Kobo

Name: Kobo
Address: 4 Loftus Ln Circular Quay, Sydney, AU-NSW, Australia, 2000
Telephone: 0412 955 430
Price range: $A101 and over
Rating: 4.9

4.9

72 Reviews

$A101 and over

Korean

Top tags:

Kobo is the workshop for Hatted Chef, Jacob Lee, a space for him to demonstrate his love for his homeland of Korea, re-engineering regional dishes onto a contemporary platform, incorporating Japanese and Australian influences for a dining experience like no other.

A solid marble chef’s table is front and centre, seating 8 guests at a time for an intimate chef's table (meaning “I leave it up to you.”), Chef Jacob breaks the menu down into “Episodes” with each episode featuring a core focus on a culinary moment of his life.

Kobo is located in Sydney's new Quay Quarter Lanes, a short walk from Circular Quay station, nestled just behind the historic Hinchcliffe House.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 4, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Price
$A101 and over
Cuisines
Korean, Contemporary Korean, Japanese Speciality
Hours of Operation
Tue–Sat 6:00 pm–11:00 pm
Phone number
0412 955 430
Website
https://kobo.sydney/
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Executive Chef
Jacob Lee
Private party facilities
Kobo is a limited 8 seat Omakase experience, for those seeking a unique private event you may book the entire venue out for the evening. To do this please contact the venue manager well ahead of time.

Location
4 Loftus Ln, Circular Quay, Sydney, AU-NSW 2000
Neighbourhood
Circular Quay
Cross Street
Loftus Street & Lotus Lane
Parking Details
Street Parking
Public Transit
Circular Quay Station, Circular Quay Light Rail, Stand B Circular Quay Bus Stop.
Additional
Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 72 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9

4.9 based on recent ratings

4.9Food
4.9Service
4.9Ambience
4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Sydney
Best Overall
Sydney
Best Service
Sydney
Best Ambience
Sydney
Good for special occasions
Sydney City
Best Overall
Sydney City
Best Food
Sydney City
Best Service
Sydney City
Best Ambience
Sydney City
Best Value
Sydney City
Innovative
Sydney City
Good for special occasions

