Nestled in the vibrant streets of Soho, Shackfuyu offers an extraordinary fusion of Japanese yōshoku cuisine with global influences that has earned it a devoted following among London’s food enthusiasts. What started as a temporary pop-up has blossomed into a permanent fixture at 14A Old Compton Street, where founder Ross Shonhan and Executive Chef Ben Hughes craft dishes that balance culinary innovation with approachable dining experiences.
Key Takeaways
- Shackfuyu specializes in Western-inspired Japanese cuisine with a rotating menu that refreshes every 6-8 weeks
- The restaurant’s signature Kinako French Toast with matcha soft serve was named London’s best dessert in 2015
- Despite its central Soho location, it remains a hidden gem away from tourist-heavy dining spots
- Prices range from £4-£24 per dish with average meals costing £30-£35 per person
- The restaurant features a unique “Tardis-like” layout that appears small from outside but offers ample seating inside
From Pop-Up to Permanent: The Shackfuyu Story
What makes shackfuyu special is its journey from temporary experiment to Soho institution. Created by Ross Shonhan, who previously worked at prestigious establishments like Zuma and Nobu, the restaurant started as a limited-time concept but gained such popularity that it secured its permanent home on Old Compton Street. With a 4.1/5 rating on Tripadvisor from over 520 reviews, it’s clear that Shackfuyu’s bold approach to Japanese fusion has struck a chord with London diners.
The restaurant specializes in yōshoku cuisine – a style of Western-influenced Japanese cooking that emerged during Japan’s Meiji era. However, Shackfuyu takes this concept further by incorporating influences from Korean, American, and Brazilian culinary traditions. This hidden restaurant in London has managed to carve out a unique identity in a city known for culinary innovation.
Signature Dishes Worth Traveling For
The menu at Shackfuyu features a rotating selection of small and large plates designed for sharing. While items change seasonally, several signature dishes have become permanent fixtures due to customer demand. The most famous of these is undoubtedly the Kinako French Toast with Matcha Soft Serve – a dessert that was crowned “London’s best dessert” in 2015 and continues to draw food enthusiasts from across the city.
Other menu highlights include the Miso Aubergine, which features caramelized miso-glazed eggplant topped with bubu arare (crispy rice crackers) for textural contrast. The Korean-Fried Chicken Wings deliver a perfect balance of sticky, sweet, and spicy flavors, while the USDA Beef Picanha with kimchi butter showcases the restaurant’s talent for cross-cultural innovation.
Price points remain surprisingly reasonable for central London, with small plates ranging from £4-£10 and larger dishes from £8-£24. Most diners report spending around £30-£35 per person for a satisfying meal with drinks, making it accessible for special occasions without breaking the bank.
A Unique Atmosphere: Industrial Meets Intimate
Walking into Shackfuyu reveals what many reviewers describe as a “Tardis-like” space – seemingly small from the outside but opening into a spacious 60-seat dining area. The interior design merges industrial elements with cozy touches: exposed brick walls contrast with distressed lime-green accents, while vintage Japanese film posters and sake bottle displays add subtle cultural references.
The front bar area offers an ideal spot for pre-dinner drinks or quick bites, while the main dining room features a mix of communal tables and booth seating. An American rock soundtrack creates a lively, energetic ambiance that perfectly complements the bold flavors of the food. This casual yet buzzy atmosphere has helped establish Shackfuyu as an iconic restaurant for an unforgettable London trip.
Seasonal Menus and Special Offerings
One reason locals return repeatedly to Shackfuyu is its constantly evolving menu. The kitchen team refreshes offerings every 6-8 weeks, ensuring there’s always something new to discover. Seasonal highlights have included Roasted Whole Sole with Shiso Chimichurri (cooked in the restaurant’s former pizza oven) and Iberico Pork Pluma, served medium-rare in a peppery miso sauce.
The restaurant also offers several special menu options:
- A pre-theatre menu priced between £19-£22, perfect for West End theatergoers
- Bottomless brunch for £45-£55, including two hours of unlimited drinks
- Private dining experiences in the basement room for special occasions
These flexible options make Shackfuyu suitable for various dining scenarios, from quick lunches to leisurely weekend brunches or celebratory group dinners.
Inclusive Dining Experiences
Shackfuyu stands out for its attentive approach to dietary requirements. The menu clearly marks vegetarian and gluten-free options, with staff trained to accommodate various restrictions. Vegetarian standouts include tenderstem broccoli with a savory sauce and the vegetable hot stone rice – dishes that receive praise even from committed meat-eaters.
The restaurant successfully balances adventurous offerings like octopus tacos and mentaiko fries with more accessible options such as grilled salmon, ensuring diners of all culinary comfort levels can find something to enjoy. This inclusive approach extends to the service style, with staff frequently praised for their ability to make special occasions memorable without fuss or pretension.
For those exploring London’s best hidden gem restaurants, Shackfuyu’s commitment to accommodating all diners makes it a standout choice.
Essential Visitor Information
If you’re planning a visit to Shackfuyu, here are some practical details to keep in mind:
- The restaurant operates daily from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Standard dining follows a no-reservations policy – arrive early to secure a table
- A private dining room in the basement is available for pre-booked events
- Larger parties should aim to arrive before peak hours (7:00-8:30 PM)
- The restaurant is a short walk from Tottenham Court Road and Leicester Square stations
Despite its central Soho location, Shackfuyu remains somewhat under the radar compared to many nearby establishments, giving it an authentic feel that’s increasingly rare in this touristy area.
Why Shackfuyu Deserves Its Growing Acclaim
What elevates Shackfuyu from simply good to truly exceptional is its ability to balance technical precision with approachable comfort food. The kitchen demonstrates remarkable skill in blending Japanese techniques with global ingredients, creating dishes that are both innovative and satisfying.
Featured in publications like London Evening Standard and SquareMeal, the restaurant has earned praise for its flavor intensity without sacrificing nuance. Each dish shows thoughtful composition, whether through contrasting textures, layered seasonings, or unexpected ingredient pairings.
Perhaps most importantly, Shackfuyu has maintained its creative spirit and friendly atmosphere even as its popularity has grown. It represents the success story of a pop-up that found its permanent place in London’s competitive dining scene by offering something genuinely distinctive – bold fusion food in a relaxed setting that encourages exploration and return visits.
Sources
Tripadvisor – Shackfuyu Reviews
kurumicooks.co.uk – Shack Fuyu London W1 A Review
stevedrice.net – Shackfuyu Review
grubstance.com – Shackfuyu Review Soho Pop-up Turns Permanent
steakandteeth.com – Shackfuyu Soho
thelondonfoodie.co.uk – Shackfuyu Creative Japanese Inspired
standard.co.uk – Shackfuyu Soho Tried and Tasted
squaremeal.co.uk – Shackfuyu