Kokoni Restaurant: The Art Of Kaiseki At Raffles Shenzhen

Recently, a new kaiseki restaurant opened in Raffles Shenzhen called Kokoni. Since its opening, the restaurant has been redefining what kaiseki is for the people in Shenzhen and has been setting a new high standard for Japanese cuisine across the city.

Located on the 34th floor, Kokoni boasts a view of the city that rivals the Tokyo skyline and a sea view reminiscent of Osaka Bay. The view itself is a course to be enjoyed all on its own and one that can be savored all evening long. As well as the quite simply breathtaking view of Shenzhen Bay reaching out to Hong Kong, diners are recommended to arrive early to catch the sunset over Shenzhen Talent Park and then later take in the dazzling lights of the skyscrapers in Houhai.

The restaurant is designed around the interactive cooking space, and is the very epitome of modern and sleek architecture. The warm lighting is perfectly pitched while the use of space has clearly been carefully considered. It is in the detail, however, where Kokoni is truly charming. From the handmade origami swans on each table and the colorful pop art pieces on the wall, to the beautiful white lotus flowers floating in the water features.

The food lives up to the luxurious surroundings too. The executive chef, Yamada Naohisa, brings more than 30 years of experience to the restaurant, while fresh ingredients are flown in daily from Japan, Australia, and beyond.

The current kaiseki menu is quite simply a dream for lovers of Japanese cuisine. The meal begins with a seasonal appetizer of Fried Baby Crab, Baked Whelk, Grilled Eel, Chrysanthemum Rolled Salmon, and Japanese Mini Squid. The Teppanyaki Soup is a broth of Shrimp Ball with Manila Clam, Yuzu, Spring Onion, and Potherb Mustard. This is shortly followed by a share plate of sashimi including Lobster, Tuna, Yellowtail, Sea Bream, and Live Surf Clam.

The boiled dish features King Crab, Abalone, Oyster, Onion, Shimeji Mushroom, and Kinome. Other highlights include the Australian Wagyu Sirloin with Seasonal Vegetables and the Deep Fried Foie Gras and Caramelized Apple.

Diners can choose to order à la carte or order from one of several set menus designed by Chef Yamada.

For those looking to host a business dinner or a family gathering, the private dining rooms are quite something. With unrivaled views over the bay and interactive cooking areas for chefs to come in and cook, it makes for an even more incredible evening.

Kokoni offers authentic kaiseki cuisine created using only the freshest imported ingredients prepared for by a world-class chef in luxury surroundings while enjoying one of the best views around. Simply put, Kokoni is one of the definitive dining experiences in Shenzhen.