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Tucked away in the heart of Cobham, Kinjo is shaking up the local dining scene with its stylish yet unpretentious take on Japanese cuisine. The concept first launched in 2022, with the Cobham restaurant opening in June 2024 under the direction of founders Graham Ford, Purna Gurung, and Nabin Ghale. Since then, this buzzing spot has quickly built a reputation for its confident cooking, polished setting, and relaxed approach to dining. With top-quality ingredients, bold flavours and a sleek but inviting atmosphere, Kinjo proves that refinement need not feel rigid.
Cobham: A Polished Surrey Setting
Set within the Surrey countryside, Cobham offers a quietly affluent backdrop that suits Kinjo well. It is less about a bustling culinary scene and more about understated charm, where well-heeled locals favour quality over spectacle. Kinjo fits seamlessly into this rhythm, offering a dining experience that feels considered yet comfortably informal.
The Menu: Where Tradition Meets a Bit of Flair
Under the guidance of Head Chef Nabin Ghale, whose experience spans Japan, New York and London, the menu balances Japanese tradition with a contemporary sensibility. Whether stopping by for a quick lunch or settling in for the evening, the offering feels versatile without losing its identity.
Big on Flavour, Big on Choice
Kinjo’s menu moves confidently between comforting classics and more expressive dishes. Alongside the main à la carte, there is a dedicated lunch menu designed for lighter, quicker dining, as well as a separate Sunday offering that leans into a more leisurely, indulgent pace.
Across all menus, donburi bowls deliver depth and richness, while kushiyaki and yakitori skewers highlight the precision of flame cooking. The robata grill introduces a subtle smokiness, and the sushi selection brings a lighter, more refined contrast. The agemono section rounds things off with crisp, carefully executed fried dishes.
Starters: Small Plates with Big Personality
The opening dishes set the tone with clarity and flavour. White miso soup, edamame in both salted and spicy variations, and shishito peppers with burnt yuzu butter soy offer a clean, balanced start. For something more indulgent, popcorn shrimp with spicy aioli and soft shell crab tempura with spicy sesame miso deliver richness without heaviness.
Mains: The Dishes You’ll Keep Coming Back For
The donburi selection remains a highlight, with options such as Buta Don, Chicken Teriyaki Don, and Wagyu Don served with a hanjuko egg. From the robata grill, dishes like olive-fed British Wagyu oyster blade and miso-glazed black cod stand out for their depth of flavour, alongside premium cuts such as Japanese A5 ribeye.
Skewers bring variety and texture, from Wagyu beef with daikon ponzu to tsukune chicken meatballs finished with tare and egg yolk. Sushi selections are equally well considered, with favourites including spicy tuna rolls, soft shell crab tempura rolls, and Wagyu beef rolls with caramelised onion and sansho pepper.
At lunchtime, the menu is streamlined but no less considered, making it an appealing option for midweek dining or a more casual stop-in. Sundays, meanwhile, take on a more relaxed rhythm, with a menu that encourages longer, more sociable meals without losing the precision that defines the kitchen.
Desserts: A Sweet Ending Done Right
Dessert is given the same level of attention as the savoury menu. The yuzu and black sesame tart offers a delicate balance of citrus and nuttiness, while the miso yuzu chocolate fondant introduces a deeper, more indulgent note. The Oishi bao, paired with salted caramel ice cream and biscuit crumble, adds a playful finish, and the Japanese affogato with Toki whisky brings a subtle, warming edge.
Ambience: Tokyo Vibes with a Surrey Twist
Step inside Kinjo, and the design immediately sets the tone. Hand-dyed cyanotype fabrics, curated artwork, and Japanese-style booth seating create a space that feels both contemporary and rooted in tradition. The layout allows for different dining moods, from quieter corners to more sociable tables, while the bar and sushi counter add a sense of movement to the room.
Drinks That Deserve a Moment of Their Own
The drinks list is as considered as the food. Alongside a well-curated sake selection, the cocktail menu leans into Japanese ingredients with precision. Signatures such as the Kinjo Bellini with yuzu and prosecco, the Sakae with sake, tequila and shiso, and the Kinjo Paloma bring clarity and balance. Classics are handled well too, with options like the Lychee Martini and Sake Spritz offering a lighter, more aromatic profile.
Beyond the main menu, Kinjo also offers seasonal omakase experiences and sushi masterclasses, adding a more immersive dimension for those looking to engage more deeply with the cuisine.
A Must-Visit for Foodies in Surrey
Kinjo Cobham is more than a neighbourhood restaurant. It is a carefully executed concept that has been warmly received by locals, with strong praise for both its cooking and service. Whether you are well-versed in Japanese cuisine or approaching it with fresh curiosity, the experience feels accessible without losing its sense of craft.
For those seeking an elevated yet easygoing approach to Japanese dining, Kinjo delivers with confidence. It is the kind of place that earns repeat visits without trying too hard.
Location: 39-43 Oakdene Parade, Cobham KT11 2LR
