The debut into the capital follows the brand’s initial London franchise launch at The O2 Arena.
Occupying a 3,200sq ft site on Old Compton Street, in the former La Bodega Negra space, the restaurant will seat 110 guests.
Maki & Ramen offers a wide range of Japanese dishes, including black garlic tonkotsu ramen, hell ramen, halal steak tataki ramen, salmon teriyaki roll, green dragon roll, chicken gyoza, spicy chicken teriyaki karaage, and chicken katsu curry. The menu also caters to vegetarian, vegan, and halal diets.
The Soho site will also feature a late-night bar offering Japanese beers, cocktails, mocktails, bubble teas, matchas, and three exclusive XOXO sodas. Signature drinks will include the Cherry Blossom, Japanese Elixir, Hanami, and Geisha’s Kiss.
Founded in 2015 by Teddy Lee, Maki & Ramen launched in Edinburgh before expanding into Glasgow.
The brand subsequently grew across multiple regions in England, including Manchester, Leeds, Leicester, Sheffield, Newcastle, Aberdeen and Nottingham.
“We’ve been preparing for a London opening for a long time and finally bringing Maki & Ramen to Soho feels incredibly special,” says Teddy Lee, CEO of Maki & Ramen.
“Soho is electric - it’s where food, drink and late nights collide.
“Our Soho site has its own energy, designed for long dinners that turn into late nights.
“This is just the beginning of our London story, and we’re so excited to bring Maki & Ramen to even more neighbourhoods across the city very soon.”
Maki & Ramen was named Scotland’s Best Japanese Restaurant by Deliveroo in both 2024 and 2026 and was also nominated for four Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Awards this year, including recognition for its partnership with Thistle Foundation.
Committed to supporting local communities, Maki & Ramen works with dedicated charities in each of its locations.
In London, it will partner with The Felix Project, donating £1 from every ramen sold on select days and times.
Maki & Ramen Soho will be open seven days a week from 11:30am to 1:00am and will be offering £5 ramen to the first 100 people between 6 and 8 March.