London’s ever-evolving food scene welcomes an exciting new addition as Maki & Ramen Soho officially opens its doors on Friday 3 April, taking over the iconic former La Bodega Negra site. The reimagined space introduces a bold, two-floor Japanese dining destination that blends late-night ramen culture with high-energy handroll dining.
Positioned in the heart of Soho, the dual-concept venue is set to become a go-to for everything from casual lunches to after-hours dining, combining comfort food favourites with a more theatrical, chef-led experience upstairs.
Downstairs: Late-Night Ramen and Soho Energy
On the ground floor, Maki & Ramen Soho delivers a vibrant take on Japanese comfort food, paired with a lively late-night atmosphere. Guests can expect steaming bowls of rich tonkotsu ramen, freshly prepared sushi rolls, and crowd-pleasing classics like chicken katsu curry.
The drinks menu leans into Soho’s nightlife culture, featuring matcha-based beverages alongside a curated cocktail list designed for evening dining. With its late licence and bar-led setup, the space transitions seamlessly from relaxed daytime dining to a more atmospheric, after-dark experience.
Location: 9 Old Compton Street, W1D 5JF
Opening hours: Daily, 11:30am–1am
Website: Maki & Ramen
Upstairs: Maki Nori’s 15-Second Handroll Experience
Upstairs, Maki Nori offers a completely different pace, focusing on precision, speed, and performance. At the heart of the concept is the ‘15-second roll’ — a dynamic process where chefs slice and roll each handroll to order at a central counter, ensuring every bite is served at peak freshness.
The menu showcases premium seafood including scallops, uni, and bluefin tuna, while the intimate 60-cover space — complete with a 20-seat handroll counter — creates an immersive dining experience. Combined with an upbeat soundtrack and social atmosphere, Maki Nori brings a fresh, interactive edge to Soho’s sushi scene.
Location: 16 Moor Street, W1D 5AP
Opening hours: Sun–Thurs 11:30am–12am, Fri–Sat 11:30am–1am
Website: Maki & Ramen
A Vision Rooted in Precision and Craft
The concept comes from chef and founder Teddy Lee of the Maki & Ramen Group, whose culinary philosophy is grounded in discipline, precision, and respect for ingredients — principles shaped during his training in Tokyo.
Speaking on the launch, Lee explains that while Maki & Ramen focuses on broader Japanese comfort food, Maki Nori offers a more refined and focused experience centred on freshness, speed, and the theatre of handroll dining.
A New Soho Hotspot for 2026
With space for around 170 guests across both floors, the venue’s design blends traditional Japanese ramen shop influences with a contemporary Soho aesthetic. Think warm wood finishes, neon accents, and open counter seating — creating a dynamic, two-part dining experience under one roof.
As London continues to embrace elevated yet accessible dining concepts, Maki & Ramen Soho and Maki Nori look set to become standout additions to the capital’s culinary landscape.
