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Home » Humble Chicken Review 2026: Soho’s Most Inventive Yakitori | London Reviews
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Humble Chicken Review 2026: Soho’s Most Inventive Yakitori | London Reviews

May 5, 202628 Mins Read
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Humble Chicken Review 2026: Soho’s Most Inventive Yakitori | London Reviews
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Humble Chicken Review 2026 | London Reviews


This Humble Chicken review by London Reviews is the most thorough independent assessment available of Chef Angelo Sato’s acclaimed two-Michelin-starred yakitori and omakase restaurant in Soho—from atmosphere and menu detail to booking strategy and value for money.

Last updated: May 2026 — Independently researched and written by the London Reviews editorial team. We do not accept payment from the businesses we review.

Looking for an honest Humble Chicken review? This is the most thorough independent assessment of Humble Chicken—a two-Michelin-starred Japanese omakase restaurant at 54 Frith Street, Soho, London W1D 4SL. Below we cover everything: the philosophy behind Chef Angelo Sato’s relentless evolution, the 16-course tasting menu, booking logistics, what diners actually say across TripAdvisor and professional reviews, and whether the £235 tasting menu delivers.

Reviewed by: The London Reviews Editorial Team
Our reviewers research and verify every business across TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, OpenTable, Hardens, Michelin Guide, The Infatuation, Time Out, Guardian, Elite Traveler, and the restaurant’s official website before publishing.
Table of Contents

  1. At a Glance: Humble Chicken Soho
  2. Why We’re Reviewing Humble Chicken 3.0
  3. Location and Getting There
  4. First Impressions and Atmosphere
  5. The Kitchen: Chef Angelo Sato and Philosophy
  6. The Menu: What to Expect
  7. Wine, Drinks and Sommelier Service
  8. Pricing and Value for Money
  9. What Diners Actually Say
  10. What Diners Love Most
  11. Areas for Consideration
  12. Who Is Humble Chicken Best For?
  13. How Humble Chicken Compares
  14. How to Book and Insider Tips
  15. Frequently Asked Questions
  16. London Reviews Verdict on Humble Chicken
  17. Related London Reviews
  18. Summary Rating Table

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • At a Glance: Humble Chicken Soho
  • Why We’re Reviewing Humble Chicken 3.0
  • Location and Getting There
    • Transport and Tube Access
    • Parking
    • The Neighbourhood
  • First Impressions and Atmosphere
    • Entrance and Exterior
    • Interior Design and Atmosphere
  • The Kitchen: Chef Angelo Sato and Philosophy
    • Chef Angelo Sato: Background and Training
    • Culinary Philosophy
  • The Menu: What to Expect
    • Menu Format
    • The Tasting Menu: What Arrives
    • Dietary Accommodations
    • Bread and Petit Fours
  • Wine, Drinks and Sommelier Service
    • The Sommelier and Beverage Philosophy
    • The Sake Collection
    • The Wine Collection
    • Pairing Options
    • Cocktails and Other Drinks
    • Corkage Policy
  • Pricing and Value for Money
    • Detailed Pricing Breakdown
    • Is It Worth the Money?
  • What Diners Actually Say: Review Analysis
    • TripAdvisor Reviews
    • Google Reviews
    • Professional Critics
    • OpenTable Reviews
  • What Diners Love Most
  • Areas for Consideration
  • Who Is Humble Chicken Best For?
    • Ideal Diners
    • Less Suitable For
  • How Humble Chicken Compares
    • Verdict on Comparison
  • How to Book and Insider Tips
    • Booking Method and Lead Time
    • Best Times to Visit
    • Counter Seating Strategy
    • What to Order if It’s Your First Visit
    • What to Wear
    • Pre and Post-Dinner Options in Soho
    • Cancellation and Deposit Policy
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • London Reviews Verdict on Humble Chicken
  • Related London Reviews
  • Summary Rating Table
    • Disclaimer
    • Share Your Experience

