Inside Kino: The stylish new Japanese restaurant in South Kensington
A sleek new Japanese restaurant has opened in South Kensington, bringing modern flavours and refined design to one of west London’s most stylish neighbourhoods.
Kino, located on Draycott Avenue, officially welcomed its first diners earlier this month, with a menu that blends traditional Japanese technique with seasonal British ingredients and subtle European influences.
The 70-seat restaurant is led by chef Pavel Baranovs, whose cooking is shaped by time spent travelling through Japan. The concept centres on simplicity, balance and precision, with an emphasis on seasonality, fermentation and carefully sourced produce.
Diners can expect a mix of comforting dishes and elevated classics, including Wagyu udon soup, Imperial black cod glazed in yuzu miso, and an extensive selection of nigiri and sashimi. More playful creations feature throughout the menu too, such as tapioca marshmallow with shio konbu and ocopa cream.
Desserts continue the Japanese-inspired theme with matcha tiramisu, yuzu cheesecake and handcrafted mochi in rotating seasonal flavours.
Chef Pavel Baranovs said: “Kino is about clarity and intention. I wanted to create a place where Japanese technique meets a broader, more personal point of view, where flavour is bold but controlled, and every ingredient is used with respect. It’s about stripping things back, focusing on seasonality, fermentation and provenance, and letting the food speak for itself.”
Inside, the restaurant pairs Japanese minimalism with warm European textures. Designed by Studio APAA, the dining room features natural timber, stone surfaces and soft lighting to create a calm, intimate feel — a fitting backdrop for the understated, elegant food.
Kino can be found at 96 Draycott Avenue, South Kensington, and is open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, with Sunday daytime service.