Restaurant
Choose Kigali
A fine dining restaurant inside a hillside art gallery in Kiyovu, with a daily-changing eight-course tasting menu, an a la carte terrace and rotating exhibitions.
Kōzo Kigali
An Afro-Asian restaurant founded in 2018 that pairs Pan-Asian cooking and sushi with African flavours, served as sharing plates in an alfresco setting.
At a glance
- Type
- Afro-Asian restaurant
- Area
- Kimihurura, Kigali, Rwanda
- Price
- $$$$ · Luxury
- Official site
- kozokg.com
Good to know
- Sushi
- Cocktails
- Outdoor seating
- Sunday brunch
- Private events
Why we recommend it
Kōzo Kigali was established in 2018 by Ramzi Yamusah and has become one of the city's best-known places for a special meal. The kitchen blends Pan-Asian cooking, including sushi, with African ingredients and flavours, and dishes are designed for sharing. The restaurant describes its approach as farm to table, and much of the seating is outdoors with views across the hills.
The menu changes, but the style is consistent: sushi and sashimi platters, teriyaki dishes and creative small plates sit alongside wine and cocktails. National Geographic Traveller singled out the spring rolls served with chilli oil made with Akabanga, the well-known Rwandan chilli oil. Ordering several plates for the table is the best way to try the range.
Opening times are split between lunch and dinner. Lunch runs from noon to 3pm Tuesday to Saturday, dinner from 6pm to 11pm Tuesday to Thursday and until midnight on Friday and Saturday, and on Sunday there is a brunch service from 2pm to 10pm. Monday is not listed, so treat it as a closed day unless the restaurant tells you otherwise. Tables are booked online through the restaurant's website, and event enquiries go through WhatsApp.
Kōzo suits couples, groups of friends and business dinners; local guides often recommend it as a romantic choice, and the cocktails make it a good place to start an evening before moving on to a bar. Prices are at the upper end for Kigali. It is popular at weekends, so reserve a few days ahead for Friday or Saturday evenings, and ask for an outdoor table if the weather is fine.
The restaurant also takes private events, from small gatherings to large celebrations, so it is a popular choice for birthdays and work dinners. If you are planning one, contact the team on WhatsApp well in advance, as weekend evenings are often booked up by groups.
The restaurant is on KN 14 Avenue, in the Kimihurura area of hill-top restaurants and bars. Soy Asian Table is on the same road, and the Kigali Convention Centre, which is lit up after dark, is a short drive away. Most visitors arrive by taxi or ride-hailing car; the Yego and Move apps cover both cars and motorbikes.
Kōzo Kigali FAQs
What cuisine does Kōzo serve?
Afro-Asian dishes that mix Pan-Asian cooking, including sushi, with African flavours, mostly for sharing.
When is Kōzo open?
Lunch Tuesday to Saturday from noon to 3pm, dinner Tuesday to Saturday from 6pm, and Sunday brunch from 2pm to 10pm.
Is it open on Mondays?
Monday is not listed in its opening times.
How do I book?
Through the Book a table link on the restaurant's website; event enquiries are handled on WhatsApp.
Is it good for a date?
Yes, it is often recommended as a romantic restaurant, with outdoor seating and cocktails.
When did it open?
It was founded in 2018 by Ramzi Yamusah.
What should I order?
Sushi and sashimi platters, shared plates and the spring rolls with Akabanga chilli oil are well known.