At a Glance: Humble Chicken Soho

Detail Information
Restaurant Name Humble Chicken (Version 3.0)
Cuisine Type Japanese yakitori, omakase, contemporary European-Japanese fusion
Address 54 Frith Street, Soho, London W1D 4SL
Head Chef / Chef Patron Angelo Sato
Michelin Stars ★★ (Two Michelin stars, awarded 2025)
TripAdvisor Rating 4.6 out of 5 (60 reviews)
Opening Hours Lunch and dinner (check website for exact times; closed Mondays)
Cover Count / Capacity 13 seats at chef’s table (open kitchen counter)
Menu Format Fixed 16-course tasting menu only (omakase)
Price: Tasting Menu £235 per person (lunch and dinner)
Wine and Sake Pairing Sake pairing (from ~£80), mixed wine/sake pairing, or non-alcoholic options available
Wine List Size 19 wines (7 countries), 12 sakes including five Junmai Daiginjos, umeshu, and Koshu from Japan
Sommelier / Beverage Manager Aidan Monk (sommelier, oversees natural wine and sake collection)
Booking Method OpenTable, phone, or restaurant website
Booking Lead Time 8-12 weeks in advance (typically fully booked)
Dress Code Smart casual to business casual
Dietary Accommodations Pre-alert required; vegetarian/vegan tasting available with advance notice
Nearest Tube Stations Tottenham Court Road (Northern, Central lines), Leicester Square (Northern, Piccadilly lines) — both 5 mins walk
Private Dining No (13-seat open-kitchen concept only)
Service Charge Policy 12.5% discretionary service charge added at bill
Accessibility Ground floor access; counter seating only; contact in advance for accessibility needs
Notable Awards Michelin Guide 2024 (★ one star), Michelin Guide 2025 (★★ two stars), FT Globetrotter Top New Restaurants 2025
Website humblechickenuk.com
Noise Level Moderate to high (open-kitchen counter, engaged diners, theatrical service)

Why We’re Reviewing Humble Chicken 3.0

Humble Chicken earns a place in this review for a straightforward reason: it is one of the most inventive and thrilling restaurants currently operating in the United Kingdom. Chef Angelo Sato’s constant willingness to evolve—from casual yakitori bar to fine-dining omakase theatre—culminated in the remarkable achievement of securing two Michelin stars in 2025, less than four years after opening.

The restaurant’s June 2025 reopening as “Version 3.0” followed a second, more radical refurbishment after receiving its second star. The dining room was reduced to just 13 seats, the cover count tightened, and the menu reimagined into a theatrical 16-course tasting format that blends Japanese precision with European technique and theatrical presentation. This is not a restaurant standing still.

We have reviewed related restaurants including Dishoom Kings Cross, and the broader London Japanese dining scene features distinguished alternatives such as Endo at the Rotunda and Yashin Sushi. Humble Chicken, however, occupies a distinct category: two-star Michelin fine dining built on a philosophy of theatrical precision, waste elimination, and Japanese-German culinary synthesis.


Location and Getting There

Transport and Tube Access

Humble Chicken sits on Frith Street in the heart of Soho, London’s most walkable neighbourhood. The restaurant is five minutes’ walk from both Tottenham Court Road station (Northern and Central lines) and Leicester Square station (Northern and Piccadilly lines).

From Tottenham Court Road: Exit onto Tottenham Court Road, turn right, walk south towards Soho, turn left onto Frith Street. Journey time: approximately 5 minutes.

From Leicester Square: Exit onto Leicester Square, head north-west, walk onto Charing Cross Road, turn right onto Frith Street. Journey time: approximately 5 minutes.

By bus: Routes 14, 19, 38 run along Oxford Street and Shaftesbury Avenue, both close to Frith Street. Alight at Tottenham Court Road or Piccadilly Circus and walk.

Parking

Street parking on Frith Street is limited and heavily restricted (permit holders only during hours). Use the nearby car parks: Q-Park Soho (across Charing Cross Road, 8-minute walk) or Bloomsbury Car Park (10 minutes). We recommend taking the Tube or taxi.

The Neighbourhood

Soho is London’s most vibrant and culturally dense neighbourhood. Frith Street itself is flanked by independent record shops, vintage bookstalls, and classic pubs (including the Pillars of Hercules and the Coach and Horses). The neighbourhood offers abundant pre-dinner options: cocktails at Bar Americano or Mr Fogg’s, wine at Noble Rot, or coffee at Monmouth Coffee. Post-dinner, the neighbourhood stays lively until late; duck into Bar Soho, a gay icon from the 1980s, or walk to the Groucho Club for members.


First Impressions and Atmosphere

Entrance and Exterior

The storefront at 54 Frith Street is deliberately understated—a narrow façade with simple signage and a recessed entrance. This is intentional: there is no grand fanfare, no towering doors, just a calm and unimposing entrance that belies the intensity of what awaits inside. The casual exterior reads almost apologetically.

