KOKO Bengaluru — Restaurant in Bengaluru

KOKO: Overhyped and Underwhelming

KOKO was quite a massive disappointment given the hype around it. I would not recommend or revisit this place unless there are major improvements.

Upon entering, we were asked if we’d prefer to sit outside at a standard table or inside at a high top table beside the bar. Given the outside area reeked of mosquito repellent incense, we chose the high top. The high chair I sat in was wobbly, prompting a switch. The high tops should be reserved for waiting or starters only, with a switch to standard tables when available.

The interiors were nicely done. The double height bar and large pendant lights added chic to the black, gold, and grey theme. However, the discomfort at the high top table started our experience on a poor note, and the poor service did not help improve it.

We started with Crispy Prawn Cheung Fun and Japanese Prawn Tempura, our favorites from other Asian places in Bengaluru. Both were disappointing. The Cheung Fun tasted worse than variants in cheaper restaurants, and the Prawn Tempura was overly crispy to the extent of cutting my palette. The Monkey Pick Oolong Tea was the best order in the starter batch, which says a lot about the quality of the starters.

The high table and poor service had dampened our experience to the extent that we were looking to leave when a captain checked in and helped us move to a standard table that had been vacated ten minutes earlier.

We ordered Peking Duck with pancakes and Wild Morel and Truffle dumplings. The menu is not self-explanatory, and the staff are too inexperienced to help with ordering. The staff almost actively avoided eye contact and did not serve any dishes unless explicitly requested. For example, the Peking Duck was left on the table, and we had to call a server to serve it. His service lacked desire and expertise. When we asked for the dumplings to be served on the plate from the bamboo steamer, the server made a mess, dropping the dumplings twice before successfully placing them on the plate. They only served the first portion and then avoided the table when it was time to serve the next portion. The food was consistently bad.

We ended with the signature dessert, Forest Log Law. It looked fancy but tasted bad, with the hazelnut ice cream being the only saving grace. The dessert was too hard for the dessert spoon, requiring one person to hold it with one spoon while the other broke a piece with another spoon. It kept breaking off and spilling onto the table, adding to the consistent discomfort throughout the dining experience.

We asked for the remnants of the Peking Duck to be packed and requested the cheque. We left deeply unhappy, realizing that only the bill amount lived up to the hype. This was not an exciting, fine dining experience, but it was expensive. They even forgot to hand over the packed Peking Duck, and I had to walk back in to request it.

On the positive side, the decor and ambiance were great, and there was genuine effort from the chefs, which might result in a decent dining experience on a less crowded day. However, effort alone is not enough in a competitive gastronomic scene in a city of techies who are increasingly educating themselves on haute cuisine and hoping for truly remarkable experiences. The lackluster service was the missing link between the chef’s efforts and the diner’s experience.

Overall, KOKO may have done well in Mumbai, but this one is destined for failure once the initial hype dies down unless the service radically improves. Anyone driving to this location would do well to ditch it for one of the fine dining establishments in The Leela...

Had quite a pleasant experience here but there were a few issues. The location and atmosphere are fantastic, and the service is undoubtedly great. Chitranj (not sure if that's how his name is spelled) was our server and he was immaculately well trained, super attentive and helpful.

We had called over a day in advance for a reservation but were told that there was only one couple's table available and it was a high table, also the only slot available was 7 PM. However when we arrived and were seated, the restaurant was nearly completely empty, and even when leaving an hour and a half later, there were still several tables in the main area that were unoccupied. Not a major issue at all, just curious as to why we were told that there was no other available table.

The drinks were phenomenal. The bartenders have clearly tested out sophisticated recipes with unusual liquors and aromatics, and were very knowledgeable and we completely trusted their recommendations. The Leaf Game and Doucai are some of the best cocktails I've ever had.

The service, as mentioned before was top notch and food came out very quickly. Servers were diligent enough to check with us for any food allergies which we really appreciated. The pork soup dumpling was great, but was missing the julienned ginger that is typically served with soup dumplings. Scallops were super fresh, tender and delicious. Turnip cakes were great too. The lantern chicken was a bit underwhelming compared to everything else, especially since it was recommended to us.

The main issue was with dessert. Most of the unique, creative desserts we really wanted to try were apparently meant for 4-6 people so the portion size would have been too large for a couple. So the 3 options we had available to us were a bit of a let down. Also since there was so much amazing Japanese food on the menu, we would have liked to see some classics like mochi ice cream.

Those minor issues aside it was overall a wonderful evening. Great vibe, great staff, fantastic drinks, fresh seafood. Would just pass on the lantern chicken and the "classic" desserts if you're looking for...

Koko in Bengaluru stands out as a sophisticated destination for those seeking an exceptional dining experience with a focus on contemporary Asian cuisine. Situated in a bustling part of the city, Koko is not just a restaurant but a culinary statement, offering a fusion of flavors in a chic and stylish setting.The ambiance of Koko is both elegant and modern, with a design that combines sleek aesthetics with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The interior is thoughtfully decorated, creating the perfect backdrop for a fine dining experience or a fashionable night out.Koko's menu is a testament to culinary innovation, showcasing a range of Asian dishes with a contemporary twist. The restaurant offers a variety of sushi, dim sum, and other Asian favorites, each dish crafted with precision and made from the freshest ingredients. The flavors are bold and authentic, appealing to both traditionalists and those seeking a modern take on Asian cuisine.The bar at Koko is equally impressive, featuring a selection of signature cocktails, premium spirits, and an extensive wine list. The bartenders are skilled, adding an element of flair to the dining experience with their creative concoctions.Service at Koko is of a high standard, with staff who are knowledgeable, attentive, and eager to provide a memorable dining experience. The restaurant also prides itself on maintaining high levels of cleanliness and attention to detail.Koko in Bengaluru is more than a dining destination; it's a place where exquisite food, elegant ambiance, and impeccable service come together to create an unforgettable experience. It's an ideal spot for food connoisseurs and those who appreciate the finer aspects of...