Kino brings refined modern Japanese dining to South Kensington, opening on Draycott Avenue with Chef Pavel Baranovs at the helm. This 70-seat restaurant blends traditional Japanese techniques with locally sourced ingredients and subtle European influences, resulting in a menu that feels both contemporary and deeply considered.
Named after an ancient word for wood, Kino’s philosophy centres on warmth, simplicity and craftsmanship. Baranovs’ recent culinary travels through Japan have shaped the restaurant’s identity, which leans on seasonality, precision and a thoughtful use of fermentation. Expect dishes built around barley miso, yuzu, kimchi and bluefin tuna, all handled with intention and respect. Ethical sourcing and head-to-tail cooking are key pillars here, mirroring both Japanese tradition and modern sustainability.
The menu spans an extensive selection of nigiri and sashimi alongside hot and cold dishes. Highlights range from Wagyu Udon Soup with shiitake and bamboo shoots to Imperial Black Cod glazed in sweet yuzu miso. There’s also a beautifully marbled Australian Wagyu Sirloin served with caramelised onion purée, and a playful Tapioca Marshmallow seasoned with shio konbu and furikake. Desserts maintain the restaurant’s delicate balance of elegance and fun: Matcha Tiramisu kissed with Suntory whisky, a vivid Yuzu Cheesecake, and a rotating selection of handcrafted mochi.
Inside, Kino offers a serene, design-led dining room created by Studio APAA. Natural materials, including timber, stone and textured plaster, establish a tactile connection to nature, while soft curves, low lighting and pared-back furnishings create a sense of intimacy. The overall effect is one of understated luxury - a calm, confident space that mirrors the precision and restraint of the kitchen.