Toconoco is a hidden Japanese café in London offering home-style food, Japanese lattes, and a tranquil canal-side setting – perfect for families, dog lovers, and tea aficionados.

You know those little corners of London that feel like you’ve stumbled onto something truly special – a world away from the usual hustle? Let me tell you about Toconoco, and why it’s one of them.

A peaceful canal-side setting

First, the location. Toconoco is tucked away in a quiet corner of Kingsland Basin, a fascinating offshoot of Regent’s Canal. The basin, dating back to 1822, has blossomed into an award-winning nature reserve thanks to the efforts of the local boat-dwelling community. Yes, that’s right: come for the coffee, stay for the ducks (or the sunbathing on the wooden decks).

A true hidden gem

This isn’t the kind of café you stumble across by chance. Oh no, you pretty much need to know where to find it, in order to, you know, find it.

This little gem is hidden at the back of a residential block – you’ll need to head through a slightly intimidating metal gate to get to it (don’t worry, it’s open during Toconoco’s opening hours). If that doesn’t say “local secret” or “hidden treasure,” I don’t know what does.

So, walk through, turn left – and there you are. You’ve found Toconoco, one of the best Japanese café in London. The name, by the way, is a made-up word meaning “kids on the floor.” Did I mention it’s kid-friendly? It’s also dog-friendly (and really, aren’t dogs just furry kids?).

Calm, quirky, and beautifully designed

Step inside, and it’s a lovely space: white walls, beautiful stripped floorboards, and natural light streaming through large windows that overlook the still waters of the canal. It’s a tactile, clearly well-loved place, with décor that manages to be both minimalist and quirky. Quirky zen, if you will.

Special mention goes to the rustic, handmade cups and plates – they’re absolutely gorgeous and add to the sense of care and aesthetic detail. And you can check Toconoco’s FAQ page for details of the artists who made them.

And special mention, too, for the well thumbed stack of food and craft-related books you can peruse to your heart’s content – so much community spirit!

A menu full of Japanese home-style cooking

And the food? Let’s talk about the food! Toconoco’s menu feels like a genuine taste of Japan, with an emphasis on Japanese home cooking: onigiri with various fillings, hot or cold noodle dishes that are perfect for a satisfying slurp, and comforting bowls of ochazuke, miso, or dashi soup.

There’s a small but thoughtful selection of desserts and drinks too – including teas and coffees. And then there are the Japanese lattes: black sesame, matcha, hojicha, or genmaicha. I haven’t tried them yet (so I won’t comment!), but I’ll definitely be back for them. Well, that and everything else on the menu, though I can tell you that both my noodle bowl and my black sesame cheesecake were delicious.

Houjicha: a rare find in London

Talking of hojicha, or houjicha as it’s also spelled… Toconoco is apparently the only café in London with a houjicha latte on the menu. Never heard of it? Houjicha is a roasted green tea with an earthy, slightly nutty flavour – and less caffeine than matcha. Sounds intriguing, right?

Handwritten menu, heartwarming prices

The menu board is adorable: hand-written, full of delightful doodles, and just really inviting. Prices are refreshingly reasonable – set meals are well under £10. Which, in London, is kind of a miracle.

Is Toconoco vegan-friendly?

Yes, it is. They have plenty of options for vegans/ vegetarians, and this is clearly marked on the menu. They have some gluten-free options, though, but that’s a smaller selection.

Why Toconoco is so special (in one sentence)

Delicious, affordable Japanese food in a calm, canal-side setting. Can you think of anything better?

Toconoco practical information

Address: Unit A, 28 Hertford Rd, Haggerston, N1 5QT

How to get to Toconoco: the nearest transport stop is Haggerston (Windrush line, formerly the Overground). On Hertford Road, look for the sigh that says Norway Wharf to find the gate. You can also enter Kingsland basin through the gate on Kingsland Towpath, though that’s a slightly longer way.

Website: https://www.toconoco.com/

Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 10:00 – 17:00, Tues Closed. The kitchen closes at 16:00, so only toasts, sweets and drinks are available after that.

Reservations required: no, unless you’re a big group.

Outdoor seating available? Yes, a few tables.

Toilets available? Yes, though you have to go up a step, so sadly not wheelchair friendly.

And also: Toconoco also sell a selection of the same Japanese ingredients their use in their own kitchen, so you can stock up and try to recreate the dish you just enjoyed.

Where to go from there?

Looking for more Japanese vibes in London? Head west to Kensington, where you’ll find both the peaceful Kyoto Garden in Holland Park and the contemporary Japan House. Or try Tokyo Diner, just outside Chinatown, for a cosy, authentic, and affordable Japanese meal in the heart of London.

Or hop back on the Windrush line, and hop off at the next stop south for the Museum of the Home, a fascinating spot worth exploring any time of year.