Kokoro Kingston in Kingston upon Thames

It used to be my favourite place 3 years ago. Last time I visited there was extremely big issue with some katsu order, as the chicken was not chewable. I do not get how is that even possible, what I know is that restaurants are great when they first open, and as the years go by quality drops. So sad for food that costs this much money.

Can’t believe I haven’t been here sooner the person serving James was very friendly will be back soon

I used to love Kokoro, but they've become so expensive (a single bowl being over a tenner if you dare get a carrier bag). The bowls are now very heavily weighed down with rice or noodle option and the protein is very lightly placed on top. It used to be very generous portions, well worth the money, but now I just feel like I've wasted my money and could have gone to to Kingston market or another shop, saved money and received more food.

Large chicken katsu with rice £9.95, portion noticeably smaller, used to get loads more chicken

Best Japanese food for miles I would recommend the teriyaki chicken always a must have if need to get lunch

Horrible. Unedible. My Salmon Teriyaki bowl probably had 10 teaspoons sugar and 3 teaspoons salt.

I have got the most insane food poisoning from this place

Not good food and stuff not nice le talking my Copmpany staff going and me not nice service ware rode le talk staff chicken sos not good test

Always reliables, great portion sizes, and really hospitable staff. A couple of hard workings lads Vee and Mohs always going above and beyond for any customer. By far my favourite spot in Kingston.

It’s really amazing good Nice coustmer service

It’s really nice food , today onwords sweet and chilli is my favourite,i asked the staff who is the chef , his name is V , he made really good food. I visited again, good customer service

It's really amazing food ,the customer service also exlent,staff was so polite My favorite Chicken kastu and sweet and chilli

The service is amazing, the food is also great and the guy working behind the counter helped me find my lost credit card. Such amazing customer service. The best 🤩

Awesome food! Chicken katsu curry is the best! Unfortunately, today I was surprised to eat the chicken and it had a lot of black pepper which IMO steals the curry flavour I was trying to taste. I hope this was a one time accident and not a permanent change in the recipe. EDIT: I’ve eaten again a couple of times in separate months and haven’t seen black pepper again, which is great!

I could eat the Chicken Katsu Curry every day. Best as take away and eating it by the river park.

Just ordered katso chicken the chicken was pink then he pulled gravy over I spotted the chicken was pink and told he I am not eating pink chicken he took it out of the tub and throw it with the other chicken under the hot plate with chicken which did not have gravy on it then decided to cut the pink parts off and tried to give it back to me utterly disgusting place to eat if I could have given zero I would had done never eating there again

We just had Katsu chicken and curry ! It’s not good as used to be, don’t know if it’s under new management! Called them with no answer! Shop is empty!! Just waste of money

Stale, old, inedible food. Have eaten at lots of Kokoro’s before and really enjoyed the food, but this one was awful it had to all be thrown away.

Ridiculous prices,2 drinks £17, !! long wait at the bar. Staff were pleasant.

Food was cold so had to ask for it to be reheated. Chicken was tough before reheating and worst after. Manager had a face like thunder. Overpriced in my opinion.

Very disappointed with my experience ordering from this branch. As my usual branch is close temporary, I decided to give this one a try. However, I found the Katsu curry sauce to be too liquid compared to what I'm used to - normally it's a bit thicker. The portions were also smaller than other branches I've tried (and I've tried several, as I love Kokoro). The worst part was the chicken; it wasn't nice at all. I kept getting sinewy bits of meat with lots of nerve. Additionally, the meal was quite cold by the time I got it, despite being a really quick delivery, so I'm not sure why it wasn't fully hot. While I love Kokoro and will continue ordering from them, it won't be from this branch... Sorry.

I think the price of £8.75 is too much for the quantity and quality. The salmon sashimi wasn't big, just two very small pieces, and the salmon on the nigiri was also very thin and little bit bigger than rice. I think there is a need to improve the quality of service to a level commensurate with the price.

Efficient and fast. Food portion is extremely generous, one bowl can probably serve two whole people, although the price point does reflect that a bit. Food is decent, not the best but it hits the spot when there's a craving for it.

The staff and food is great, good value for money and the portions are fair too.

