There's no online booking at Dozo – and that's a good thing. It means regulars get looked after, and the staff actually remember your usual order. If you're hoping to book sushi restaurant Soho for a Friday-night blowout or a pre-theatre supper, the answer is refreshingly direct: pick up the phone. It's not a chore, honestly. The team are properly friendly, and with a bit of preparation you'll have your reservation sorted in under two minutes.

Friday night in Soho is a beast. Old Compton Street is heaving, theatre crowds are pouring out, and every table in every restaurant seems to be taken. Yet Dozo remains a calm, buzzing little haven, where the sushi is sliced to order and the sake list is genuinely interesting. The only way to guarantee a seat is to call ahead, and I've been doing it for years. Here's how to do it without breaking a sweat.

Why Calling Beats Every Booking App for Sushi in Soho

The first thing to know is that Dozo doesn't have an online reservation widget. No "find a table" button, no automated confirmation. What you get instead is a real conversation with someone who knows the room. And that's worth a lot on Old Compton Street, where the pavement is busy and the tables are precious. You might think it's old-fashioned, but it's actually incredibly reliable. No glitches, no double-bookings, just a friendly voice and a pen. The phone rings at Dozo and someone answers – usually within three rings. That's rare these days. For a Soho restaurant reservation, the phone is the only option – and it's a good one.

When you call, you can ask for a specific spot. Counter seating is ideal if you want to see the sushi chefs slicing pink slabs of salmon into perfect nigiri. The sashimi corner is a little quieter, tucked away from the bustle. If you're planning a romantic dinner or a business catch-up, you might prefer a booth at the back. All of that can be arranged over the phone – you just need to ask. I always ask for the counter at the Soho branch. There's something hypnotic about watching the chefs work – the precise knife work, the neat row of maki rolls, the gentle brush of soy. It's dinner and a show, really.

The main number for the Soho restaurant is 020 7434 3219. It's a short call, but try to do it during the day or early evening, not at 7.30pm on a Friday when the kitchen is slammed. The team are unfailingly polite, but they're also busy, so give them a fighting chance. If you get the answerphone, leave a message with your name and number – they genuinely call you back. And don't be afraid to call multiple times if it's busy. The line isn't always free, but persistence pays off.

If you want to see exactly what you'll be eating, the full Soho sushi menu is a good place to start. I'd also suggest a quick look at the sake and whisky list so you can ask about a pairing when you call. You could also check the gallery for some inspiration – the photos will make you hungry.

Dozo's Two Rooms: Soho and South Kensington

Part of Dozo's charm is that it's not one restaurant but two. The original opened in South Kensington in 2011, on Old Brompton Road, and it's still a favourite for locals and museum-goers. Then, in 2013, the Soho branch arrived on Old Compton Street, bringing contemporary Japanese cooking to the heart of theatreland. Both rooms share the same philosophy – proper sushi, friendly service, and a relaxed atmosphere. But they have different personalities. Soho is a late-night spot, right next to Chinatown, where you can pop in after a show. South Kensington is more of a daytime affair, perfect after a wander through the V&A.

The menus aren't identical, so it's worth checking what's on offer. The Soho menu is the one you want for the full sushi, sashimi and maki spread – think spider maki, hamachi nigiri, and a proper selection of rolls. The South Kensington menu, meanwhile, has some lovely extras, including beef nabe for those colder months. Both are proudly contemporary, with a focus on fresh fish and rice cooked properly. I've had the beef nabe on a chilly November evening and it's the kind of dish that makes you wish you'd discovered it earlier. And the spider maki – crispy soft shell crab, avocado, a little squeeze of lime – is a crowd-pleaser, wherever you sit.

For a proper look at the options, have a browse of the South Kensington menu. And if you're planning a lunch, the weekday sets are a brilliant bargain – see the Soho lunch sets and the South Kensington lunch sets. I'll say more about the lunch later, but trust me, they're spot on.

Calling to Book a Japanese Restaurant in London: Etiquette and Timing

So, you're ready to call to book a Japanese restaurant in London. Good. But there's a bit of etiquette to make the experience smooth for both sides. The first rule: be prepared. The person on the other end isn't a call centre – they're the restaurant team, and they're likely juggling the floor while they talk to you. Time is precious.

First, know your date and time. It sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people call and say, "Oh, Friday, maybe eight-ish?" Have a solid plan before you dial. The restaurant will ask for your name, a phone number, and the number of guests. That's it. No deposits, no card details. If you're planning a birthday or a work do, mention it when you call. They might be able to arrange something special, or at least make sure you get the big table.

Second, be flexible. If you're set on a 7.30pm reservation in Soho, you might find that's the busiest slot. Thursday nights and weekend evenings are prime time. If you can move to 6.30pm or 9pm, you're far more likely to get a good table. And if you're trying to make a dinner booking Soho for a Friday, call at least a week ahead – I'd say ten days to be safe. I've had luck calling on a Tuesday for a Friday table, but that's not a guarantee. The earlier you call, the better your options. And if you're planning a special occasion, give them even more notice. If you're determined to book sushi restaurant Soho for a specific evening, call early in the week.

Third, mention any special occasions. Is it a birthday? An anniversary? The staff love to know – they'll often save the best table or offer a little extra something. It's the kind of service that makes Dozo feel like a neighbourhood favourite, even in the middle of Soho. And if you're bringing someone who's never had proper sushi, tell them. They'll look after you – maybe suggest the set menu or a few well-chosen pieces of nigiri.

What to Ask When You Reserve Your Soho Table

Once you're on the phone, this is your chance to tailor the experience. Don't just blurt out your booking – have a little chat. Ask about the daily specials, because the fish changes with what's good at Billingsgate. Ask if there's a sashimi platter for the table. If you're unfamiliar with Japanese food, tell them. They're brilliant with newbies. I remember the first time I asked for a bit of guidance; the chef sent out a selection of their favourite cuts – otoro, chu-toro, some yellowtail. It was a masterclass in sushi, and I've never looked back.

Here's a list of things I like to confirm when I call:

• Whether the counter is available – best for watching the chefs and seeing the day's fish.
• If they can accommodate dietary requirements – gluten-free soy is usually available, but it's worth asking.
• What time they stop serving lunch, if you're thinking of a late-afternoon visit.
• Whether they have a particular sake or Japanese whisky you've been eyeing up on the drinks page.

If you have a question about the menu, don't be shy. The team know their stuff, and they're happy to explain the difference between a maki roll and a gunkan. And if you're not sure what to eat, ask for a selection. The chef will happily put together a mixed platter of nigiri, sashimi and maki rolls. It's the perfect way to taste a bit of everything, especially if you're new to sushi. And don't forget to leave room for the green tea ice cream – it's a lovely way to round off the meal. For a real treat, ask about the omakase. If the chef has time, they'll take you on a journey through their favourite pieces of fish. It's a splurge, but worth it.

South Kensington: The Relaxed Alternative for a Sushi Lunch

If your evenings are chaotic (welcome to London), or you simply prefer a quieter meal, the South Kensington branch is a gem. It's a short walk from South Kensington tube, right in the middle of the museums district. After a morning at the V&A or the Natural History Museum, it's the perfect spot for a proper sit-down lunch. The light floods in through the windows, the pace is slower, and the crowd is a mix of families, museum staff and locals who've discovered this little spot. It's a different vibe from Soho, but no less charming.

The lunch sets are particularly good. They're organised, well priced, and exactly what you want on a weekday: a selection of maki, a few nigiri, maybe some sashimi, and a drink. You'll find them on the South Kensington lunch menu. Call 020 7225 0505 to book, and ask for a table near the window if the weather's bright. I popped in after a morning at the V&A last month, and the "museum set" (my own name for it) was spot on. The fish was fresh, the rice was warm, and the service was lovely.

Honestly, the South Ken branch is brilliant for a weekday lunch. You can wander in after the museum, take your time, and feel a million miles away from the Soho scrum – even though you're just a few stops on the Piccadilly line. And if you're planning a special occasion lunch, they can often do a lovely bit of flowers or a card for the table – just ask when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions About Booking Dozo Soho

Can I book Dozo Soho online? No, Dozo doesn't offer online booking. You'll need to call the restaurant directly. For the Soho branch, ring 020 7434 3219.

How far in advance should I book sushi restaurant Soho for a Friday evening? At least a week ahead is a good rule. If you can call ten days in advance, you'll have a much better chance of getting the time and table you want.

What if I'm running late for my reservation? Call them. They're usually happy to hold the table for 15 minutes if you ask nicely. After that, it goes back to the waitlist.

Ready to sort your table? Have a browse of the Soho sushi and sashimi menu to get an idea of what you'd like, then call 020 7434 3219 or pop over to the contact page for directions and opening hours.