Kioku Japanese Restaurant

The story

Endo grew up in a family tradition of sushi-making, learning from his father and grandfather in their restaurant and at local fish markets, and his creative direction guides the kitchen here. Diners choose between an à la carte menu of nigiri and signature mains, the paced Taste of Kioku tasting menu, or a bento box at lunch, with a sake programme alongside. An old-school lift rises from the restored Old War Office's marble staircase to a loft-like room with low ceilings, warm wood panelling and large windows over Whitehall. A Chef's Table overlooks the kitchen behind sliding doors, The Turret seats 12 in one of the building's turrets, and a terrace opens for dining and drinks in late spring and summer. A cosy sake bar sits downstairs.