Five years ago when Koto Sanpo opened in Elizabeth Arcade, it brought a flurry of customers, influencers and bloggers alike to dine in the popular new restaurant. With the hype dying down throughout covid, they eventually closed for a relocation around the corner to Charlotte Street. Although Hachi Yakiniku has been open for some time, Koto took a lot longer. I've been curious to go back and decided to go during their soft launch when Dr L had other arrangements.
Going on a weekend lunch, I was not expecting too many customers but there was a significant queue. It took about half an hour for me to get in. The restaurant was significantly more spacious and bright compared to their previous lodgings.
A significant improvement to me though was the addition of a sushi counter. I was lucky enough to be seated right in front of it.
Ordering was done by way of QR code but payment was at the counter after the meal. The food was notably expensive compared to last time I went but I guess inflation is unrelenting.
Dining alone that day, I was conscious of trying to order as much variety as possible without having too much food so I wouldn't be able to finish it all. I settled on the omakase set sushi, a side of beef katsu, served with a matcha latte. These arrived at record time.
My matcha latte came in a bowl just as I had remembered it. The matcha was a far darker brown kind of green and not as visually appealing as the offerings at Wuta downstairs. It was however very tasty, not overly powdery, not overly bitter and also lightly sweet. I would definitely be back for their other matcha options.
Wanting to try their new sushi options, this was their omakase sushi set. For $30, you get the chef's selection of 10 nigiri. It was a little bit expensive for what it. The quality was not bad though, the fish was fresh, I would have liked a piece or two of tuna and for the cuts to be a bit thicker. The rice had a good texture but could also be better seasoned. All round though it was decent for a shop that was not a sushi specialist.
I had a side of beef katsu as well as I couldn't finish another full sized main. This was freshly fried and crispy. I liked the additional tonkotsu sauce on the beef however found the meat texture itself to be fairly chewy and in need of tenderisation. For the price, the serving was adequate.
In my opinion, the food quality at Koto sanpo has remained largely consistent in spite of its extended closure. The downside to this though is that whilst it has remained the same and there are a number of competitors that could now offer a staunch challenge when it comes to quality or value. I didn't mind the meal at all and would have no hesitation returning but would also be in no rush.
Taste: 7/10
Value: 7/10
Service: 8/10
Environment: 8/10
Environment: 8/10
