Cocoro

Cocoro, whose name means heart and soul in Japanese, occupies an old brick building on Brown Street, just off Ponsonby Road. Head chef and co-owner Makoto Tokuyama, who has been named a Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador, leads the contemporary Japanese kitchen alongside Kohsuke, who heads the front-of-house team. The restaurant holds three hats in the Cuisine Good Food Guide and has been listed by The World's 50 Best Discovery.

The degustation menus are the heart of the experience and the restaurant recommends them. There are several levels, including a seafood-focused menu and a more extensive signature menu, and each can be paired with sake or wine. Degustations require an evening reservation. For a lighter visit, the à la carte menu offers small shareable dishes such as sashimi, nigiri, chawanmushi and a crayfish gratin, though à la carte reservations are limited.

Lunch is served on Fridays and Saturdays from 12pm to 2pm, with an à la carte menu, a set prix fixe lunch and an express banquet-style lunch for groups. Dinner runs from Tuesday to Saturday from 5.30pm until late. On Sundays and Mondays the restaurant is closed to regular diners but available for private functions, which can be arranged by email.

Cocoro also runs a small sushi takeaway service. Nigiri sets and chirashi sushi are made in limited quantities each day, must be ordered at least 24 hours in advance and are collected between 5.30pm and 6.30pm from Tuesday to Saturday. It is a good option for a special picnic or a meal in your accommodation.

Practical points matter here. Some reservations require a credit card to be held, and cancellations need 24 hours' notice to avoid a fee. Groups of eight or more should call or email rather than booking online. Mention any dietary requirements when you book.

The restaurant suits couples and special occasions, as well as anyone with a serious interest in Japanese food. Because the restaurant sits just off Ponsonby Road, it is easy to combine with an evening in Ponsonby. Gift vouchers are available in several values and can be emailed as a PDF or collected in printed form from the restaurant.