72 Reviews

B
Bitim
Sydney
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
An incredible and immersive experience with amazing food and unique story telling. 10/10 cannot recommend more!!
Is this helpful?
L
Lillian
Sydney
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and service. We had a great night there
Is this helpful?
JJ
JJZZ
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on October 10, 2023
overall3food2service4ambience4
Service was great and staff were really friendly, however for how much you pay for the experience, I wouldn't go back unfortunately. The food was all quite bland and no dish was a stand out. I'm disappointed with this episode that Kobo has come out with.
Is this helpful?
G
Gigi
Grand Rapids
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on October 5, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
We loved hearing the chef reaccount her childhood memories and creating inspiring dishes that represented each memory. What an amazing experience, we feel blessed to have been guests to such a spectacular evening of storytelling, food, and excellent customer service. Well done!
Is this helpful?
M
Monica
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Kobo was an intriguing omazake experience allowing us to taste a different side of Korean cuisine. The food was delicious and the staff were polite and enthusiastic in explaining the origins of the dishes. At $185 pp, it is reasonable and great for special occasions.
Is this helpful?
FD
FineDiner
Washington DC
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on September 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
LIVE THIS EXPERIENCE AS SOON AS YOU CAN! I travel the world dining at some really celebrated places. In my opinion, good food, great service and a pleasant atmosphere make for a commendable restaurant. But the level up for that is a curated experience- one that connects the lives of those who grew the food, prepared the meal and who stand before you makes for an experience and when done expertly, it’s consumable art. That’s what Kobo was for me on Tuesday night. The story of the chefs’ childhoods and the ingredients’ connections to the Korea and its matching with Korean spirits is what really brings this experience alive. GO AS SOON AS YOU CAN! More than worth it…trust me!
Is this helpful?
VN
VietN
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A different omakase experience with an amazing host
Is this helpful?
C
Cja90k
Sydney
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It’s Korean food you can’t have in any other Korean restaurants. This was my second time at kobo and I will be back
Is this helpful?
B
Barbyu
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent creativity from the chef and his team. Love the food and brings back fond memories. Will def come back for the next menu!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Sydney
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Unforgettable dinner experience. Everything were perfect. The chef is very passion and the food are excellent.
1 person found this helpful
JN
JasonN
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A must try. Excellent food, quiet location just next to circular quay. Sure will back again.
1 person found this helpful
s
shazlikesponies
Melbourne
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on July 11, 2023
overall5food4service4ambience4
Ep 6 (90s in Korea) was awesome. Lots of comfort food like tteokbokki, "fried chicken", black bean noodles, "katsu" and kimbap. However, the chefs spent the majority of time chatting (in Korean) with the Korean customers so the non-Koreans felt a bit left out.
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
New South Wales
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
An intimate setting for 8 with an excellent attention to detail. Food quality is supreme and presentation is very refined (see selection of some of the dishes attached) and service was terrific. Am excited to see what Chapter 6 brings!
1 person found this helpful
l
lulunibbl3s
Sydney
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on June 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of the best dining experiences I've had in 2023! Food came out very well paced, and I loved how their chefs took the time to explain each dish, its inspiration and how to eat it. Each dish was perfectly executed, and the intimate 8 seat sitting adds to the ambience. A great place to try Korean dishes not commonly found at other Korean restaurants in Sydney Head Chef Maria and her team were super engaging and an absolute pleasure to be with through the entire sitting. Have added Kobo to my list of favourite restaurants
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Tokyo
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food and service! Can’t wait to come back to try the other episodes
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Sydney
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of best Asian fine dining I’ve had. refreshing and one of a kind
1 person found this helpful
RW
RuiW
Canberra
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Must go place strongly recommended. Meet Jacob learn his menu story
1 person found this helpful
K
Kogatt
Sydney
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on April 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food! Service was friendly and professional. Excellent value considering it’s a small restaurant and the quality of the food and drinks. I would recommend that diners should take up the drinks pairing option as a great introduction to Korean soju. We will definitely be coming back again!
1 person found this helpful
E
Elle
Exclusive
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on April 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Never disappointed. Kobo always exceeded my expectations every episode. Creative dishes with authentic flavours. Strongly recommended.
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Sydney
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
5/5 - Korean Omakase $185 pp - food $140 pp - premium alcohol pairing Kobo seats 8 people per sitting; two sittings per evening. Kobo serves a Korean style Omakase with their menu changing every 3 months, we experienced Episode 4 - Summer. Kobo has a unique selection of imported Korean alcohol, standard ($80 pp and premium alcohol pairing ($140 pp). The dinner comprised 12 Korean inspired dishes. Every dish had unique flavours and all tasted exquisite, stand outs were the whelk taco, marinated prawn gimbap, mool hwe, nangchae, Korean blood sausage and the tuna tart. The premium alcohol pairing perfectly suited the tasting menu. The service was fantastic and Maria, the chef that took care of us, was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. She could explain the idea behind all the dishes and was great at explaining the purpose of the different alcohol pairings. Overall, our experience at Kobo made us regret not attending Episodes 1-3. We are eagerly awaiting the upcoming Episodes.
1 person found this helpful
MR
MarcoR
Sydney
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service and thoughtful explanations. Food was outstanding and unique.
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Sydney
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 25, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
A great experience with korea cultural fine dining dishes!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Exclusive
