Padam Rai runs a 10-seat counter omakase at RAI on Bayley Street near Tottenham Court Road, with lunch and dinner service and an English menu.
At a glance
- Price
- $$
- Seats
- 10
- Chef
- Padam Rai
- Booking
- Phone reservations
- Cuisine
- Modern sushi
- Price
- Moderate
- Recognition
- Michelin listed
RAI is an omakase-only restaurant tucked into 11-13 Bayley St, a short walk from Tottenham Court Road. The kitchen is led by Padam Rai, who spent years as co-founder and chef at Hot Stone in Fitzrovia before opening this ten-seat counter concept. There is no private room; every seat faces the chefs directly, and the menu runs as a multi-course tasting rather than à la carte.
The sushi and sashimi use Koshihikari rice from Niigata, Sanpuku nori from Japan's Ariake Sea, and soy sauces aged between two and several decades. RAI is also licensed to serve certified Kobe beef from Hyogo Prefecture, a designation held by only a small number of UK restaurants, alongside A5 Japanese wagyu. Wasabi is grated fresh to order. The restaurant has been included in the Michelin guide and has received two AA Rosettes.
Service runs both midday and evening: lunch seatings from 12:00 to 15:30 on weekdays, with Saturday and Sunday open continuously from midday into the evening. Dinner service on weekdays runs from 17:30, closing at 22:30 most nights and 23:00 on Fridays. The menu is in English, and at £59 per person the pricing sits toward the lower end for Michelin-listed omakase in London. Reservations are taken by phone rather than online, so it's worth calling ahead, particularly for counter seats at busier dinner slots.
Good to know
- How much does the omakase cost at RAI?
- The listed price is £59 per person, placing it in the moderate price tier for omakase in London.
- How many seats does RAI have, and is it counter-only?
- RAI has 10 seats, all at the sushi counter, with no private room available.
- How do I book a table?
- RAI takes reservations by phone at 020 8149 6248; confirm current availability and any deposit policy directly with the restaurant.
- Is there an English menu?
- Yes, an English menu is available.
- What are RAI's opening hours?
- Weekday lunch runs 12:00 to 15:30 and dinner from 17:30 (closing 22:30 most nights, 23:00 on Fridays); Saturday and Sunday service runs continuously from midday into the evening.
Details checked October 2, 2026. Prices and hours change; confirm before you go.
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