We were wandering around Elephant and Castle on New Year’s Eve with our little Jack Tzu when we started feeling hungry. I spotted Noko on Sayer Street and remembered we’d eaten at their Camberwell branch. I ventured in and asked if they were dog-friendly. When they said yes, I knew it was meant to be. Our Japanese lunch was fabulous and just what we needed on the chilly day. If you’re looking for the best Asian or Japanese restaurants near Sayer Street and Elephant and Castle station, Noko is well worth knowing about.
“What I like about Noko is that it feels Japanese at its core, with bento boxes, robata grills and sushi, but then you also get some subtle Chinese and Korean influences coming through in the spicing, sauces and grilled dishes,” Homegirl London.
Noko Menu Elephant and Castle
We started with the vegetable tempura, my favourite Japanese appetiser of all time. I have to admit I’ve eaten a lot of it over the years, and in my opinion, this was first class. The robata skewers are also ideal for a small starter. I’ve tried them before at the Camberwell branch, and they stuck with me, especially the broccoli with tahini. There are meat options too, such as chicken with salt and pepper, lamb shoulder with spicy cumin, and Iberico pork belly with chilli. Robata skewers cost between £5.50 and £6.80.
The lunch bento boxes are a great no-fuss option, available daily from 12.30 pm to 5 pm My partner chose the salmon teriyaki bento, which was excellent. It came with miso soup, bean sprouts, white rice and a large piece of glossy salmon teriyaki that tasted rich yet clean. Other bento choices include teriyaki tofu, chicken or beef, chicken katsu curry, and unagi. Lunch bento boxes cost between £13.90 and £20.90.
For my main, I went for the mixed veggie yakisoba. It was exactly what I was craving. Comforting, savoury and full of flavour, with properly stir-fried noodles and plenty of vegetables, making it feel like a complete, satisfying dish. Other noodle options include seafood yakisoba or dan dan udon if you want something with more depth and a bit of heat. Noodle dishes cost between £12.80 and £17.80.
Beyond what we ate, the menu is broad enough to keep things interesting. There are robata mains cooked over fire, such as miso black cod and spicy diver scallops. You also have comforting rice dishes from chicken katsu curry to more indulgent options like wagyu and truffle fried rice or A5 wagyu with egg yolk. Sushi features prominently, from sashimi and nigiri to chef’s-choice boxes and special maki such as snow dragon, spider futo, and A5 wagyu maki. We stuck to tap water this time, but the cocktail list looked excellent. If you have room left, desserts like mochi ice cream, pistachio crepe or yuzu cheesecake are an easy way to finish.
Helpful Information About Noko Elephant And Castle
Inside, Noko feels stylish and cosy, with outdoor seating for warmer days. It works just as well for a relaxed lunch as for a low-key date night. The dog-friendly welcome adds to the laid-back feel.
You’ll find Noko at 11 Sayer Street, London SE17 1FY, a short walk from Elephant and Castle station, making it easy to reach. It’s a great choice if you love Asian flavours, especially robata skewers, noodles and sushi. Opening hours are 12.30 pm daily, with later closing on Fridays and Saturdays. Keep up to date via Noko Elephant and Castle Instagram.
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Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. I only write about coffee shops or eateries where I have had a good experience. I recommend further research, as standards and opinions may change. Please verify that the establishment is still open and check its opening hours before visiting.