top of page

Kioku by Endo

RESTAURANT SUMMARY

epclublogoblackgold.png

Atop London's historic Old War Office, Kioku by Endo transforms fine dining into an intimate journey through memory and mastery, where Michelin-starred chef Endo Kazutoshi weaves his Japanese heritage with Mediterranean influences against breathtaking 360-degree city views.

The story of Kioku—meaning 'memory' in Japanese—reflects chef Endo Kazutoshi's remarkable culinary odyssey from Japan to Spain and finally to London's most prestigious address. This Michelin-starred sushi master brings decades of experience to the capital's fine dining scene, creating not fusion cuisine but Japanese artistry 'touched' by Mediterranean sensibilities. Since opening within the Grade II* listed Edwardian building, Kioku has established itself as one of London's most sought-after reservations, earning recognition for its innovative approach to contemporary Japanese gastronomy.

The cuisine showcases Endo's extraordinary technique through signature creations like cuttlefish nori pesto with elderflower, ox cheek agnolotti with soba tea and black truffle, and the theatrical tuna trolley featuring pristine sashimi and nigiri prepared tableside. The tasting menu evolves seasonally, incorporating dishes such as maitake fregola pasta with kinako butter, duck breast with fermented chili and barley miso, and the unexpected chashu pork ramen ravioli. Each plate demonstrates the chef's philosophy of harmony between tradition and innovation, utilizing premium ingredients sourced from both Japanese and European suppliers.

The restaurant's design creates multiple intimate experiences within its 56-seat space, divided by timber frames and mirrored portals that offer varied perspectives of London's skyline. The eight-seat chef's table provides front-row access to Endo's artistry, while the private turret dining room seats eight guests surrounded by landmark views through each window. During warmer months, the 60-cover rooftop terrace becomes London's most coveted outdoor dining destination. The ground-floor sake bar, featuring bespoke oak joinery and cork-paneled sake cellar, offers an extensive collection of premium sakes alongside expertly crafted cocktails. Live piano music on a vintage Yamaha adds emotional resonance to the evening.

Securing a reservation at Kioku by Endo requires advance planning, with the chef's table and private turret room booking months ahead. This is London fine dining at its most sophisticated—an essential experience for discerning gourmands seeking the intersection of Japanese precision and Mediterranean soul in one of the city's most spectacular settings.

CHEF

Endo Kazutoshi

ACCOLADES

(2024) Michelin Plate

(2025) Michelin Plate

(2025) Opinionated About Dining Top Restaurants in Europe Ranked #514

(2026) Michelin Plate

CONTACT

Raffles London, 2 Whitehall Place, London, London, United Kingdom

+44 20 3327 3692

FEATURED GUIDES

NEARBY RESTAURANTS

bottom of page