Kobo puts a new twist on the omakase dining trend, thanks to owner and chef Jacob Lee. Rather than the traditional Japanese cuisine, Kobo is inspired by Korean food and reflects different regions, seasons and even Lee’s childhood memories. As with other omakase restaurants, Kobo is tiny, with space for just eight diners at a time sitting at a marble chef’s table-style counter.
The themed multi-course tasting menu changes every three months and the chefs take a ‘no rules’ approach to their interpretation of Korean classics. Dishes could include pork belly ramen, abalone clay-pot rice or bing-tteok, a soft buckwheat pancake that becomes a modern Korean take on a taco. Diners are encouraged to interact with Lee and the other chefs, as well as their fellow diners.
Kobo is part of the new Quay Quarter Lanes precinct behind Customs House in Circular Quay.