NOKO (Camberwell) — Restaurant in London

Noko in Camberwell is a sleek little spot with a polished interior and a menu that confidently blends Asian fusion flavours. The service is spot-on—friendly, efficient, and genuinely welcoming, which immediately sets the tone for a good night. And in parts, the food delivers too.

The chaoshou in chilli oil is a proper crowd-pleaser. The dumplings have a soft, pillowy texture, with a filling that’s generous and satisfying. The chilli oil packs just the right amount of heat to keep things interesting without overwhelming the dish. It’s easily the standout of the evening, a dish that hits all the right notes and wouldn’t feel out of place in a more expensive setting.

The nasu, grilled aubergine, is another winner. Smoky, sweet, and perfectly balanced, every bite feels carefully thought out. It’s the kind of dish you could happily eat on repeat. Even the salad impressed—a fresh, vibrant mix of flavours that punches above its weight.

But not everything lands. The skewers, while tasting fantastic, feel a little underwhelming. At around £6 each, you expect something more substantial—maybe a touch more generosity on the plate. Instead, the portions feel a bit stingy, like something you’d expect at a canapé reception rather than a sit-down meal.

The real letdown, though, is the Gochujang K-POP fried chicken. It’s a dish that should scream bold, spicy, and addictive, but here it barely whispers. The batter is too dense, lacking the crunch you want, and the sauce doesn’t bring the fiery kick you’d expect from something labelled as gochujang. It’s not terrible, but it’s forgettable, and that’s not what you want from fried chicken.

All that said, Noko has a lot going for it. The menu has some real high points, the setting is stylish without being overdone, and the team running the place clearly care about what they’re doing. There’s room for improvement, sure, but it’s still a thoroughly enjoyable night out—and when Noko gets it right, it really...

It's always good to find a promising-looking new restaurant open on your doorstep - and even better when their food is delicious and makes you want to come back and explore more of the menu. The Chaoshou dumplings in chilli oil were a great starter and went down a treat, but the main course was where this place truly excelled - the dan dan noodles were the very definition of comfort food, but the must-order food was the beef brisket noodles which are packed with flavour and topped with the most perfectly tender cuts of beef. I didn't get to explore the cocktail menu but it looked very inviting, so I plan to check them out next time. Can't wait to come back again and try more from the menu - long may this establishment endure in Camberwell, it's a welcome addition to the community. (ONE tiny thing that could be improved - the tables next to the entry passage have little protection other than a flimsy curtain from those coming in, having a more substantial divider would perhaps make those sat there feel more...

While exploring Camberwell for my blog, I stumbled upon Noko, a delightful gem.

During a weekday lunch with my partner, we were captivated by its quaint and cosy vibe.

The food exceeded our expectations; the vegan mock dumplings were a highlight, boasting a delicate, crispy batter.

We also indulged in the broccoli with tahini skewers, leaving us eager to return and try more options like the green beans, spicy cabbage, and king oyster mushrooms.

For our main dishes, my eggplant noodles with Szechuan broad bean paste, soy, garlic, and spring onions left a lasting impression with its exquisite flavour and perfectly cooked aubergines.

Meanwhile, my partner relished the zesty salt and pepper prawns.

He also loved the sake seabass, noting its exceptional quality and value.

Noko has definitely left its mark on us, and we're already planning our next visit to explore more of its...