The background

Located atop the historic Old War Office (OWO), Kioku by Endo is the latest fine-dining destination at the sumptuous Raffles London hotel. Helmed by Michelin-starred chef Endo Kazutoshi, the restaurant offers a contemporary take on Japanese culinary artistry, seamlessly blending traditional family heritage with coastal influences from Spain, France and Italy, where Kazutoshi honed his craft.

‘The experiences and events I have encountered throughout my personal and professional journey are incredibly meaningful to me,’ says Kazutoshi. ‘Kioku, meaning “memory”, brings together all the important memories I hold dear in one place.’

The space 

The restaurant is perched on the top floor of the majestic OWO, a Grade II-listed Edwardian masterpiece in Whitehall, where history has been made. From the reign of Henry VIII to the leadership of Winston Churchill and the imagination of Ian Fleming, some of Britain’s most iconic figures have walked through its storied doors. Be sure to enter at the main entrance to fully appreciate the grandeur of the alabaster grand staircase.

The main dining room’s interiors evoke the delicate elegance of Japanese design. Wooden-framed sliding doors are covered in translucent fabric, while traditional embroideries adorn the soft furnishings. The chef’s fondest memories serve as inspiration not only for the menu but also for the décor: the flooring is reminiscent of the Hotel New Grand in Yokohama, where Kazutoshi used to enjoy afternoon tea with his mother, while the red tiles across the ceiling pay homage to Spanish architecture.

Halfway through dinner, we couldn’t resist stepping onto the panoramic terrace, where breathtaking views reveal some of London’s striking landmarks, from the London Eye to Westminster. But the surprises don’t end there – one of the building’s turrets has been transformed into an intimate eight-seat private dining room, offering spectacular 360-degree views.

The menu

Our culinary journey began with hotate scallops, delicately served with grilled radicchio, smoked lemon ponzu and myoga. Striking the perfect balance between texture and flavour, it was an ideal way to prepare the palate for the rest of the meal. This was followed by a nigiri selection, featuring tender, ruby-hued bluefin tuna and a lean, slightly sweet sea bream. Next, we were treated to a vibrant beetroot salad, enlivened with blackcurrant and sansho pepper, which left a delightful tingling sensation on the tongue. One of the highlights was certainly the succulent duck breast, glazed with miso and paired with hispi cabbage. Each bite delivered a rich and complex mix of flavours.

‘I hope to bring food and designs that make you feel at home and welcome,’ says the sushi master.

Moving on to the next dish, we tried turbot with smoked sabayon, a playful yet well-executed take on the classic Italian sauce. ‘The menu at Kioku echoes points in my life that have shaped my culinary journey,’ he told us, referring to his time spent working across Spain and Italy.

We finished with a delicate Twig tea creme brulee, served with cream-cheese ice-cream and caviar – silky, aromatic and refreshing. We loved it.

The bill 

Eight-course Tasting Menu, £150pp, wine pairing £150pp

The verdict  

What we loved most about Kioku by Endo was chef Kazutoshi’s personal story. His deep respect for his family’s culinary traditions shines through in every dish, yet he isn’t afraid to add his own creative touch.

The service was warm and attentive, with a team that’s both knowledgeable and genuinely passionate – be sure to have a chat with them to get the most out of your experience. The ambiance felt elegant yet relaxed, refined without being overly formal.