Ramen Moto Heads to Harvey Nichols in 2026
A Beloved Fitzrovia Institution Takes Flight
Since opening its doors on Charlotte Street in 2023, Ramen Moto has quietly become one of London’s most celebrated ramen destinations, despite occupying a humble six-seat counter with an open kitchen that puts diners mere inches from the action. What sets this Fitzrovia favourite apart from countless other ramen establishments across the capital is its specialisation in tonkotsu-style chicken white broth—a labour-intensive cooking process that involves hours of careful reduction to achieve the signature silky, foamy texture that keeps locals queuing down the street. The team behind Ramen Moto built their expertise over years spent in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan’s ramen heartland, bringing authentic Hokkaido techniques directly to West London. That dedication to craft has earned the tiny spot regular features on London’s best-ramen lists and a devoted following among food enthusiasts willing to wait for a seat at the counter. Now, this intimate dining experience is expanding beyond its Fitzrovia roots.
What This Expansion Means for Local Food Culture
The announcement that Ramen Moto is opening a second location on the Fifth Floor of Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge—opening August 2026—represents a significant moment for London’s Japanese dining scene. Rather than diluting what makes the original special, this expansion brings elevated ramen accessibility to shoppers and diners across South West London and beyond, from Hounslow commuters to Richmond residents seeking quality Japanese cuisine. The new space will retain everything that defines the Ramen Moto experience: the same meticulously crafted chicken white broth, carefully curated Japanese small plates, and even the house-made kombucha that complement the broths perfectly. Harvey Nichols’s Fifth Floor already hosts the department store’s culinary offerings, making it an ideal home for a restaurant that treats food preparation as an art form. This move signals growing recognition that specialist, authentically-prepared Japanese cuisine deserves prime retail real estate, not just hidden side streets.
What Local Residents Should Know
For those unfamiliar with Ramen Moto, understanding what makes this expansion noteworthy requires knowing what sets the restaurant apart. The signature chicken white broth represents a deliberate departure from conventional ramen-making, which typically relies on pork or beef bone reductions. By focusing exclusively on poultry, Ramen Moto creates a lighter, more delicate broth that appeals to adventurous eaters seeking something different from typical ramen experiences. The August 2026 opening gives food enthusiasts plenty of time to explore the original Fitzrovia location before the Knightsbridge debut. For those in Whitton, Hounslow, and surrounding areas, this expansion means authentic Japanese ramen becomes significantly more accessible without requiring trips into central London. Beyond ramen, the Japanese small plates offer an opportunity to experience Japanese cooking philosophy beyond noodle bowls. Keep an eye on Harvey Nichols’s announcement for exact opening details, booking information, and whether the intimate counter experience will be replicated at the larger location. This is one London food story worth following closely.
Source: Ramen Moto Is Bringing Its Cult Chicken Broth To Harvey Nichols