I went on 18/04/2024, I had some sour chicken with noodles to take away. They already had a pot with OLD NOODLES that they did put on the microwave to heat, they served me that with the chicken, and when I was going to pay, I wanted to pay with cash. I have payed with cash before, but the Indian girl who attended me was very rude, she just didn't just gave me old noodles on a microwave, she also was FORCING Me to pay with my card, something that I didn't want to do, she said that she only could take cash if I had the exact amount of money. I was reluctant to pay because I didn't have pennies, so then she said that she could accept the half in cash and half in card, contradicting the fist thing she said. She's just too lazy to take cash. Rude and lazy staff, and what's worse, MICROWAVED FOOD. If I wanted to eat microwaved food, I would make it at home. A cheap noodles made with boiled water in 3 minutes are better than the trash they served me. Then I went to wasabi to get the rest of my food, and I didn't only choose if I wanted to pay with cash or card, I had way better food and better attention. I'm never going to kokoro again.

Kokoro Kingston is a bit of a hit and miss. Food is good enough, even though not as good or varied as Kokoro Wimbledon's. But my gripe is that it's never consistent. I bought a very nice Chicken Katsu salad on site the other day. Lots of chicken, sweet chilly sauce and a drizzle of Japanese mayo + good amount of salad. Then I ordered the same online through deliveroo ( I was working from home) , which means 6.50+fees = 9.50 I got a few limp salad leaves and a few bits of chicken with hardly any sweet chilli sauce. Complete waste of money. When ordering online which is more expensive, it would be nice to be sent out a decent box . Not half of what I would have gotten at the restaurant and that doesn't taste as nice. My 2nd gripe: Last time I tried to order from Kokoro Wimbledon on deliveroo where there s more choice, my order was declined! But I had no issues getting food from pizza express teddington or a curry from Mitcham! Disappointed.

Very nice food. Not the cheapest but you will be filled! We ate in and the vibe inside was pretty bleak in my opinion, felt very clinical like I was eating in a hospital.

I ordered noodles with vegetable , they gave me just noodles ,without any sauce or vegetable for 7 pound. I noticed at home. It's really disappointing.

Placed my order, server said all was okay & then walked away to the back..never came back. After waiting for 15 minutes another served asked us what we wanted we explained someone else was serving us, but we still repeated our order, to which they responded they didn’t had ran out of? How could the first server have disappeared to the back and just never made our orders and let someone else be served the food we had ordered first. Ridiculous!!

Absolutely love Kokoro! Their chicken katsu curry is absolutely out of this world😍

Has gone way too terrible the past 2 years. You cannot chew the food. Last time I went there none of this £7.80 bowl with chicken and rice could be eaten.

Don't eat sushi here After eating, I had an upset stomach and diarrhea. Never come here again.

The food is disgusting and of an extremely poor quality. I tried Kokoro twice but never a third time. The two times were a regretful decision. I had beef bolgogi this evening and every piece of meat had a vain of ligament in it making it chewy. I couldn’t finish it 🤢

Great place to pick up a quick bite!

Walked in at around the evening time because that’s when we got home by after a long day, lady was mopping the entrance of the doorway (right where people walk in - mind you they have an hour and half to close). Food wasn’t nicely displayed as it is in photos or in other Kokoros I’ve been too and had been pre-bundled in rice cups already. Asked for something and they said that what I see is what they have out. This is the second time I’ve been there and it was the same experience. I’ll stick to my local one as they’re amazing and I do love kokoro but the atmosphere and store needs a major uplift…maybe staff too. In the end, we left as the lady seemed frustrated with our presence. Good food in general this restaurant but I don’t know about this branch. Just my two cents.

Food is the best, honestly, but the lady that served me today was so rude else for no reason. It was so bad. She literally threw napkins on my food when I asked. This happened today 10/10/23 at 11.15 thereabouts

The guy is so nice, gave me extra chicken Lovely food Deserves a 5 star

Food is good but service was very disappointing. I got a large expecting the rice to topping ratio would be similar to the regular, instead the majority of the servicing was rice. I asked if I could get more of the topping and the attitude was terrible. I find it very peculiar to give a customer dirty looks whilst serving the food that they paid for. (also they made me pay for my bag twice.) I recommend going to a kokoro in a different location as the employees are a LOT more friendly elsewhere.

Takeaway is ok, some of the flavours are quite rich, but worth a second trip

Love the Katsu Curry here. Its a good big portion in regular size. The sushi is also good. Outside sitting is available and good on a nice day. Sometimes the outside area is not clean enough to sit down comfortably.

