Taro Holloway Road Japanese Restaurant Review, London 2026

Key Points

• Taro has expanded its UK footprint by launching its 11th site on Holloway Road in North London.
• The restaurant offers a relaxed, casual atmosphere with an extensive menu spanning sushi, bento boxes, noodles, curries, and Japanese comfort food.
• Reviewers noted that while finding a Japanese restaurant in London is straightforward, finding one that balances value, quality, and consistency remains challenging, with Taro coming close.
• Food items reviewed include the Double Tori Karaage (£12.90), the Balham Roll (£16.90), the Vegetable Sushi Roll (£15.90), and the Vegetable Tempura Bento (£19.90).
• The standout culinary high point of the meal was widely reported as the exceptional Matcha Cheesecake.

London (The Londoner News) August 4, 2026 – Locating a Japanese dining establishment within the UK capital is a relatively simple task for local residents and visitors alike, yet securing a reliable venue that successfully harmonises value, top-tier quality, and everyday consistency proves to be a considerably harder pursuit. Stepping up to address this culinary gap, the well-known Japanese dining brand Taro has officially expanded its regional footprint by launching its 11th United Kingdom site situated along the bustling Holloway Road in North London. According to observations from local news reporting, the newly established branch manages to edge encouragingly close to achieving that elusive balance, offering an environment characterized by an unpretentious, relaxed atmosphere suited for casual lunches and unhurried evening meals alike.

What is the atmosphere and menu layout like at Taro Holloway Road?

As documented by the reporting staff of London Now, the restaurant projects an unpretentious and relaxed feel right from the moment patrons walk through the door. The menu has been thoughtfully curated to comfortably span a wide array of traditional Japanese favourites, ranging seamlessly from freshly prepared sushi and bento boxes to warming bowls of noodles, rich curries, and classic comforting dishes. Reviewers noted that the establishment functions effectively as the sort of flexible venue that caters equally well to patrons looking for a rapid, convenient bite during a busy workday or families settling down for a more leisurely evening dining experience.

How did the starters and appetisers perform during the review?

Kicking off the meal, the dining critics opted to share the Double Tori Karaage, priced at £12.90, which comprises a generous portion of 12 pieces of marinated, deep-fried chicken.

As detailed by London Now, the poultry dish presented a notable outer coating that was pleasantly crisp without ever sliding into greasiness, while the interior meat successfully preserved its tender and juicy characteristics.

Reviewers characterised the item as a dependable crowd-pleaser, though it was observed that it slightly lacked an extra layer of seasoning punch that might have elevated the dish from standard comfort food into something truly memorable.

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What were the impressions of the sushi selections?

Moving deeper into the menu, the culinary exploration featured both seafood and vegetarian sushi options. The Balham Roll, carrying a price tag of £16.90, delivered an immediate visual impact upon arrival at the table. As described by London Now, this particular roll came packed with fresh salmon and avocado before being generously crowned with additional layers of salmon, spicy mayonnaise, and tobiko, resulting in a substantial and visually striking portion.

The underlying quality of the fish proved entirely self-evident, though the overall flavor profile leaned closer towards the familiarly comforting rather than introducing truly unique twists.

For a plant-based alternative, the Vegetable Sushi Roll was ordered at £15.90. This creation cleverly combined crisp cucumber, creamy avocado, and sweet mango wrapped securely in seaweed alongside the establishment’s proprietary house dressing.

According to London Now, the inherent sweetness brought by the mango introduced a refreshing and welcome contrast, rendering the dish a delightfully light and enjoyable choice for diners seeking vegetarian options.

How well-balanced was the Vegetable Tempura Bento?

Representing the broader scope of the brand’s kitchen philosophy, the Vegetable Tempura Bento was served at £19.90. Reviewers from London Now noted that this meal served as a strong representation of Taro’s overarching operational approach.

The spread featured a robust assortment of crisp tempura vegetables served alongside side dishes including edamame, crisp bean sprouts, inari sushi, and an additional vegetable roll, collectively building a substantial and diverse meal.

While the publication noted that every individual component on the tray was competently prepared, certain elements naturally outshone others, leaving behind an overall impression of a solid and reliable bento rather than an exceptional standout.

What was the ultimate highlight of the entire dining experience?

Despite a varied journey across the savoury plates, the true triumph of the visit arrived entirely unannounced at the conclusion of the meal. As highlighted enthusiastically by London Now, the surprise highlight of the evening was unequivocally the Matcha Cheesecake, which was described as exceptional.

Reviewers praised the dessert for managing to be simultaneously rich and creamy without ever tipping over into an overly heavy or dense texture. Crucially, the sweet course delivered a genuine, earthy, and lightly nuanced bitterness characteristic of high-quality green tea, sealing the restaurant’s launch with a high note that lingered long after the final bite.