Cocoro is a Japanese restaurant in an old brick building just off Ponsonby Road, at 56a Brown Street. Its name means heart and soul, and the kitchen is run by chef Makoto Tokuyama, who serves contemporary Japanese food built around nigiri sushi and sashimi. The website describes it as award-winning. The main way to eat here is one of three degustation menus, a multi-course tasting that the whole table shares and that needs an evening reservation. Diners can also choose from an à la carte menu, which is the only menu at lunch, and the dishes are designed to be shared. Seating is at individual tables or along a solid timber communal table.
Cocoro also sells omakase nigiri and chirashi sushi to take home. These are made in limited daily quantities and need at least 24 hours' notice. A sake and wine pairing is offered with the degustation menus, and glass pours are available from a short list. Reservations take a credit card hold, and cancellations inside 24 hours carry a fee. The restaurant takes functions on Sundays and Mondays, and group bookings of eight or more are arranged by phone or email.