Interior Design and Atmosphere

The interior is a masterclass in Japanese minimalism married to theatrical dinner-theatre logistics. You are seated at a single open kitchen counter: thirteen stools, each with a clear view into the kitchen where Chef Angelo Sato and his team work in visible choreography. The counter itself is bleached wood, simple and unadorned. Behind the counter, the kitchen is organised with meticulous precision—charcoal binchotan grills, burnished steel, hanging skewers, ceramic vessels arranged with museum-like care.

Lighting is warm but not dim—bright enough to see the chef’s hands work, to watch the grilling, to see the glisten of oil and the precise plating. The sound design is deliberately curated: there is no background music, just the ambient hum of conversation, the clatter of grill tools, the sizzle of protein on charcoal. For a 13-seat restaurant, this creates an almost church-like acoustic intimacy.

The room is warm without being pretentious. Service staff move with quiet efficiency, never hovering, always attentive. There is no artifice or theatre for theatre’s sake—everything serves the purpose of watching Angelo Sato’s precise, technically masterful work unfold.


The Kitchen: Chef Angelo Sato and Philosophy

Chef Angelo Sato: Background and Training

Angelo Sato was born in May 1992 to a Japanese father and German mother in Japan. His culinary training is genuinely elite: he trained at RyuGin (three Michelin stars, Tokyo) and NARISAWA (two Michelin stars, Tokyo), then moved to London at seventeen to work under Gordon Ramsay. His formative British experience came at Trinity in Clapham under Adam Byatt, where he met Tom Sellers. Sato then staged at Eleven Madison Park (three Michelin stars, New York) before returning to London to help Tom Sellers launch Restaurant Story in 2014.

At Restaurant Story, Sato served as head chef from the opening. The restaurant achieved its first Michelin star within five months of opening and gained a second star in 2021. During his final months at Restaurant Story, Sato curated a pop-up called “Mission Sato,” which brought together his Western training with his Japanese heritage for the first time—this moment catalysed his decision to open his own restaurant.

In 2021, Sato launched Humble Chicken with support from JKS Restaurants. The restaurant has since become the fastest-rising star in London: one Michelin star in 2024 (its first year of eligibility), two stars in 2025.

Culinary Philosophy

The philosophy at Humble Chicken can be stated in one sentence: absolute waste elimination and the elevation of the humble chicken through precise Japanese grilling technique married to European finesse and intellectual rigour.

Every part of the chicken is used. The restaurant sources whole birds and breaks them into component parts, each treated with Japanese precision. The thighs are grilled over binchotan charcoal—those specific Japanese white charcoal blocks that burn hotter and cleaner than other charcoals. The skin is rendered to crispness. The offal is prepared with the care usually reserved for foie gras.

But this is not yakitori in its traditional form. Sato’s version melds yakitori tradition with contemporary fine dining. Temperature, texture, acidity, and umami are balanced with geometric precision. A crispy chicken thigh arrives served over a chicken rice dish—comfort built from waste elimination, labour, and technique.

The Michelin inspectors noted that Sato’s work demonstrates “immense precision and technical skill” combined with “clever flavour and temperature combinations.” They recognised the restaurant as one of the most inventive and thrilling in the UK.


The Menu: What to Expect

Menu Format

Humble Chicken operates exclusively as a fixed 16-course tasting menu (omakase). There is no à la carte, no choice. The menu is served identically at lunch and dinner, though the exact courses vary by season and ingredient availability.

The Tasting Menu: What Arrives

The 16 courses are a progression that opens with delicate amuse-bouche and small bites, progresses through grilled chicken preparations of increasing complexity and intensity, and concludes with a dessert course. Each course is paired, when requested, with a specific sake or wine recommendation from sommelier Aidan Monk.

We do not provide a course-by-course spoiler—part of the experience is the unveiling of each course—but recurring elements include: precisely grilled chicken thigh skin, liver, gizzard, and heart prepared over binchotan charcoal; temperature and texture contrasts (crispy against creamy); Japanese-inflected sauces and condiments (ponzu, sudachi, miso-forward reductions); vegetables grilled or prepared as accompaniments; and theatrical presentation. A frequently noted dish from earlier iterations is the crispy chicken thigh with chicken rice—a dish that manages to be both technically complex and genuinely comforting.

Dietary Accommodations

Vegetarian and vegan tasting menus are available but must be pre-booked with the restaurant (note these are modified versions, not afterthoughts). Allergies and significant dietary restrictions should be communicated at the time of booking—Sato’s team will accommodate where possible, though the omakase format is inherently poultry-focused.

Bread and Petit Fours

The meal concludes with petit fours and tea or coffee. Bread is not typically served; the focus remains on grilled poultry and its preparations.


Wine, Drinks and Sommelier Service

The Sommelier and Beverage Philosophy

Aidan Monk, the sommelier and beverage manager, oversees an expertly curated collection of natural wines and Japanese sakes. Monk’s approach is generous, knowledgeable, and engaged—he discusses pairings with enthusiasm and precision, offering context and tasting notes without condescension.

The Sake Collection

The sake list is notably ambitious for a 13-seat London restaurant. Twelve sakes are offered, partitioned into flavour categories: “ocean,” “mountain,” and fruit-forward selections such as umeshu. Five of the sakes are Junmai Daiginjos—premium, highly refined, delicate sakes ideal for counter-seating precision work. The list includes Koshu, a golden aged sake from Japan. Monk and his team allow diners to choose their own ceramic cups for the pairing experience, adding a tactile element to service.

The sake pairing is recommended and costs approximately £80 (prices vary seasonally; verify at booking).

The Wine Collection

Nineteen wines span seven countries, weighted towards natural and low-intervention wines. The list includes lesser-known European producers and bottles from Japanese winemakers, reflecting Sato’s Japanese-European fusion philosophy. The collection is curated for pairing with grilled poultry, emphasizing acidity, minerality, and umami resonance.

Pairing Options

  • Sake pairing: Approximately £80 per person (sake only, you select cup style)
  • Mixed wine and sake pairing: Approximately £100-120 per person (hybrid approach)
  • Wine pairing: Approximately £100-120 per person
  • Non-alcoholic pairing: Available; verify price and availability at booking

Cocktails and Other Drinks

The restaurant does not offer a cocktail programme. The focus remains entirely on sake and wine pairings. Water, still or sparkling, is provided throughout service.

Corkage Policy

Corkage policy is not publicly listed. Contact the restaurant directly if you wish to bring your own wine; given the curated pairing programme and the chef’s philosophy, this is discouraged.


Pricing and Value for Money

Detailed Pricing Breakdown

  • Tasting menu (food only): £235 per person
  • Tasting menu + sake pairing: Approximately £315 per person
  • Tasting menu + wine or mixed pairing: Approximately £335-355 per person
  • Service charge: 12.5% discretionary, added to the bill
  • Total per person (food + pairing + service): Approximately £380-410

Is It Worth the Money?

The question of value at two-Michelin-starred restaurants is not whether the price is cheap (it is not) but whether the experience justifies the expense. At Humble Chicken, the answer is unambiguous: yes.

Here is why. First, you are witnessing one of the finest technical chefs working in London—a chef trained at three-Michelin-starred restaurants in Tokyo and New York, currently in his creative prime, and willing to risk his reputation on complete reinvention every 18 months. That itself has value. Second, the 16 courses represent genuine progression, not padding—each course teaches you something about how protein, heat, and Japanese technique can converge. Third, the precision is extraordinary. There are no shortcuts, no “good enough,” no cost-cutting on ingredients or labour. Fourth, the reduced capacity (13 seats, not 20) and the intimacy of the counter experience are intrinsic to the offer—you are not competing for attention.

Comparing to peers: Endo at the Rotunda (one Michelin star, Bloomsbury) costs roughly £140 without drinks; Yashin Sushi (one Michelin star, Kensington) costs approximately £155 without drinks. At £235, Humble Chicken is priced at the premium end but has achieved two stars and is, critically, the only one of these three restaurants that has been awarded a second star in 2025. The sake pairing adds genuine value—Aidan Monk’s recommendations are thoughtful and enhance the experience rather than inflate the check.

For a special occasion, a business meal where intellectual rigour and precision are valued, or simply to experience one of the most significant chefs in London, the price is justified. It is not cheap—it is premium—but it is not overpriced.


What Diners Actually Say: Review Analysis

TripAdvisor Reviews

Rating: 4.6 out of 5 (60 reviews as of May 2026)

TripAdvisor reviewers emphasise sensational service, perfectly balanced and delicious food, creative yet familiar dishes, and outstanding sake selection. Reviewers frequently note the warmth of the atmosphere and the knowledgeable staff. Complaints are minimal; occasional mentions of the small portion sizes (addressed by the multi-course format) or the high price (which most agree is justified).

