SO Japanese Dining is a longstanding Japanese venue at 5 Middlesex Street, close to Aldgate and Liverpool Street. Formerly known as So Restaurant, it now combines its established kitchen with a flexible space for private dinners, celebrations, meetings and other group events. Warm lighting, exposed brick, green tones and movable yatai style tables create an adaptable but intimate dining room.
The menu begins with edamame, wagyu tataki with spicy ponzu, agedashi tofu in broth and aubergine miso dengaku. Sashimi selections highlight fresh fish, while creative maki rolls combine ingredients such as salmon, avocado, king prawn tempura, soft shell crab, grilled eel and sesame. These smaller dishes work well as shared introductions or as part of a broader Japanese meal.
Hot dishes include king prawn, vegetable and soft shell crab tempura, salmon teriyaki and organic tofu steak. Miso marinated black cod and grilled eel are cooked over volcanic rocks imported from Mount Fuji, a gentle method intended to develop texture and savoury depth. Kurobuta pork katsu, chicken katsu with Ninja curry, Angus beef gyudon and grilled eel served over rice add more substantial choices.
The current event focused format allows the team to design bespoke menus around the occasion, dietary preferences and budget. Sake, Japanese whisky, wine and cocktails complement the food, giving hosts options for both formal dinners and relaxed gatherings. Its central location and flexible layout make SO Japanese Dining a practical setting for groups who want Japanese cooking in a private environment.
Address: 5 Middlesex Street, London E1 7AA, United Kingdom