Toconoco

Tucked into a courtyard off the Regent’s Canal towpath, Toconoco takes its name from a phrase meaning "kids on the floor," and the space follows through on that domestic promise. It sits in the Kingsland Basin, slightly hidden from the main drag, serving Japanese home cooking in a room that often hums with the energy of young families. A dedicated playroom sits at the back, meaning the atmosphere here is defined by function and community rather than hushed reverence. The kitchen serves the kind of food actually eaten in Japanese homes, simple and restorative. You will see trays of onigiri lining the counter alongside matcha blondies and black sesame cheesecake. Lunch brings set meals that change daily, with options like salmon chazuke, udon, or a natto set arriving on wooden trays. The presentation is practical but distinct, utilizing Japanese ceramics for both meals and the extensive tea list. Drinks move beyond standard coffee into hojicha, genmaicha, and black sesame lattes. Because of the playroom and the sun-trap location, weekends and peak lunch hours see the tables pack out quickly, often with strollers parked near the entrance. Early mornings usually offer a quieter window to sit by the glass looking out toward the water before the midday rush begins.