Classic lunch break pick up in Kingston good portions and delicious flavours

I have been to this restaurant many times but this time I was very uncomfortable after eating and felt the food was not fresh

Great sushi and sweet chilli chicken

Went today and asked for a mix and match without the rice and they serve a bowl that is half filled. For the price of a full meal it was outrageous. I was going to ask for more chicken but then they ran out because the other staff decided to serve the customer who came after me. So instead I asked for the rice to fill up the rest of the takeaway bowl but the manager gave me an empty bowl. When the lady put it in the takeaway bag I asked if she put rice in it and she said not yet but then proceeded to give me the takeaway bag anyway after I paid. What would I need an empty bowl for??? I don’t know what’s going on but this place used to be good. Now the staff just seem clueless and not trained to keep up the standard.

I am an athlete, 6'3" tall, 260 lbs and I need to eat a lot. Kokoro is by far one of the very few place in Kingston that have the decency to offer a solid meal, I am talking about substantial portions for under £10. Their sweet chilli chicken is very tasty too, flavours are well balanced. Never felt ripped off and always left with a full belly and satisfied. Not like many of the neighbouring food places and coffee shops who are selling kids portions dishes at a full adult price. Well done Kokoro for keeping my hopes alive and my belly full.

Really nice food..specially katsu chicken curry….affordable food…do try if you are neaby

Absolutely loved the food from here. Different varieties and tasty. Preferably should dine in to enjoy the yummy food.

I always get the sushi/katsu combo which I always find tasty. The hot food is also flavourful and the portions generous. I great place to pick up some quick, filling food at a good price. Unfortunately the restaurant feels a little cold and uninviting, but staff warm and welcoming.

Should have listened to previous reviews. My Katsu Chicken was undercooked it was pink and slimy. Someone going to get seriously ill eating here. Standards and service are beyond poor with Dangerous food handling. Avoid eating here.

Very generous portion of chicken given for the large order of chicken katsu curry!

Have been going here for years and it was always good but last few times when getting Katsu curry they’ve given me barely any sauce and my food ends up being dry half way in. Was in store at about 12:30 today and got given barely any sauce ( about half a spoonful) and I asked for more and the woman serving me gave me the smallest dribble of sauce. When been in other kokoro’s in the area there has always been a good amount of sauce (Surbiton,Wimbledon). So disappointing, wont be returning here considering the food is disappointing.

I always feel as if I am inconveniencing them by asking to buy something. The sushi is great, the sweet chilli chicken is lush . The rice is over cooked and has no seasoning. Its expensive . I spent £35 and she still charged me 20p for soy sauce on top. I get everything has a cost but a smile is free, and she was not handing those over for even £35

Good food at reasonable price 20/2/22

Lovely little take away, although it's very cramped inside and wasn't sure where to queue. But food was really nice and the staff were friendly.

I have been a loyal and regular customer at Kokoro Kingston but today has truly been a sobering experience from all the years of good food. I have been blinded by my brand loyalty as the quality and arguably quantity has been on a saddening down-cline . The person serving me completely forgot about my order and wouldn’t have arrived unless I made the point. Once the food arrived it was abysmal and overcooked. I am also not very impressed by their rapid increase in prices but this economic crisis does somewhat excuse that. I highly recommend Yoriya the Korean place down the road as their prices are cheaper and food is arguably nicer.

The filthiest Kokoro in UK. Rice was overcooked and had the leftovers of other sauces in it. No hope for the personnel to wipe the tables ever. If you want to have a sit, you need to remove the leftovers from the previous customer with your own hands off the table.

Comida bastante rica. Suspenso en limpieza.

Awful quality. The chicken is so gross it went in the bin. How can you charge for this?! So inconsistent. Better quality & value elsewhere.

Updated review : I am lowering my rating from 5 to 3. Unfortunately, the quality of food degraded in recent year. The chicken is overcooked. Some chicken pieces have skin on. The overall experience is not great. Review from 2014 (5 stars): I love this place. Freshly made food. Good size hot food. Very good quality. Pick a loyalty card, so you can get yourself a free lunch.

The chicken katsu curry is the best I’ve had and the portion is pretty big too. I also like the fried pumpkin. Sweet and savoury at the same time. Give it a try!!

I have eaten in, enjoyed the food

It used to be my once-a-week however the quality of food collapse in recent year. The rice in hot meal was always overcook, less of texture. The Salmon over nigiri is in poor quality. Only the fried chicken is still within the standard.

Overly oily and dry chicken, wondering if they cooked today let alone the last week.

Decent food and if you tried one you tried them all!

Had the mix & match twice - the food is tasty and the portions are great - definitely worth the money. Katsu and sweet chilli are great.

Served by Genni, amazing service, so friendly, went out of her way to make our day easier, thanks!

