Christoff.ai

Cocoro

restaurants•
London
London

Cocoro

31 Marylebone Ln, London W1U 2NH, UK

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked away on Marylebone Lane, Cocoro operates as two distinct experiences under one roof. While the ground floor buzzes with local professionals grabbing quick lunch sets, the real magic happens downstairs in the tatami basement where shoes come off and Tokyo authenticity takes over.

Cocoro: Where Marylebone Meets Tokyo in a Basement Tatami Room

A proper izakaya that Japanese expats queue for weeks to book

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

The dual-floor setup creates a fascinating contrast that works brilliantly. Upstairs maintains that bustling-yet-calm energy typical of quality Marylebone establishments, with a modern take on Japanese design that feels approachable for the lunch crowd. But descend to the basement and you're transported—literally shoe-free dining on tatami mats at low tables that could be lifted straight from a Tokyo neighbourhood izakaya. This basement space is compact with only six tables, creating an intimate atmosphere that Japanese expats have claimed as their own. The traditional-meets-modern aesthetic isn't forced; it feels genuine, which explains why it scores so highly on uniqueness. The conversation-friendly layout and flexible vibe make it equally suited for business lunches upstairs or leisurely sake sessions below, though the energy level sits comfortably in the middle ground—lively enough to feel vibrant, calm enough for proper conversation.

Food & Drink

The kitchen clearly knows its craft, with Kumamoto tonkotsu ramen serving as the standout signature dish that draws the Japanese expat crowd. The volcano sushi sets and o-toro sashimi demonstrate serious attention to quality, while the sukiyaki hotpot adds traditional comfort to the evening menu. The range is impressive—spanning sushi, sashimi, maki, donburi, tempura, teriyaki, and gyoza, with thoughtful vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options that don't feel like afterthoughts. Lunch sets are designed for efficiency, served quickly to accommodate Marylebone's busy professionals at £13-£15, while dinner expands into a more leisurely affair with an extensive sake and shochu selection. However, the AI analysis flags potential issues with small portions for the price point, which could explain why the sophistication score sits at a modest 5.5 despite the authentic execution.

Service & Experience

The staff approach embodies that friendly and humble Japanese service style that creates the authentic atmosphere locals and expats appreciate. During standard service, this translates to attentive care that enhances the overall experience. However, the AI insights reveal a significant caveat—service can become slow and confused during peak times, which is concerning given the compact space and high demand for those coveted basement tables. The team clearly understands the cuisine and can guide diners through the extensive menu, but the operational challenges during busy periods suggest this isn't the place for rushed dining when the restaurant is packed.

Value for Money

With dinner averaging £30-£49 and a price level rating of 2/4, Cocoro positions itself firmly in mid-range territory while delivering quality that justifies the cost. The lunch sets at £13-£15 represent genuine value for busy professionals seeking authentic Japanese cuisine near Oxford Street and Bond Street stations. The quality-for-price ratio works well when you consider the location premium and authentic execution, though the mentioned small portions could impact perceived value during dinner service. For special occasions, the tatami basement experience offers something genuinely unique in London, making the investment worthwhile for the right moment.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Queue for the tatami basement at 6pm sharp—those six tables book weeks in advance, especially among Japanese expats. Lunch service runs Monday-Saturday from 12pm-2:30pm for quick, efficient dining, while dinner (6pm-10pm) allows for the full izakaya experience. Avoid peak times if you're concerned about service speed. The restaurant is closed Sundays.

What to Focus On

Don't miss the Kumamoto tonkotsu ramen that serves as the restaurant's claim to fame. The volcano sushi sets and o-toro sashimi showcase the kitchen's quality, while the sukiyaki hotpot is perfect for the basement tatami experience. Lunch sets offer excellent value for a quick authentic meal.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Book the tatami basement weeks ahead—Japanese expats have claimed this space and competition is fierce for those six tablesThe ground floor and basement operate as completely different experiences; choose based on whether you want efficiency or immersionPets are only allowed in outdoor areas, so plan accordingly if you're bringing a four-legged friend

The Final Verdict

Cocoro succeeds as an authentic Japanese izakaya that serves two distinct purposes exceptionally well. The upstairs efficiently serves quality Japanese cuisine to Marylebone's professional crowd, while the tatami basement offers one of London's most genuine Tokyo experiences. The Kumamoto ramen and sushi quality justify the mid-range pricing, though potential service issues during peak times and portion concerns prevent it from reaching excellence. The fact that Japanese expats book weeks ahead speaks volumes about authenticity, making this a special-occasion destination rather than a casual drop-in spot.

Christoff's Rating:
7.2/10

Perfect For:

Japanese food purists seeking authentic Tokyo atmosphereSpecial occasion diners willing to book weeks ahead for the tatami experienceBusy Marylebone professionals wanting quality Japanese lunch sets

Quick Details

1

Cocoro

⭐️ Tatami basement
⭐️ Tokyo transport
🇯🇵 Japanese expat favorite
⭐️ Marylebone gem

The tatami basement here requires removing your shoes and transforms your meal into a Tokyo transport experience. This Marylebone gem operates across two floors , the ground level buzzes with locals while downstairs creates intimate, traditional Japanese dining with low tables and authentic atmosphere. Their Kumamoto tonkotsu ramen and volcano sushi sets draw Japanese expats who appreciate the genuine attention to detail. The lunch sets at £13-£15 offer exceptional value for the quality and location, while the extensive sake selection complements the traditional cooking techniques. The humble, friendly staff create the kind of authentic hospitality that makes this feel like a neighborhood secret.

What's Great

✓ Authentic tatami basement with shoe-free dining

✓ Kumamoto ramen that draws genuine Japanese expat following

Keep in Mind

× Service can be slow and confused during peak dinner hours

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Queue for the tatami basement at 6pm sharp - only 6 tables and Japanese expats book weeks ahead

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Mon-Sat: 12pm-2:30pm (Lunch), 6pm-10pm (Dinner)\nSun: Closed"
📍31 Marylebone Ln, London W1U 2NH, UK
💷£££
📞+44 20 7486 0055
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

Cocoro has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

Tokyo Flavors in London: Authentic Japanese Dining Guide 2025 reference image

Tokyo Flavors in London: Authentic Japanese Dining Guide 2025

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Aug 21, 2025
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