moko made cafe — Restaurant in London

Moko made cafe is a cosy, no fills cafe in Hoxton. I had heard good things about their nigiri and matcha drink so I was very excited to try and it didn’t disappoint. I was attended to by the lovely young lady working there who made sure I was seated promptly. I ordered the tuna mayo nigiri and matcha float. They did let me know they usually don’t recommend a rice dish with a matcha drink/float, but I let them know I wouldn’t mind the combination. I was already intending to order a dessert to compliment the drink and went with her recommendation of the Kinako and red bean roll cake.

The nigiri was for 2.80 and was lovely and warm. It comes with a tiny salad that compliments it nicely.

The matcha float was lovely and creamy, not bitter but almost chocolatey in flavour. I already have my eyes set on the Japanese matcha powder they are selling for £25 per 100 grams which they use in their drinks and desserts. The drink was for £6.

The Kinako and red bean roll cake was light and delicate in flavour. I appreciate that the red bean was not overwhelming; However, I don’t feel like I got a hint of the Kinako. This cost £4.

Unfortunately, the roll cakes are not fully on display like the other baked goods they have (lime and coconut cake, matcha brownie, muffins, etc.) So, I couldn’t see it before ordering except from a picture they have by the tills. I would have like it to be a bit more moist or perhaps contain more cream or have more fruit. The yuzu cheesecake might have been more to my style but I wanted to try what I thought would have been more unique.

My bill came to £12.80. They also do loyalty stamp cards.

Please note that you cannot use your laptop here. It says so on the menu and they will politely inform you. I’m sure this is down to it being a smaller sized cafe, so it’s quite understandable.

I will definitely be back to try something new next time I’m...

I recently visited this cafe, hoping for a cozy atmosphere with some tasty bites, but I left feeling surprisingly unsettled. It was a Friday, around 11am, the cafe wasn’t crowded, I was the first to step in & I was excited to settle in for a quiet morning. However, the vibe from the staff, including both the one asian waitress and the owner, felt… a bit off. There was a subtle tension that’s hard to pinpoint, almost as if my presence was an inconvenience. For instance, instead of placing my hot coffee directly in front of me, the waitress slid it across the table without any eye contact and left before i finished my ‘thank you’. Or when she served me the Azuki toast, she slammed it down and said ‘An?’ Dont even know whom she was talking to. Small interactions like these made it difficult to feel welcomed or at ease, which was disappointing since I’d planned to stay longer and order more. I felt like I did something wrong and asked for free food.

While nothing was explicitly rude, the passive, almost cold manner left me feeling slightly suffocated. Extremely surprised versus the normal Japanese hospitality standard and all the other reviews. Maybe everyone has their bad days but It wasn’t the calm experience I’d anticipated, and I left sooner than I’d hoped without ordering some cakes I wanted to try.

P/s: the portion is quite small for both...

Moko Made Cafe is a tiny treasure box of Japanese charm tucked into the heart of Hoxton. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by soft lighting, delicate ceramics, and a curated calm that feels worlds away from the city’s rush. It’s a place where every detail — from the latte art to the miniature furniture on display — feels intentional and quietly magical.

The coffee is exceptional. Their matcha and honey latte is a standout — smooth, fragrant, and beautifully balanced. Desserts like the Yuzu Citrus Cheesecake and Matcha Swiss Roll are light, elegant, and full of character. For something savoury, the onigiri with miso soup is comforting and authentic — a perfect midday pause. The staff are warm and attentive, and the space — though small — invites you to linger, reflect, and savour.

Highlights:

Japanese-inspired drinks and desserts with real finesse

Thoughtful interior design featuring handmade pottery and whimsical touches

Light bites that balance tradition and creativity

A tranquil, intimate vibe perfect for solo rituals or quiet catch-ups

Final Thought: Moko Made Cafe is more than a coffee stop — it’s a gentle experience. Stylish, soulful, and quietly unforgettable. If you love places that blend flavour with feeling, this...