Google Reviews

Google reviews corroborate TripAdvisor feedback. Reviewers note immaculate execution, theatrical counter seating, attentive service staff, and a sense of privilege at witnessing a master chef at work. One consistent theme: diners feel they have witnessed something genuinely special and cannot wait to return.

Professional Critics

Guardian / Jay Rayner: Rayner visited Humble Chicken during its earlier yakitori phase and described it as “a huge amount of fun.” He noted the kitchen’s “heart-fluttering joy” in its precision, praised the use of waste elimination (“elevating the humble and negating waste”), and described a crispy chicken thigh dish as “simply one of the best rice dishes I’ve had in a very long time.” His review conveyed genuine enthusiasm and discovered something rare—a chef’s humility married to technical mastery.

Michelin Guide 2024 (One Star): The inspectors awarded one star, praising the restaurant’s contemporary approach to yakitori and the chef’s technical skill.

Michelin Guide 2025 (Two Stars): The upgrade to two stars recognised Humble Chicken as “one of the most inventive and thrilling restaurants in the UK,” with the inspectors noting Sato’s “immense precision and technical skill” and his “clever flavour and temperature combinations.”

Time Out London: Time Out recognised Humble Chicken as one of London’s best restaurants, noting its theatrical energy and technical excellence.

The Caterer: The trade publication featured reviews calling Humble Chicken “more than humble,” with critics noting the chef’s willingness to innovate and the kitchen’s precision.

FT Globetrotter (2025): FT Globetrotter named Humble Chicken 3.0 among London’s best new restaurants of 2025, highlighting the 16-course tasting menu and the blending of Japanese and German influences.

Elite Traveller: Described Humble Chicken as “one of London’s funnest restaurants,” emphasising the theatrical quality and culinary excellence.

OpenTable Reviews

OpenTable aggregates reviews from verified diners who have actually dined at the restaurant. Ratings consistently remain above 4.5 out of 5, with diners praising exceptional service, memorable food, and the immersive counter experience.


What Diners Love Most

  1. The Chef at Work: Seated directly at the counter, you witness Angelo Sato’s precision and choreography firsthand. Every movement is deliberate. The control he exerts over heat, timing, and plating is palpable. For diners who appreciate craft, this alone justifies the visit.
  2. Waste Elimination as Philosophy: The entire menu is built on the idea that every part of the chicken has value and beauty. This is not tokenism—the offal is treated with genuine care, and the dishes that result are genuinely memorable. Diners appreciate the intellectual and ethical foundation beneath the cuisine.
  3. Temperature and Texture Contrasts: Each course introduces new temperature and texture combinations. Crispy skin against creamy sauce. Grilled against raw. Hot against cool. This attention to multisensory experience elevates simple components into complex, memorable dishes.
  4. Sake Pairing and Aidan Monk’s Expertise: The sommelier’s curation and his personal engagement with each diner transforms the beverage programme from an add-on into a central experience. Diners frequently note that the pairings enhanced rather than overshadowed the food.
  5. Service Quality and Attentiveness: The service staff at Humble Chicken are notably engaged without being hovering. They time courses perfectly, anticipate needs, and provide context when appropriate. Diners repeatedly describe service as “slick,” “friendly,” and “professional.”
  6. Theatrical Energy: The 13-seat counter format creates an intimate, almost cabaret-like experience. There is a sense of participating in something special, something shared. The noise level is moderate, and conversation flows naturally between courses.
  7. Technical Precision: Every dish announces itself through immaculate execution. There are no approximations, no “good enough.” This precision is visible to the diner—the grilling is perfect, the plating is exact, the cooking times are controlled. For diners who value craft, this is deeply satisfying.
  8. Japanese Cultural Authenticity Married to European Technique: The restaurant does not pretend to be purely traditional yakitori. Instead, it is honest about its fusion—Sato’s Japanese heritage and training married to his European technique. This synthesis feels genuine, not gimmicky. Diners appreciate the intellectual rigour.

