Kioku by Endo London Restaurant Review: Elevating Japanese Cuisine on The OWO Rooftop

Kioku by Endo London Restaurant Review

Kioku by Endo London restaurant opened its doors on the rooftop of the historic Old War Office, now known as The OWO, in the heart of Whitehall. The place is to become one of London’s premier Japanese dining destinations. Helmed by Michelin-starred chef Endo Kazutoshi, Kioku promises an exquisite blend of traditional Japanese cuisine with innovative influences. It is all set against panoramic views of central London.

Chef Endo Kazutoshi, a third-generation sushi master from Yokohama, brings his deep-rooted expertise and culinary heritage to Kioku. He aims to provide a dining experience that captures the essence of Japanese gastronomy while embracing a modern aesthetic. The restaurant’s name, Kioku, means “extreme” or “pole.” It symbolizes Chef Endo’s commitment to reaching the pinnacle of Japanese dining by focusing on precision, artistry, and flavor.

The restaurant features a 55-seat main dining room, an exclusive 8-seat Chef’s Table overlooking the kitchen, and a unique private dining room within one of the building’s iconic turrets. Additionally, a 55-cover outdoor terrace offers al fresco dining.

Kioku by Endo Restaurant London Menu

The menu at Kioku by Endo celebrates Chef Endo Kazutoshi’s mastery of traditional Japanese techniques fused adeptly with contemporary culinary trends. Drawing from his deep-rooted experience and innovative vision, the menu is designed to offer an authentic yet novel experience of Japanese cuisine. The dishes highlight its flavors’ simplicity and complexity.

At the heart of Kioku’s offering is an array of sushi and sashimi. The fish here come from the finest markets and local British waters, ensuring peak freshness and quality. The sushi menu will include classic selections such as toro (fatty tuna), uni (sea urchin), and hamachi (yellowtail).

Beyond sushi, the menu at Kioku explores a broader palette of flavors through a selection of hot dishes and kaiseki-style multi-course meals. For example, guests might enjoy a dish of Wagyu beef from Japanese cattle bred in Britain. It comes cooked to perfection and served with a side of seasonal British vegetables infused with Japanese seasonings and techniques.

Kioku will also showcase a specialized tempura bar. Here, guests can experience a variety of deep-fried delicacies, ranging from seafood to seasonal vegetables. They are coated in a light, crispy batter that epitomizes perfect tempura.

To complement the food, Kioku’s sake bar, managed by Sake Samurai Natsuki Kikuya, will offer an extensive selection of sake, including rare and exclusive bottles. Guests will also have the option to engage in guided tastings to understand the depth and variety of sake better.

With its combination of stunning architecture, historical significance, and culinary excellence, Kioku by Endo is set to become a landmark dining destination in London. It promises not just a meal, but a cultural and sensory experience that transcends typical dining expectations, making it a must-visit for locals and tourists.

Kioku by Endo Restaurant London Bookings

Capital A List members can make bookings for Kioku by Endo below.

Kioku by Endo Restaurant London Cuisine, Dress Code & Address

Cuisine: Japanese

Dress Code: Casual

Area: Westminster

Address: Raffles London – 57 Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX

Website: https://kiokubyendo.com/

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