Skip to content
About Kuroyoko
Kuroyoko is a kushiyaki-style restaurant in Balham, South West London (SW12), inspired by the hidden back alleys of Tokyo. Specialising in skewered and flame-grilled dishes cooked over hot coals, the name “Kuroyoko” translates as black alley or dark side – capturing the smoky, neon-lit energy of Japan after dark.
Set in the heart of Balham, Kuroyoko is a place for casual dining, cocktails, sake and beers, bringing together flame-grilled skewers, small plates and a lively atmosphere. Whether you’re stopping by for after-work drinks, a weekend dinner with friends, or a late-night feast, Kuroyoko delivers bold flavours and a taste of Japan’s yokocho bar culture.
The Kuroyoko Experience
Kuroyoko brings the flavours and atmosphere of Tokyo’s yokocho bars to Balham. Expect smoky kushiyaki skewers cooked over Japanese binchotan charcoal, alongside small plates designed for sharing, Japanese highballs, sake, and cocktails.
The restaurant’s neon glow and casual energy make it as perfect for date night as it is for a group dinner or post-work drinks.
From Casual Leopard to Kuroyoko
Before Kuroyoko, the site was home to Casual Leopard, another project from chef Scott Hallsworth. While Casual Leopard had its own devoted following, Scott wanted to return to his roots in Japanese cooking. The leopard came down, the neon came up, and Kuroyoko was born – a true reflection of his passion for kushiyaki grilling and Japanese-inspired flavours.
Chef Scott Hallsworth
Kuroyoko is the latest restaurant from Scott Hallsworth, a chef known for pushing boundaries in modern Japanese cuisine. Scott trained and worked at Nobu under Nobu Matsuhisa, before going on to launch Kurobuta – the cult London izakaya that gained a loyal following for its playful approach to Japanese food.
Scott also created Freak Scene, first as a Soho pop-up and later as a permanent restaurant, known for dishes like Tuna Sashimi Pizza, Singapore Chilli Crab Wonton Bombs, Duck Curry Donut Buns and THAT Hipsi cabbage dish… His cooking blends Japanese technique with bold, unexpected flavours, always rooted in fire, smoke, and a little rock-and-roll chaos.
With Kuroyoko in Balham, Scott has gone back to the core of his love for Japanese food – kushiyaki skewers grilled over hot coals, paired with drinks and a buzzing dining room.