor restaurant for brunch, lunch, or dinner, or travel up one more floor to the rooftop bar, lounge, and terrace for 180-degree views over the bustling neighbourhood. 

Contemporary Japanese is the theme, so when it comes to the menu, expect a lineup of traditional plates with innovative twists. Start your culinary journey with Zensai (small bites), such as grilled umami chicken wings, panko sea bass, and wagyu beef tartare. Appetite sharpened, continue with starters of sashimi, sea bass and mango ceviche or crispy shitake salad before moving on to main courses like miso black cod and marinated lamb. There’s also the Saiko and Hyojun platters to share, spotlighting the most delicious sashimi, nigiri, and sushi rolls in a convivial format perfect for groups. Highlights are the spicy tuna maki, sonomono unagi, and the surf and turf. Devilishly good. 

It would be rude not to sink your teeth into the dessert menu to finish. From matcha cheesecake and tira’miso (the classic Italian pudding with a moreish umami spin) to CLAP’s famous chocolate fondant and mango and yuzu Eton mess, even those with the sweetest of teeth are guaranteed to be impressed. Accompany your meal with cocktails that pack a punch like the fruity and rich White Jewel, crisp and sharp Maikoya, or just a classic smoky Old Fashioned — it’s a delight for all the senses.

Whether a weekday treat, family get-together, date night, or special occasion, CLAP caters to all. Try the tasting menu for the full shebang (available Sunday to Wednesday) or let the chefs surprise you with the Omakase menu. Meaning “I leave it up to you” in Japanese, take the stress out of ordering and let the experts do the choosing for you. There’s also a lunch set menu during the week and a weekend brunch with flowing drinks and unlimited sushi. Plus, now summer has arrived, enjoy golden hour on the rooftop with sundowners in the open air.

Planning something seriously extravagant? You can also book the space for private events, such as intimate seated dinners or super chic cocktails and canapé soirees, for an evening guests are guaranteed to remember. 

Having debuted in Beirut in 2018, and now with outposts in Dubai, Riyadh, Ibiza, and London, CLAP is very much the place to see and be seen this summer. A buzzing atmosphere with wonderfully curated menus in a glamorous postcode, once you’re in the know, there’s no going back. 

Visit claprestaurant.com