Areas for Consideration

  1. Booking Difficulty: The restaurant seats just 13 diners and is typically booked 8-12 weeks in advance. If you wish to dine there, you must plan ahead. Walk-ins are not possible. This is not a restaurant for spontaneous decisions.
  2. Price Point: At £235 for the tasting menu alone (plus drinks, service charge, tax), this is a significant investment. It is not cheap. For diners accustomed to higher price points, this is reasonable; for diners on a tighter budget, this represents a major occasion.
  3. Poultry Focus: The entire menu is built around chicken. There are no fish courses, no meat alternatives beyond offal from the same bird. This is intentional, but it is worth understanding in advance. Vegetarian and vegan tasting menus are available with advance notice, but they are the exception, not the norm.
  4. Counter Seating Only: All 13 seats are at the open kitchen counter. There are no tables. If you prefer privacy or a quieter dining environment, this may not suit you. The counter experience is integral to the offer.
  5. Loud Environment: The noise level is moderate to high—conversation, sizzling charcoal, kitchen chatter. It is not a whispered fine-dining environment. If you value silence, this will be challenging.
  6. Fixed Menu Format: There is no choice, no à la carte. The menu is fixed, and you commit to the 16-course progression. Some diners prefer customisation; this restaurant does not offer it.

Who Is Humble Chicken Best For?

Ideal Diners

  • ✓ Food industry professionals and restaurant critics who value technical mastery
  • ✓ Diners interested in Japanese culinary tradition and contemporary fusion
  • ✓ Fine-dining enthusiasts celebrating a special occasion (anniversary, milestone birthday, significant professional achievement)
  • ✓ Couples on date nights who enjoy theatrical, immersive dining experiences
  • ✓ Business entertaining where intellectual rigour and culinary innovation are valued
  • ✓ Sake and natural wine enthusiasts keen to engage with a curated beverage programme
  • ✓ Visitors to London seeking to experience one of the UK’s most significant contemporary chefs
  • ✓ Diners with 8+ weeks’ notice for advance booking

Less Suitable For

  • ✗ Diners requiring last-minute (less than 8 weeks) reservations
  • ✗ Those on a strict budget or seeking value-for-money casual dining
  • ✗ Families with young children (the counter seating and theatrical service may overwhelm)
  • ✗ Diners with large groups (maximum 13 covers; no private dining)
  • ✗ Those who prefer quiet, intimate dining without kitchen noise or conversation
  • ✗ Diners seeking extensive dietary flexibility (the menu is fixed and poultry-focused)
  • ✗ Those uncomfortable with the theatre of open-kitchen counter dining

How Humble Chicken Compares

We compare Humble Chicken with three similar London Japanese fine-dining restaurants:

Feature Humble Chicken Endo at the Rotunda Yashin Sushi Sakagura
Cuisine Yakitori, omakase, Japanese-German fusion Edomae sushi, omakase Contemporary sushi, omakase Japanese fine dining, kaiseki-influenced
Michelin Stars ★★ (Two stars) ★ (One star) ★ (One star) ★ (One star)
Head Chef Angelo Sato (chef patron) Endo Kazutoshi Yashin Yusuke Yoshinari Nakamura
Price (3-Course/Omakase) £235 (16-course fixed) £140 (sushi omakase) £155 (sushi omakase) £180-220 (tasting menu)
Cover Count 13 (counter only) 10 (sushi counter) 13-16 (sushi counter) 30-40 (counter and tables)
Booking Lead Time 8-12 weeks 8-12 weeks 4-8 weeks 2-4 weeks
Dress Code Smart casual to business casual Smart casual Smart casual Smart casual
Sake List 12 sakes, curated by Aidan Monk 5-8 sakes 8-10 sakes 10+ sakes, extensive list
Unique Selling Point Waste elimination, yakitori + European technique, theatrical 2-star chef Traditional edomae sushi, sushi train, intimate Bloomsbury setting Contemporary sushi, playful, seasonal creativity Sake expertise, Japanese whisky, extensive beverage focus
Best For Theatrical, intellectually rigorous fine dining; 2-star Michelin experience Traditional sushi purists; intimate Bloomsbury location Contemporary sushi with personality; creative, playful approach Sake and Japanese beverage enthusiasts; relaxed, education-focused vibe

Verdict on Comparison

Humble Chicken occupies a distinct tier. It is the only two-Michelin-starred restaurant on this list and the only establishment where the focus is poultry (yakitori) rather than seafood (sushi). The price is at the premium end, but the two stars justify this. Endo and Yashin offer exceptional sushi experiences at lower price points (one star each), making them better suited to diners seeking value or shorter booking lead times. Sakagura is positioned for the beverage-focused diner rather than the chef-focused diner. If you are seeking the highest culinary achievement and can commit to advance booking, Humble Chicken is the clear choice. If you prefer sushi and a lower price point, Endo or Yashin are excellent alternatives.


