Kūhaku

In the heart of Islington, Kūhaku brings a sleek, minimalist calm with a subtle art deco touch to North London’s dining scene. The space pairs contemporary Japanese sensibility with warmth, creating an atmosphere that feels both polished and welcoming.

The menu encourages sharing and exploration, starting with small plates that highlight balance and restraint. A spicy cucumber salad snaps with soy, chilli and sesame, while silky goma wakame offers a cooling contrast. Crisp potato korroke and pan-fried chicken and vegetable gyoza bring comfort with a delicate edge.

Larger plates lean into familiar favourites, executed with precision. Tonkatsu arrives with its glossy, savoury sauce, while torikatsu curry is ladled generously over rice, rich yet clean in flavour. Across the menu, texture and temperature take centre stage, letting classic Japanese flavours speak clearly.

As the evening settles in, Kūhaku invites guests to linger, share plates and enjoy the quiet rhythm of the room. Thoughtful cooking, attentive service and a calm glow make it a place to gather and savour the night, chopsticks at the ready.