Kokin Restaurant London Review: Wood-Fired Japanese Gem with Panoramic Views

Arriving at Kokin restaurant in London, on the seventh floor of The Stratford hotel, feels like stepping into a Zen retreat elevated by urban flair. Led by celebrated chef Daisuke Shimoyama—formerly of Southbank’s omakase spot Hannah—Kokin delivers a visionary take on Japanese cuisine that’s equal parts tradition and bold innovation.

Launched on May , 2025, Kokin (meaning “past and present”) was conceived to fuse Shimoyama’s mountain upbringing with his London-honed finesse. He uses a rare combination of cherry and apple wood alongside Binchotan charcoal to infuse each dish with layered smokiness, offering an elemental dining journey grounded in seasonality.

The restaurant’s space is vast and refined—formerly Allegra, now transformed into a minimalist sanctuary with wooden interiors, dried florals, and panoramic London views. Seating for 140 guests spans a central dining room, a sleek sushi bar serving both temae and omakase experiences, and two terraces overlooking Stratford’s skyline. The vibe is airy and thoughtful—urban elegance on the one hand, intimate calm on the other.

At its core, Kokin celebrates fire—nearly every dish smoulders with flavor. Bluefin tuna nights are theatrical and respectful. The whole fish is broken down tableside, honouring sustainable sourcing from Spain and Portugal. At the sushi bar, diners can customize temae (choose-your-own) sushi or surrender to an omakase crafted by Shimoyama himself.

Kokin is a standout in London’s dining scene. It is a rare east‑London destination that marries theatrical fire‑led cooking with precision Japanese technique. Casual enough to feel welcoming, yet luxurious in its execution—this is Stratford’s haute culinary revelation.

Kokin Restaurant London Menu

From the woodfire grill, expect sublime dishes like:

• Tempura Lobster with Morels & XO: A deep-fried treat with luxurious umami punch
• Grilled Tuna Collar: Slow-cooked wild Portuguese bluefin tuna kama, lavishly glazed with eight‑year‑aged ponzu and served with freshly grated daikon.
• Woodfire Turbot: Flame-charred turbot bones create a dashi, blended with Kyoto white miso for a delicately smoky broth.
• A5 Miyazaki Wagyu: Charcoal-grilled to perfection, presented with wild mushrooms and a softly poached onsen tamago.
• Japanese Fish & Chips: Crisp scaly amadai with purple potato fries and smoked N25 caviar—playful yet refined.

At the sushi bar, you’ll encounter wood-smoked rice topped with wild tuna cuts—akami, chutoro, Maldon salt‑cured otoro—served in temaki or chirashi style. Even dessert gets the fire‑kissed treatment, with woodfire ice cream and delicate wagashi sweets .

The drinks list matches the kitchen’s elegance: refined sakes, Provisions Wine & Cheese–curated natural wines, and inventive Japanese‑inspired cocktails—think Wasabi Gin & Tonic or a Mio sparkling sake‑based “Summer Breeze”.

Kokin Restaurant London Bookings

Capital A List members can make bookings for Kokin below.

Kokin Restaurant London Cuisine, Dress Code & Address

Cuisine: Japanese

Dress Code: Casual

Area: Stratford

Address: The Stratford, 20 International Wy, London E20 1FD

Website: https://kokin.co.uk/