How to Book and Insider Tips

Booking Method and Lead Time

Booking platforms: OpenTable, the restaurant’s website humblechickenuk.com, or by phone.

Lead time: Book 8-12 weeks in advance. The restaurant is typically fully booked. Walk-ins are not accepted. If you need an earlier reservation, you might try checking the website or calling mid-week for last-minute cancellations, though this is unreliable.

Best Times to Visit

  • Lunch vs. dinner: Both seatings offer the same 16-course menu. Lunch is quieter and slightly brighter. Dinner feels more theatrical.
  • Day of the week: Tuesday through Thursday are less frenetic than weekends. If you prefer a slightly calmer experience, these are optimal.
  • Seasonal considerations: The menu changes seasonally. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer excellent ingredient availability. Summer and winter are equally good.

Counter Seating Strategy

All 13 seats are at the counter. There is no preferred seating—each seat offers a view into the kitchen. If you are anxious about visibility or proximity to other diners, mention this at booking; the restaurant will do its best to accommodate preferences within the constraints of the fixed layout.

What to Order if It’s Your First Visit

You don’t choose—the 16-course menu is fixed. However, make the following selections:

  • Pairing option: Choose the sake pairing (recommended). The sommelier’s curation is a strong part of the experience. If you are a wine drinker, choose the wine or mixed pairing. If you don’t drink alcohol, ask about the non-alcoholic option.
  • Ceramic cup for sake: If choosing the sake pairing, select your cup style from the options offered. This small decision personalises the experience.
  • Dietary accommodations: Pre-communicate any dietary restrictions when booking. The kitchen is accommodating but works best with advance notice.

What to Wear

Dress code is smart casual to business casual. A blazer and tailored trousers, a nice dress, or business attire is appropriate. Jeans and trainers are too casual. The restaurant is sophisticated but not black-tie. The counter setting means you will be seen by other diners—look presentable, but no need for formal evening wear.

Pre and Post-Dinner Options in Soho

Pre-dinner (one hour before): Order a cocktail at Bar Americano (espresso martini), a glass of wine at Noble Rot (natural wine bar), or coffee at Monmouth Coffee. These are all within a 5-minute walk.

Post-dinner: The meal typically lasts 2-2.5 hours. By the time you finish, it’s likely 10 p.m. or later. For a drink or dessert, try Bar Soho (LGBTQ+ icon since 1985), a proper pub such as the Coach and Horses, or simply walk to Shaftesbury Avenue for taxis.

Cancellation and Deposit Policy

Contact the restaurant directly for cancellation policy details. Given the small size (13 seats) and high demand, expect that cancellations within 48-72 hours of the reservation may incur a charge. Confirm this at booking.


Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does a three-course dinner at Humble Chicken in Soho London cost?

Humble Chicken does not offer a three-course menu. Instead, it serves a fixed 16-course tasting menu (omakase) at £235 per person (food only). With a sake or wine pairing, the total is approximately £315-355 per person before service charge.

2. Does Humble Chicken in Soho London have a Michelin star?

Yes. Humble Chicken holds two Michelin stars as of the 2025 Michelin Guide. It was awarded its first star in 2024 and upgraded to two stars in 2025.

3. How far in advance must I book Humble Chicken in Soho London?

Humble Chicken typically requires booking 8-12 weeks in advance. The restaurant seats only 13 diners and is frequently fully booked. Cancellations occasionally arise mid-week, so calling ahead to ask about last-minute availability is worth attempting.

4. Does Humble Chicken in Soho London offer an à la carte menu or only tasting menus?

Humble Chicken operates exclusively on a fixed 16-course omakase (tasting menu) format. There is no à la carte option. The menu is the same for all diners at a given seating, though seasonal ingredients vary.

5. Can I get a vegetarian or vegan tasting menu at Humble Chicken in Soho London?

Yes, but only with advance notice (ideally at the time of booking). Vegetarian and vegan menus are available, though the restaurant’s core philosophy centres on the whole chicken, so these alternative menus are modified versions rather than the primary offer.

6. How much is the sake or wine pairing at Humble Chicken in Soho London?

The sake pairing costs approximately £80 per person. Wine or mixed wine/sake pairings cost approximately £100-120 per person. Non-alcoholic pairings are available; verify exact pricing and availability when booking.

