HAPPY SAMURAI • CANTERBURY HS Reserve a table
Happy Samurai, Canterbury

Big bowls on Butchery Lane

Japanese: ramen, sushi and izakaya in Canterbury

4.4/5Very goodBased on 773 reviews

An authentic Japanese family restaurant in the heart of Canterbury

Big bowls of ramen, izakaya plates and fresh sushi and sashimi, with the kitchen downstairs, seating upstairs and takeaway if you would rather eat at home. Happy Samurai is an authentic Japanese family restaurant on Butchery Lane, a narrow cobbled lane right in the middle of Canterbury. Look for the black timber shopfront, the red lanterns and the fairy lights, then head up the stairs: the kitchen sits on the ground floor where you can see it working, and the tables are on the first, with a choice of traditional Japanese seating or ordinary tables.

Red lanterns, hot broth, wooden chopsticks

There is a short list of drinks to go with your bowl, and desserts if you have room after the noodles.

Google
People keep calling this the best ramen in Canterbury: rich broths served properly hot, and cha shu pork so soft it barely needs chewing.
ThemeRecurring theme in 773 Google reviews
Google
The sushi and takoyaki get compared to Japan itself, with fresh fish, a generous cut and a fish to rice ratio diners notice.
ThemeRecurring theme in 773 Google reviews
Google
Friendly, quick service comes up again and again, along with fair prices and portions that feel more than worth it.
ThemeRecurring theme in 773 Google reviews

Reserve a table

4 Butchery Ln, Canterbury, CT1 2JR

Sends your request to the restaurant by email; they will confirm.

MondayClosed
Tuesday12:00 - 15:00
Wednesday12:00 - 15:00
Thursday12:00 - 15:00
Friday12:00 - 21:00
Saturday12:00 - 21:00
Sunday12:00 - 16:00

Hours above