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Oceania

New Zealand

Nestled in the vibrant Ponsonby district of Auckland, Cocoro is a modern Japanese restaurant that redefines fine dining with its exquisite tasting menus and a commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The moment you step into this intimate space at 56a Brown Street, you’re enveloped in an atmosphere that seamlessly blends contemporary elegance with traditional Japanese warmth. The restaurant’s design, featuring sleek lines and subtle lighting, sets the stage for a culinary journey that transports you straight to Japan.

Cocoro specializes in a unique Japanese degustation experience that highlights the freshest seafood and seasonal produce. The standout dish, a meticulously crafted sashimi platter, features seven exquisite slices of fish, each paired with complementary flavors ranging from truffle to caviar. The presentation is nothing short of theatrical, with dry ice wafting from the dish, enhancing the olfactory experience as you savor each bite. Another must-try is the steamed green-lipped mussel, served with a delicate vinegar and dashi jelly that balances sweet and savory notes beautifully.

Sashimi platter featuring fresh, local fish with unique pairings.

Steamed green-lipped mussel with vinegar and dashi jelly.

Innovative presentation that engages all senses.

Cocoro is conveniently located in the heart of Ponsonby, a trendy neighborhood known for its eclectic mix of shops, galleries, and vibrant nightlife. After enjoying a meal at Cocoro, take a leisurely stroll along the nearby streets to explore boutique stores and local art. The area is also home to several parks, perfect for a post-dinner walk to digest and reflect on your culinary experience.

What sets Cocoro apart is not just the food but the entire dining experience. The warm and attentive service ensures that every guest feels valued and well-informed about their meal. The chefs at Cocoro take pride in sourcing ingredients from local producers, ensuring that each dish is a celebration of New Zealand’s rich culinary landscape. The restaurant also offers a carefully curated selection of wines and sake, enhancing the dining experience.

What is Cocoro known for? Cocoro is renowned for its exquisite Japanese degustation menus that highlight the freshest local seafood and seasonal produce.

Why should I visit? If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine or looking for a unique fine dining experience, Cocoro offers an unforgettable journey through flavors and presentation.

What’s nearby? Cocoro is surrounded by boutique shops, art galleries, and parks, making it an ideal spot to explore before or after your meal.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving an exceptional meal, Cocoro is the perfect destination for food lovers. Book your table today and immerse yourself in a culinary experience that promises to delight all your senses. Don’t miss out on this gem in Auckland’s vibrant dining scene!

Modern Japanese restaurant offering small plates & set-course menus in a sleek space.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURuOWJTUTJnRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJP1-mcZdHDW0RabjxHE2fxGE/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURuOWJTUTJnRRAB

Finally visited Cocoro on my birthday and it didn’t disappoint! The best Japanese restaurant I’ve been to in NZ and it isn’t even close. Made me feel like I was dining in Japan again.

I was particularly impressed by the sashimi dish and the dessert. The texture of the dessert was multi-layered and really rich, and of course it was delicious.

The service was excellent too, the wait staff were patient and explained every dish in detail. Great dining experience, highly recommended!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUNncThpUEx3EAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJP1-mcZdHDW0RabjxHE2fxGE/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUNncThpUEx3EAE

Fine dining Japanese degustation is not something I expected in Auckland. Cocoro restaurant is a tiny little space off the main Ponsonby strip. The welcome is warm and genuine and is backed up by excellent service and superb food. In Japanese degustation, I expect the difference in a restaurant is in the quality of produce and this is second to none.

Fish that came out of the water that morning, vegetables and herbs picked from local producers that day. The dishes can be paired with wines from New Zealand based, Japanese producers and sake from top Japanese producers.

Presentation is superb and shows real innovation. The first dish you are offered is in a large box which is placed on your table and opened with a flourish. Inside the box each dish is presented on different layers and wood smoke wafts out to provide an olfactory engagement with the dish.

Within is the Chefs selection of snacks which starts your palate on the journey. As you would expect in New Zealand, seafood plays a strong part in the menu. The Crayfish is amazing, but my dish of the night was the steamed green lipped mussel. I don't like mussels in general, but this was fantastic with a vinegar and Daishi jelly combination providing a sweet/sour combination with the salt.

If you are in Auckland, I highly recommend a visit. If you are lucky and live local, they also do a very small selection of home delivery!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURYc3NTeUN3EAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJP1-mcZdHDW0RabjxHE2fxGE/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURYc3NTeUN3EAE

Cocoro serves the finest Japanese food and overall dining experience in NZ. The service is faultless and the food is sublime, with an extensive and comprehensive wine list to match. It is our favourite special occasion destination or just when we are craving excellent Japanese. The star of the show is their sashimi and sushi. Serving only the freshest and finest fish and other seafood, covering the diverse species available. Last night, we had a sashimi platter as part of a degustation and each of the seven perfect slices of impeccable fish had it's own complete accompaniment ranging from truffle to caviar to miso gel and gold leaf. Each mouthful a fabulous surprise. If you love Japanese food, Cocoro is a must visit experience. Yes, it is expensive for New Zealand but totally worth every penny.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNaeXBfZlZBEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJP1-mcZdHDW0RabjxHE2fxGE/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNaeXBfZlZBEAE

I must say, their service was truly professional. The atmosphere was wonderfully subtle. The food exceeded my expectations, with each dish being top-notch. The presentation was impeccable, and the dry ice show when serving the sashimi platter was a delightful touch. Tiger prawn tempura was unbelievable as well.. I absolutely loved it.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURMX2ZLRlFBEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJP1-mcZdHDW0RabjxHE2fxGE/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURMX2ZLRlFBEAE

Very nice Japanese fine dining and friendly service. Food presentation was also amazing. We enjoyed truffle set special, where every dish had truffle, even the dessert!

Cocoro: Luxury Japanese Restaurant in Ponsonby, Auckland

Savor authentic Japanese cuisine at Cocoro in Ponsonby, Auckland. Indulge in exquisite flavors and a cozy atmosphere. Book your table today!

Cocoro: Authentic Japanese Dining in Ponsonby, Auckland

Auckland City

Cocoro

Auckland Region

Discover Cocoro in Ponsonby, Auckland, offering exquisite Japanese cuisine, fresh sashimi, and unique degustation menus. Book your table today!

Cocoro Auckland Ponsonby: Authentic Japanese Dining Experience

Experience the finest Japanese flavors at Cocoro in Auckland's Ponsonby. Enjoy fresh seafood, innovative presentation, and exceptional service. Reserve now!

Explore Auckland's Culinary Gem: Cocoro Japanese Restaurant

Visit Cocoro at 56a Brown Street, Ponsonby, Auckland. Check opening hours and plan your visit to enjoy top-quality Japanese cuisine in a cozy setting.

Cocoro: Luxury Japanese Restaurant in Ponsonby, Auckland

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