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Every episode has been a fantastic orchestration of Korean cuisine. Always looking forward to see what the next episode brings.
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Sydney
113 reviews
vip
5.0
113 reviews
Dined on March 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of the best valued omakase but the only Korean omakase in town. Love this place!
1 person found this helpful
R
Rebecca
Sydney
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A fantastic experience I would 100% recommend. See you soon in 3 months!
1 person found this helpful
JK
JeffK
San Francisco
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A great experience and culinary/cultural tour of Korea. Perfectly matched food and wine pairings.
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Exclusive
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was lovely, chef was very friendly and overall a wonderful dining experience
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Sydney
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely and would 100% recommend to anyone!
1 person found this helpful
DL
DeeL
Sydney
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on February 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very creative, modern twist, to Korean infused flavours.
1 person found this helpful
PG
PremaG
Sydney
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Really fantastic experience. Loved the Chef Jacob took us through a wonderful flavour memory of Summer in South Korea. Intimate setting, love the interactive experience of watching our dishes prepared right there. Beverage pairings with Sojus' was great experience and worked really well with our menu. We came for our anniversary and it was just a really nice way to celebrate. Thank you Chef Jacob & team for helping us to celebrate in style. Can't wait to return for the next episode.
Is this helpful?
EP
EunbiP
Sydney
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Lovely small omakase in the heart of the sydney city. Price was $185 per head excluding drinks. Could also get a matching beverage at a cost This was my 2nd visit to Kobo and cannot recommend highly enough I am usually not a type to enjoy raw food but Jacob always makes it pleasant! Very tasty, well presented dishes. Perfect date night
1 person found this helpful
A
Anny
Sydney
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Incredible experience, would definitely go again especially as the menu changes seasonally
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Sydney
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful dining experience where Chef Lee’s storytelling comes to life on the menu and plate. Familiar Korean dishes with a thoughtful and considered twist. Portion sizes varied between multiple bites and one bite - which was great as you left feeling satisfied without feeling too full. Recommend the drinks pairing as you are unlikely to experience / learn about Korean drinks elsewhere. Highly recommend and will be back for the next season!
1 person found this helpful
HD
HungryDuckling
Exclusive
5 reviews
vip
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 18, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience5
In this episode, Chef Jacob tells a story about Summer in Korea. Overall the menu is well thought out, and it flows perfectly. However, I could not agree with some dishes' taste or texture. For example, I feel that the texture and taste are not fitting for the Squid Sundae. It tasted like bulgogi, I think using the ingredient pig's blood is too taboo for the Australian Palate, so the chef has to adjust it to the local taste and their cold noodle. In my opinion, it was a perfect dish, Chef Jacob was able to source noodles made from soybean accompanied with a sauce made from sunflower and chickpea however, it was covered with (synthetic?)Truffle oil which was overpowering the entire dish. However, these only two dishes were the only Achilles heel on this menu, everything else was DELICIOUS. I still love Kobo, this was my 2nd visit and I would still like to visit again when Chef Jacob brings a new degustation menu.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Unbelievably good Check my Instagram @jasonfonseca for pics and details on how to get a booking
1 person found this helpful
m
matthewybh
Sydney
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
amazing experience personally not a big fan of fine dining and experimental dishes but Kobo hit the spot with presenting familiar korean dishes with a unique twist my partner and i were entertained with fun stories behind each dish definitely would revisit with family and friends price wise, i would say it is very affordable for the portion and presentation + especially considering that the price includes alcohol pairing i couldnt take a photo of all the dishes + alcohol served
1 person found this helpful
SC
SeanC
Hawaii
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
What an amazing experience and flavours. Jacob took us ona tour of Korean night life cuisine that was not only memorable but mind blowing new and exciting flavours for our palette. Coupled with great insights into each dish from Jacob followed with answering all our questions. Highly recommended Korean cuisine experience.
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Sydney
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely beautiful Korean fine dining experience!
1 person found this helpful
WB
WarneBex
Sydney
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Chef Lee provides a truly memorable experince, showcasing his love of his home country's food and culture through thoughtfully created menus (episodes). He guides you through each course, giving you insights into the inspiration and effort that has gone into crafting each dish and accompanying drink. A great evening.
1 person found this helpful
S
Samk
Sydney
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Thanks for the new k-food experience in Sydney!!! Will be back when I come back to Sydney!
1 person found this helpful

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff is vaccinated
- Contact tracing information collected

FAQs

Kobo is rated 4.9 stars by 72 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 4, 2023

7:00 p.m.

4 Loftus Ln, Circular Quay, Sydney, AU-NSW 2000

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross Street
Loftus Street & Lotus Lane
Neighbourhood
Circular Quay
Hours of Operation
Tue–Sat 6:00 pm–11:00 pm
Price
$A101 and over
Cuisines
Korean, Contemporary Korean, Japanese Speciality
Dining style
Fine Dining
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Parking Details
Street Parking
Public Transit
Circular Quay Station, Circular Quay Light Rail, Stand B Circular Quay Bus Stop.
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Jacob Lee
Additional
Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://kobo.sydney/
Phone number
0412 955 430
Private party facilities
Kobo is a limited 8 seat Omakase experience, for those seeking a unique private event you may book the entire venue out for the evening. To do this please contact the venue manager well ahead of time.

Kobo

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information

Menu

What 72 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising

Physical distancing

Screening

FAQs

How is Kobo restaurant rated?

Is Kobo currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information