Christoff.ai

Jikoni

restaurantsā€¢
London
London

Jikoni

19-21 Blandford Street, Marylebone, London W1U 3DH, United Kingdom

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked away on Blandford Street, Jikoniā€”meaning 'kitchen' in Swahiliā€”has carved out a distinctive niche in Marylebone's competitive dining scene. This intimate, peach-and-pastel-pink boutique restaurant serves what they call 'no-borders' cuisine, fusing South-Asian, Middle-Eastern, East-African and British flavours in a space that feels more like a stylish friend's home than a traditional restaurant.

Jikoni: Marylebone's Peach-Pink Kitchen Where Heritage Cooking Meets Modern London

A bohemian fusion haven where off-duty chefs gather and banana cake becomes legend

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

The moment you step into Jikoni, you're enveloped by its bohemian charm and 'home away from home' atmosphere. The intimate dining room showcases hand-painted murals, bespoke furniture, and carefully curated vintage finds that create a genuinely cozy environment. The peach-and-pastel-pink colour palette adds warmth without feeling overly feminine, striking a balance that appeals to the mix of off-duty chefs and discerning locals who frequent the place. Counter seating and kitchen table options provide an immersive experience, letting you witness the culinary theatre unfold. However, the intimate space comes with a caveatā€”the acoustics can amplify conversations during peak dinner service, creating an overwhelming buzz that might not suit those seeking a quiet romantic dinner. The energy level sits comfortably at a 6.5 out of 10, making it buzzy yet relaxed, though the noise factor is worth considering when booking.

Food & Drink

Jikoni's 'no-borders' approach to cuisine is executed with genuine skill and creativity. The menu thoughtfully weaves together South-Asian, Middle-Eastern, East-African and British influences, with approximately 50% vegetarian and vegan optionsā€”a refreshing commitment in an era where plant-based dining often feels like an afterthought. Signature dishes include the Prawn Moilee, Chicken & Peanut Curry, and Butternut Squash & Spinach Malabar Curry, alongside more adventurous offerings like prawn-toast Scotch egg with banana ketchup, kuku paka, and venison samosas. But the real starā€”and the dish that's achieved legendary status among London foodiesā€”is the Banana Cake with Miso Caramel & Peanut Brittle. This dessert has become Jikoni's calling card, and for good reason. The heritage cooking approach respects traditional techniques while allowing for creative interpretation, resulting in dishes that feel both familiar and surprising.

Service & Experience

The service at Jikoni reflects the restaurant's relaxed yet sophisticated approach. Staff members understand the menu's complexities and can guide diners through the fusion elements with confidence. The counter seating offers particular value for those interested in chef interactionsā€”the kitchen team is generally welcoming to curious diners, especially during the earlier 5:30pm seating when the pace is more manageable. Service options are well-structured, offering set lunch menus at Ā£25-30, Ć  la carte dinner service, and Sunday lunch, alongside a curated selection of artisan wines and craft cocktails. The team also sells cookbooks for those inspired to recreate the experience at home, showing a commitment to sharing their culinary philosophy beyond the dining room.

Value for Money

With a price level of 3 out of 4, Jikoni sits firmly in the 'splurge-worthy' category, reflecting its Marylebone location and premium positioning. The set lunch at Ā£25-30 offers the most accessible entry point, while dinner service commands special-occasion pricing. Given the quality of ingredients, creative menu development, and intimate setting, the pricing feels justified rather than exploitative. The substantial vegetarian offerings provide good value for plant-based diners who often find themselves with limited options at this price point. However, this isn't casual diningā€”expect to budget accordingly, particularly for dinner service. The experience depth scores 8 out of 10, suggesting you're paying for more than just a meal, but rather a carefully curated culinary journey.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Wednesday through Saturday for lunch (12pm-2:30pm) or dinner (5:30pm-9:30pm), with Tuesday offering dinner only and Sunday providing a more relaxed lunch service until 4pm. The 5:30pm dinner seating offers the best balance of energy and manageable noise levels.

What to Focus On

Don't miss the famous Banana Cake with Miso Caramel & Peanut Brittleā€”it's achieved legendary status for good reason. For mains, the Prawn Moilee and Butternut Squash & Spinach Malabar Curry showcase the kitchen's fusion expertise, while the prawn-toast Scotch egg with banana ketchup offers a playful take on British classics.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Request counter seats at 5:30pm for the best chef interactions and kitchen theatre experienceBook early to secure that banana cakeā€”it regularly sells out during busy serviceThe kitchen table seating provides the most immersive experience if you're celebrating a special occasion

The Final Verdict

Jikoni succeeds in creating something genuinely unique in London's crowded dining landscape. The 'no-borders' cuisine concept could easily feel gimmicky, but the execution is thoughtful and skilled, respecting the heritage of each culinary tradition while creating something new. The intimate, bohemian setting attracts a sophisticated crowd, including industry professionals who appreciate the kitchen's craft. While the pricing reflects its Marylebone postcode and the noise levels can be challenging during peak service, the overall experience justifies the investment for those seeking something beyond standard fusion fare. The legendary banana cake alone makes it worth a visit, but the broader menu and atmosphere ensure you'll want to return.

Christoff's Rating:
7.8/10

Perfect For:

couples seeking an intimate date night with exceptional foodfood enthusiasts interested in creative fusion cuisinevegetarians looking for sophisticated plant-based options in an upscale setting

Quick Details

1

Jikoni

ā­ļø No borders cuisine
ā­ļø Intimate
ā­ļø Chef frequented
šŸŒ± Vegetarian friendly
ā­ļø Fusion

This intimate Marylebone gem redefines what British cuisine can be when it embraces global influences. The 'no-borders' approach creates dishes that feel both familiar and exotic, with about 50% of the menu dedicated to exceptional vegetarian and vegan options. The hand-painted murals and bespoke furniture create a 'home away from home' atmosphere that attracts off-duty chefs who appreciate the technical skill behind seemingly simple dishes. The fusion of South Asian, Middle Eastern, East African, and British flavors creates combinations you won't find anywhere else in London. The legendary banana cake with miso caramel represents everything this restaurant does well,unexpected combinations that somehow make perfect sense.

What's Great

āœ“ Counter seating offers immersive kitchen theater with chef interactions

āœ“ Unique flavor combinations you won't find elsewhere in London

Keep in Mind

Ɨ Acoustics amplify conversations creating overwhelming noise during peak dinner service

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Request counter seats at 5:30pm for chef banter and snag that miso caramel banana cake before it sells out!

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

šŸ•"Wed-Sat: 12pm-2:30pm & 5:30pm-9:30pm; Sun: 12pm-4pm; Tue: 5:30pm-9:30pm"
šŸ“19-21 Blandford Street, Marylebone, London W1U 3DH, United Kingdom
šŸ’·Ā£Ā£Ā£Ā£
šŸ“ž+44 20 7034 1488
šŸŒWebsite

Featured In My Guides

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

Vegetarian British Cuisine London: Where Tradition Meets Plant Power 2025 reference image

Vegetarian British Cuisine London: Where Tradition Meets Plant Power 2025

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