Maki & Ramen will open its first bricks-and-mortar London restaurant in Soho on 6th March 2026. Already established across England and Scotland, the Japanese restaurant brand will take over the former La Bodega Negra site on Old Compton Street, introducing a mid-range Japanese dining concept to the capital.
The Soho restaurant will accommodate 110 covers and is designed to reflect the area’s late-night energy. Inspired by traditional Japanese ramen shops and reinterpreted for a central London setting, the interiors combine natural wood finishes, warm lighting and neon accents to create a space that moves seamlessly from daytime dining into evening trade.
The menu spans sushi, ramen and small plates, positioned between premium dining and fast casual convenience. Signature dishes include 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 offer has been developed to cater to a broad audience, with vegetarian, vegan and halal options available throughout.
Drinks play a central role in the Soho opening. Japanese-inspired beverages include bubble teas and matcha created in partnership with PerfectTed, alongside exclusive soft drinks developed with XOXO Drinks. The site also benefits from a 1am alcohol licence, with the downstairs bar reactivated as a late-night space serving Japanese beers, including its signature Makiburi lager, alongside fruit-led and tea-based cocktails and alcohol-free serves. Cocktails such as Cherry Blossom, Japanese Elixir and Hanami sit alongside Geisha’s Kiss, a theatrical serve designed to bring colour and smoke-led presentation into the space.
Founded in 2015 by Teddy Lee, Maki & Ramen began in Edinburgh before expanding into Glasgow and multiple UK cities including Manchester, Leeds, Leicester, Sheffield, Newcastle, Aberdeen and Nottingham. The Soho opening marks a significant milestone in the brand’s UK growth and follows its initial London franchise site at The O2 Arena.
The business has been recognised across the category, including being named Scotland’s Best Japanese Restaurant by Deliveroo in 2024 and 2026. In 2026, it was also nominated for four Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Awards, including recognition for its partnership with Thistle Foundation.
Community engagement remains central to the brand. In London, Maki & Ramen will partner with The Felix Project, donating £1 from every ramen sold on selected days and times.
Maki & Ramen Soho will open seven days a week from 11:30am to 1:00am on Old Compton Street. To mark the launch, £5 ramen will be available to the first 100 guests from 6th to 8th March.
Teddy Lee, CEO of Maki & Ramen, said: “We’ve been preparing for a London opening for a long time, and bringing Maki & Ramen to Soho feels incredibly special. Soho is where food, drink and late nights meet. This site has its own identity, designed for dinners that move naturally into the evening. This is just the beginning of our London story.”
For further information, please contact makiramen@wearememo.com
