Key Points
- Expansion Achievement: Taro, a well-known chain of Japanese restaurants run by Mr Taro since 1999, has opened its 11th restaurant in one of the most famous streets of North London, the historic Holloway Road.
- Proximity to Landmark: This particular location of the company is located near the legendary Emirates Stadium and the busy Nag’s Head market, thus being able to cater to sports fans, locals, students, and families.
- Food Options: In this particular restaurant, customers can find a wide variety of foods including traditional bento boxes, sushi, sashimi, ramen, udon, as well as Arsenal Special Roll unique to this location.
- Reviews: Initial reviews speak of the cozy atmosphere of the place that stands out against the hustle of Holloway Road; the attention is drawn towards the sushi roll artistry and appetizers Tako Taki and Shrimp Sumai.
- Company Development: It should be noted that this is not the first opening of this year for Taro, which opened 2 new locations in 2026, namely in Crystal Palace.
London (The Londoner News) August 21, 2026 – The Japanese restaurant group Taro has officially planted its flag in North London, opening its 11th site on the vibrant and busy Holloway Road. The expansion marks a significant milestone for the brand, which first brought authentic Japanese dining to the capital’s Soho district nearly three decades ago. Located in close proximity to the Emirates Stadium and the historic Nag’s Head Market, the new restaurant aims to cater to a diverse demographic, ranging from football fans on matchdays to the local student and family population, offering a blend of traditional Japanese flavours and neighbourhood hospitality.
How does the new Holloway branch reflect the brand’s identity?
Taro has maintained a consistent reputation since Mr Taro launched the first restaurant on Brewer Street in 1999. According to a review by the London Economic, the Holloway location successfully transitions diners from the “hustle and bustle” of the busy Holloway and Seven Sisters roads into a “serene world of sushi and sashimi”.
The interior design and atmosphere appear to be a hallmark of the group’s wider identity. As reported by The Capturist in their review of the new site, the restaurant provides a “great Japanese menu but with a quirky London twist,” featuring nods to the local area, including the nearby Arsenal stadium. This sentiment is echoed by the management, who confirmed that the Holloway site includes a special roll created specifically to pay homage to the local neighbourhood.
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What are the standout dishes at the new Taro restaurant?
The menu at the Holloway location mirrors the extensive offerings that have made the brand a mainstay for London foodies. Diners can expect the familiar staples of bento boxes, noodles, and fresh sushi.
In their assessment for The London Economic, the reviewer noted the strength of the starters, specifically recommending the
“Tako Taki (deep-fried octopus balls with tonkatsu sauce, £8.90) and Shrimp Sumai (grilled sumai filled with shrimp and vegetables, £6.90)”
as “the perfect bite-sized amuse-bouches to kick off the meal”.
The Capturist, meanwhile, focused on the restaurant’s sushi craftsmanship. Author Claire Selby described the “Taro roll” and “Dragon roll”—each served in generous eight-piece portions—as “absolutely beautifully crafted,” noting that the “fresh-tasting sushi with the spicy toppings” demonstrated a clear artistry in presentation.
The menu also appears to cater to specific local themes. As noted in The London Economic, diners are encouraged to try the “Arsenal Special Roll (£17.90),” which consists of
“prawn tempura, cream cheese and avocado, topped with tuna and a house special dressing in a striking red to match the team’s iconic colours”.
Is Taro successfully maintaining its original vision during this expansion?
Since its inception, the Taro group has aimed to make Japanese food accessible and authentic. Even with 11 sites now operating across the capital, reports suggest the brand has not lost its original appeal.
Reflecting on the brand’s growth, reviewers often point to the balance between high-quality ingredients and reasonable pricing. In previous coverage of the group’s expansion, the London Economic noted that Taro provides an opportunity for Londoners to “gently explore” the wonders of Japanese cuisine without the intimidation of high-end omakase pricing.
The expansion into Holloway and Crystal Palace this year indicates that the group is not slowing down. By maintaining a focus on “heartfelt hospitality” and a broad menu that covers everything from quick lunches to substantial dinners, Taro appears to be executing a strategy that resonates with contemporary London residents.
What should diners expect from the overall experience?
For those planning to visit the new Holloway Road location, the experience is designed to be as much about the environment as the food. The London Economic emphasised the “calm and welcoming” nature of the space, serving as an effective retreat from the busy North London thoroughfare.
While the restaurant is geared towards casual dining, it maintains the open-kitchen concept that has been a feature of the brand since 1999. For those interested in attending, the restaurant recommends booking in advance, particularly as the site has already begun attracting significant local interest following its recent opening.
Whether one is a long-time fan of Mr Taro’s original Soho establishment or a newcomer to the group’s specific brand of Japanese cuisine, the 11th site represents a continued commitment to bringing authentic dishes to diverse neighbourhoods across the city. As the brand looks to the future, its focus on community integration—seen clearly in the creation of region-specific menu items—suggests that Taro is set to remain a significant player in the London restaurant scene for years to come.
