Cocoro

Restaurants key icon.
Restaurants key icon.

MondayClosed.

Tuesday5:30 – 9:00 pm.

Wednesday5:30 – 9:00 pm.

Thursday5:30 – 9:00 pm.

Friday12:00 – 2:00 pm, 5:30 – 9:00 pm.

Saturday12:00 – 2:00 pm, 5:30 – 9:00 pm.

SundayClosed.

56a Brown Street, Ponsonby, Auckland

09 360 0927

Japanese cuisine comprises a whole lot more than just sushi rolls and tempura, and more fish types than simply salmon and tuna. At owner-operated Cocoro in Auckland, the dining menu showcases the versatility that Japanese cuisine offers and also that there are plenty more types of fish in the sea - all while celebrating delicately prepared seafood and locally sourced produce. 

Cocoro means ‘heart and soul’ and it’s named for what goes into the food and service that diners can expect to receive. Each visit should feel like a bespoke culinary experience, one that is ‘ichigo ichie’ - an idea that translates loosely to stopping to enjoy each individual moment. 

While there is an a la carte menu available for those after something simple, the real showstopper at Cocoro is the degustation menu. Take your pick from three carefully crafted, different degustation menus, before settling back and following the courses through the flavours of Japan. Along with the classic Nigiri sushi, a menu highlight is the signature sashimi platter, a striking work of art offering over 30 varieties (yes, you read that right!) of seafood. The effort and technique that goes into sourcing and preparing such a feast is certainly no mean feat.

The restaurant’s focus on degustations stems from owner-chef Makoto Tokuyama’s personal journey with food. Growing up in a Zen Buddhist temple in Japan, mealtimes were always a culmination of locally sourced seafood, produce from local farmers, and pickles, soups and rice prepared by his grandmother, Chizu. She also taught him the importance of respecting the ingredients and minimising waste - which are teachings both evident in his practices today. Nowadays, Makoto likes to source the highest quality local ingredients, and use his skills and backstory to create unique masterpieces for each degustation menu on offer.

Cocoro takes a modern and minimalist approach to decor, so expect plenty of wooden textures, intimate lighting and a large communal table with smaller tables lining the walls. Its location is also discrete: a destination restaurant with a brick exterior off bustling Ponsonby Road. Like many Japanese offerings, it may be humble on the outside, but you can expect a magical journey within. 

Words by Nicole Mudgway & Photography by Jerome Warburton

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

56a Brown Street, Ponsonby, Auckland

Nearby Places

Dantes Pizzeria

Pizza in oven.
Place Auckland
Restaurants key icon.

An authentic Italian pizzeria with the freshest ingredients – right down to the mozzarella which strings its way throughout the melting pot of flavours each topping provides.

Everyday Needs

Homewares on shelves.
Place Auckland Editor's Pick

As the shop’s name suggests, the focus here is on items for the home that are practical and useful – the kind of things you couldn’t imagine living without.

Duck Island Ponsonby Road

A staff member working behind a counter at a brightly decorated ice cream shop.
Place Auckland
Cafes key icon. Goods key icon.

Duck Island has been crafting small-batch ice cream in the Waikato since 2015.

Ponsonby Central

Exterior view of Ponsonby Central from the lane entrance.
Place Auckland
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

There are a tonne of fresh and hip eateries and cafés hidden within, that tantalise with their extensive menus.

Similar Places

The Kimchi Project

Entrance to the Kimchi Project.
Place Auckland
Cafes key icon.

Offering Korean-inspired breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner with a menu full of delicious surprises.

Sen Vietnamese Kitchen & Bar

A Banh Mi sitting on a table at Sen restaurant In Auckland.
Place Auckland
Restaurants key icon.

SEN, meaning lotus flower, is an authentic Vietnamese kitchen and bar that has long been a mainstay in Mount Eden.

Freida Margolis

Alcohol in a shelf inside.
Place Auckland
Bars key icon.

A fine establishment full of colour and character with a penchant for the drink.

Fort Greene

The green painted entrance to Fort Greene.
Place Auckland
Cafes key icon.

What started out as a humble sandwich stall has evolved to become a much-adored, artisanal bakery and cafe that has more than made its mark on Auckland’s Karangahape Road.