7. Can I walk into Humble Chicken in Soho London without a reservation?

No. Humble Chicken does not accept walk-ins. All dining is by reservation only. You must book in advance via OpenTable, the restaurant’s website, or by telephone.

8. What is the service charge policy at Humble Chicken in Soho London?

A 12.5% discretionary service charge is added to the bill at Humble Chicken. This is standard London fine-dining practice.

9. Is Humble Chicken in Soho London accessible for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues?

The restaurant is on the ground floor and accessible via street level. However, all seating is at the counter (no tables), which may limit accessibility for some. Contact the restaurant in advance to discuss your specific needs; they will do their best to accommodate.

10. Who is the chef at Humble Chicken in Soho London?

Chef Angelo Sato is the owner and chef patron of Humble Chicken. Sato trained at RyuGin and NARISAWA (Tokyo), Gordon Ramsay (London), Trinity (Clapham), Eleven Madison Park (New York), and Restaurant Story (London Bridge), where he served as head chef for three years before opening Humble Chicken in 2021.

11. What was Humble Chicken like before its 2025 reopening?

Humble Chicken opened in 2021 as a casual yakitori bar with a la carte menu and lower price point (approximately £5-20 per skewer). In 2023, it evolved into “Version 2.0,” shifting to a tasting menu format at £135 per person. After winning its second Michelin star in February 2025, it closed for a second renovation and reopened in June 2025 as “Version 3.0” with a 16-course menu at £235 per person and reduced capacity (13 seats).

12. Does Humble Chicken in Soho London serve only chicken, or are there other options?

The menu is built around chicken—specifically, grilled chicken prepared using every part of the bird (thighs, liver, gizzard, heart, skin). There are occasional accompaniments (vegetables, condiments) but no fish or other meat courses. The philosophy is waste elimination and the elevation of poultry.


London Reviews Verdict on Humble Chicken

Humble Chicken is one of the most important and inventive restaurants currently operating in London. It is not the most comfortable, not the most convenient, and certainly not the cheapest—but it is the clearest expression of a chef at the absolute height of his powers, willing to take risks and reinvent continuously.

Angelo Sato’s journey from commis chef in Tokyo to Michelin two-star chef patron in Soho is remarkable, but what matters is not the biography but the work. At Humble Chicken, every detail is controlled: heat, timing, waste, flavour, texture, precision, theatre. You are not paying for fanciness or service theatre—you are paying to witness one of the finest contemporary chefs working at full intensity, plating 16 courses in front of you, showing you what poultry and charcoal and European technique can accomplish.

The two Michelin stars awarded in 2025 were justified. The restaurant is not yet three years old and has already achieved what many chefs never reach. The question is not whether Humble Chicken is worth a visit—it is. The question is whether you can secure a booking and whether the price fits your budget. If both answers are yes, do not hesitate.

For diners with the time to plan ahead and the budget to invest £350-400 per head (including pairing and service), Humble Chicken ranks among London’s essential fine-dining experiences. It is the kind of restaurant that becomes part of your story as a diner—a moment when you witnessed mastery and precision at an elite level. Book early, manage expectations around the intense, theatrical environment, and prepare to be impressed.


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Summary Rating Table

Category Rating
Food Quality ★★★★★ (5/5)
Service ★★★★★ (5/5)
Atmosphere and Design ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Wine and Drinks Programme ★★★★★ (5/5)
Value for Money ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Booking Experience ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Accessibility ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
OVERALL ★★★★★ (4.8/5)

Disclaimer

This review is based on independent research conducted by the London Reviews editorial team. We cross-referenced information from the following sources: Michelin Guide UK and Ireland 2024-2025, TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, OpenTable, Hardens, The Infatuation, Time Out London, Guardian reviews, The Caterer, Elite Traveller, The Drinks Business, Great British Chefs, Luxury Lifestyle Magazine, and the official Humble Chicken website (humblechickenuk.com). All information is current as of May 2026. We do not accept payment or incentives from businesses we review. Prices and menu offerings are subject to change; contact the restaurant directly to confirm current information.

Share Your Experience

Have you dined at Humble Chicken in Soho? Share your experience with other London diners. Your firsthand account helps other readers understand what to expect. Comment below or contact London Reviews with your review.



Angelo Sato binchotan charcoal chefs counter dining contemporary Japanese Frith Street Humble Chicken Japanese fine dining Japanese restaurants London Michelin Guide omakase London restaurant review 2026 sake London Soho restaurants yakitori
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