The Sweet Chilli Chicken was so good with fresh well cooked rice. But the Beef Bulgogi was really bad.

A bit hit and miss. Yoria is independent, much better and a few shops down; go there, it's much better

Kokoro had always been hit and miss with quality control but recently it has been all miss. They seem to have hired new staff and it is just pure mistakes. On my last visit I ordered a large sweet chili chicken with noodle and edamame beans to go. It wasn't until I got home and checked my receipt that I realised that they charged me for a seaweed salad which I didn't buy and the noodles were completely stone fridge style cold. They obviously did not heat the noodles. The chicken was greasy and over oily. Too many errors and too much poor quality recently has prompted me to give this review. Kokoro need to refocus their standards.

My husband had food from this place rice with chilli chicken . He fell sick, vomit whole day and he had to take day off from work. I won’t recommend chicken from this place . So disappointed .

The portions of chicken in Chicken katsu curry started to be smaller and smaller. I don't pay £7.5 for rise, isn't it.

Not a lot of sauce and was very dry not good considering its nearly £8

No disabilities facilities at this restaurant. Staff don't spesk English.

Sushi is so worth the waiting time

I went to Kokoro with my mum and there were times when the rice was undercooked and the chicken was very dry but this time it was perfect. The rice was cooked with the right amount of water and the chicken seemed to have been fried at the right temperature as well as the curry sauce not being too thick or thin in texture. The staff were friendly and took our orders correctly. There's always a lot of customers during certain times so I recommend going at less busy times.

I used to always get the sushi bentos from here. It used to be good. However this time the rice was very hard and some grains were even a bit crunchy. The rice wasn’t cooked properly. Couldn’t eat any of the rice. Very disappointing.

Maybe not my taste but honestly I didn’t like the food.

Shocking experience my missus nearly chocked on a piece of chicken that was nothing but fat. gristle and sauce covered in oil and when approached the only person that spoke English we was told no refund Got the video to prove it

Very quick and friendly service with great tasting food.

Love this place, particularly the spicy pork, better than the surbiton kokoro

Decent food at reasonable prices.

It's OK, prefer the Sutton branch

The sweet chilli chicken is ok, but some of the chicken was tough like it was reheated. The noodles are pretty bland.

Great food; always steaming hot which to me means that it's nice & fresh. You have a choice between S & L but even the smaller size is just right & very filling. Worth the money & located in just about the right place in Kingston, making it easy to find.

I love love love kokoro and have done for so many years. I always ask for less rice in my bowls because they love to pack the rice in. The portion sizes are amazing. My favourite it the katsu curry and spicy porky! Be ware though, the spicy pork is super spicy 🌶 have been a super fan for years and now they have their own branded aloe which is wonderful to see. Customer service in the Kingston store is super nice and fast and efficient. Always recommend.

Foods good enough 😍 must try more. (They add the meat generously) 🤰😁

Consistently good food and value for money

We got food poisoning from this place. 🤮

The best Teriyaki chicken around

Arrived within 20 minutes of ordering, hot and delicious as always. Whenever I’m craving some chicken katsu it’s alwayssss Kokoro I’m after, don’t ever stop doing this hard work, to the whole Kokoro team, you guys are doing great job!!✨

Good food but only outdoor seating

A must have for me whenever I visit Kingston 😊

Great service: - Speedy, fresh food served daily - so many tasty options - Always give good portions sizes and are happy to mix and match servings - Chicken Katsu curry and chilli chicken with rice is a winner for me!

Watery and not fully flavoursome chicken katsu Udon, but still very good food and lovely people

Fair size portion however very bland and dry

Always great value when you visit (not so much order online with much higher charges). If your in the area its about the best in this street for a filling Korean / Japanese style meal

Honestly I've wasted my money I ordered sweet and sour chicken. First off theres no sauce its dry as hell but the main reason i xant eat it is because most of the meat is really really dark like lamb i honestly dont believe its chicken and the look of it actually made me feel nauseous

Standard for,they need to make sure their veggie options are replenished, so they haven't run out by 1:30

Do you want curry sauce? Yes Do you want curry sauce? Yes (More confusion) My katsu curry had no curry sauce. Total confusion and the girl serving had literally no idea what I was saying. Very disappointed

Worst sweet chilli chicken ever eaten. Wasn't sweet at all, too much rice. It was 90/10 ratio. Had to chew too much, seems like it was too old. Couldn't finish mine so asked them to have a bag but they wanted more money for the bag as well. So I threw it away since I didn't like it either