LDNReview
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Koyn
Included In
Koyn is a high-end Japanese spot in Mayfair which serves the kind of top-quality sushi that’s rare to find in London. This is a special occasion restaurant which works just as well for an all-out dinner when you’ve got the corporate card, as it does an anniversary sushi date to celebrate getting through three years of arguing over whose turn it is to load the dishwasher. Just make sure you’re prepared to throw down £100 per person.
Koyn is the restaurant equivalent of upstairs for thinking, downstairs for dancing. Upstairs is a serene dining room with quiet chatter and yellowtail being sliced behind the stunning sushi counter. It’s where to take your parents to show them that you almost definitely know what an ISA is now. Downstairs is a moody black and red den that says “seduce me with sashimi”. Bring your date to show them that you almost definitely know what The Weeknd is talking about in 80% of his songs. On both floors, you can expect the same menu of excellent Japanese classics that make a meal at Koyn feel special without trying too hard.
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
You’ll find your overpriced edamame and California rolls with a high profit margin, but there are no frills in the form of dramatic smoke-filled domes or truffle foam-topped rolls, because the food here speaks for itself. Their most basic rolls are some of our favourites, like the spicy salmon roll, or a single piece of hotate nigiri. But if you’re trying to impress, order the lobster tempura maki that’s presented alongside a whole lobster head and tail. It feels OTT, it is OTT, and we’re into it. Even the usually boring black cod is done excellently. It feels effortless, so when you’re looking to show off in a nonchalant I-always-eat-this-good kind of way, or have a very grown-up birthday dinner, Koyn will get the job done.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Sliced Yellowtail
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Black Cod
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Spicy Salmon Sushi Roll
Shrimp Tempura Sushi Roll
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Lobster Tempura
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch