New Korean restaurant offers deluxe sushi and curry boxes from Derby city centre

Ria Ghei
By Ria Ghei

Journalist

Published 1st Feb 2025, 07:00 BST

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There is a delectable assortment of sushi including nigiri with fiery wasabi, plump prawn rolls and hot meals on the menu

A new restaurant serving up Japanese and Korean cuisine has opened in Derby city centre.

Based on the site of the former Greggs, Kokoro opened on January 22, 2025 on St. Peters Street in the heart of Derby city centre.

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Kokoro - meaning heart or spirit - is offering ‘fresh, delicious, soul-warming’ cuisine.

There is a range of hot and cold food that diners can tuck into.

On the day DerbyWorld went to visit, countless trays in chiller cabinets were packed with sushi in rainbow colours.

Kokoro has opened its 74th location in the UK at the Derby city centre spotKokoro has opened its 74th location in the UK at the Derby city centre spot
Kokoro has opened its 74th location in the UK at the Derby city centre spot | Ria Ghei

Fans of sushi, sashimi and nigiri will no doubt appreciate the boxes of fresh fish dishes that sate appetites of all levels.

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Sushi box options include nigiri and hosomaki which could be the perfect light lunch.

Counters are filled with hot and cold food ready-to-go, making Kokoro a place to explore for a quick bite to eatCounters are filled with hot and cold food ready-to-go, making Kokoro a place to explore for a quick bite to eat
Counters are filled with hot and cold food ready-to-go, making Kokoro a place to explore for a quick bite to eat | Ria Ghei

Hot food options include chicken katsu curry, sweet and sour chicken, Kokoro beef bulgogi, salmon teriyaki, spicy tofu and vegetable gyoza.

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Kokoro opened its maiden restaurant in Kingston-upon-Thames just over a decade ago. Founder Rak-Kyu Park’s dedication to serving fresh food with soul saw Kokoro expand its franchise model with 74 locations across the UK.

From salmon-avocado rolls to deluxe nigiri boxes, Kokoro Derby will no doubt appeal to fans of seafood and sushiFrom salmon-avocado rolls to deluxe nigiri boxes, Kokoro Derby will no doubt appeal to fans of seafood and sushi
From salmon-avocado rolls to deluxe nigiri boxes, Kokoro Derby will no doubt appeal to fans of seafood and sushi | Ria Ghei

The founder’s ethos can be found everywhere in Kokoro.

The website proudly states: ‘The key to success is very simple, you keep the food tasty, fresh and healthy’.

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Indoors, the wall is emblazoned with its fresh take on sushi, saying food is ‘freshly made on the premises’.

The owners are clearly proud of the Derby opening and issued a warm welcome message on their website, saying: ‘Whether you’re a loyal Kokoro fan or a first-timer, we promise you’ll leave with a happy heart and a full belly. Derby, we’re bringing the flavours you love to your doorstep!’

Location: Kokoro, 48 St. Peters Street, Derby, DE1 1SR

For more information click here: kokorouk.com

Related topics:DerbyRestaurantFoodDoorstep

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