Figuring out what to order at Kokoro Restaurant is easier when you know exactly how their sushi sets and bento boxes are priced for lunch versus dinner. Checking the Kokoro Restaurant Menu with Prices before you go saves you from sticker shock and helps you plan a meal that fits your budget without guesswork.
Kokoro is known for fresh Japanese comfort food, from teriyaki chicken to rainbow rolls. But the menu changes slightly depending on the time of day you visit. Lunch portions are smaller and cheaper, while dinner brings bigger cuts of fish and more elaborate platters.
In this guide, you will find a clear breakdown of what things cost, what comes in each set, and how to order smart. No more squinting at a laminated menu under dim lighting.
Kokoro Restaurant Menu With Prices
Below is the current price list based on standard restaurant locations. Keep in mind that prices can shift by a dollar or two depending on your city or franchise owner. Always confirm with your local branch before ordering.
Appetizers And Small Plates
Start light or share a few plates. These come out fast and are great for the table.
- Edamame (steamed soybeans with sea salt) – $4.50
- Agedashi Tofu (fried tofu in dashi broth) – $6.00
- Gyoza (6 pieces, pan-fried pork dumplings) – $6.50
- Shrimp Tempura (4 pieces with dipping sauce) – $8.00
- Chicken Karaage (fried chicken bites with lemon) – $7.50
- Spicy Tuna Tartare (with crispy wonton chips) – $9.00
- Seaweed Salad – $5.00
If you are hungry, skip the appetizers and go straight for a bento box. The appetizers are tasty but small. You will likely need two or three to feel full.
Soup And Salad
Every meal comes with miso soup if you order a set. But you can also order these as standalone items.
- Miso Soup (classic tofu and seaweed) – $2.50
- Clam Miso Soup – $4.00
- House Green Salad (ginger dressing) – $4.50
- Avocado Salad – $6.50
- Chicken Salad (grilled chicken over mixed greens) – $8.00
Sushi And Sashimi
This is where Kokoro shines. The fish is sliced fresh daily. You can order by the piece or as a chef’s selection.
- Nigiri Sushi (2 pieces per order) – $5.00 to $8.00 depending on fish
- Salmon Nigiri – $5.50
- Tuna Nigiri – $6.00
- Yellowtail Nigiri – $7.00
- Eel Nigiri – $6.50
- Shrimp Nigiri – $5.00
- Sashimi Deluxe (12 pieces assorted) – $24.00
- Salmon Sashimi (8 slices) – $15.00
- Tuna Sashimi (8 slices) – $16.00
Signature Rolls
Rolls are cut into 8 pieces unless noted. Some locations offer a half order for lunch.
- California Roll – $7.00
- Spicy Tuna Roll – $8.50
- Salmon Avocado Roll – $8.00
- Dragon Roll (eel and cucumber topped with avocado) – $13.50
- Rainbow Roll (California roll topped with assorted fish) – $14.00
- Crunchy Shrimp Roll – $9.50
- Philadelphia Roll (smoked salmon and cream cheese) – $9.00
- Kokoro Special Roll (spicy tuna, tempura flakes, tobiko) – $15.00
Ask your server about the daily special roll. It is often a few dollars more but uses premium fish like toro or scallop.
Bento Boxes
Bento boxes are the best value on the menu. You get a main protein, rice, salad, and a few sides. Lunch bentos are smaller and cheaper. Dinner bentos add an extra piece of shrimp tempura and a larger portion of rice.
Lunch Bento Boxes (Served Until 3 PM)
- Chicken Teriyaki Bento – $11.00
- Beef Teriyaki Bento – $13.00
- Salmon Teriyaki Bento – $13.50
- Mixed Tempura Bento – $12.00
- Sushi Bento (3 nigiri and a small roll) – $12.50
- Chicken Katsu Bento – $11.50
Dinner Bento Boxes (Served After 3 PM)
- Chicken Teriyaki Dinner Bento – $15.00
- Beef Teriyaki Dinner Bento – $17.50
- Salmon Teriyaki Dinner Bento – $18.00
- Mixed Tempura Dinner Bento – $16.50
- Sushi Dinner Bento (5 nigiri and a roll) – $17.00
- Chicken Katsu Dinner Bento – $15.50
- Deluxe Bento (choice of two proteins, includes gyoza and tempura) – $22.00
The dinner bento is worth the extra money if you are really hungry. The chicken katsu stays crispy because they pack the sauce on the side.
Entrees And Rice Bowls
These are simple mains served with rice and miso soup. No fancy sides, just solid food.
- Chicken Teriyaki Bowl – $10.50
- Beef Teriyaki Bowl – $13.00
- Salmon Teriyaki Bowl – $14.00
- Katsu Curry (chicken cutlet over Japanese curry rice) – $12.50
- Beef Curry – $14.50
- Unagi Don (grilled eel over rice) – $16.00
- Chirashi Bowl (assorted sashimi over sushi rice) – $18.00
If you love curry, the katsu curry is the most popular pick. The curry is mild but has a deep savory flavor. It is not spicy at all, so do not worry if you are sensitive to heat.
Noodles And Udon
Kokoro offers a small selection of noodle dishes. These are great for colder days.
- Shrimp Tempura Udon – $13.00
- Beef Udon – $12.00
- Chicken Yakisoba (stir-fried noodles) – $11.00
- Vegetable Yakisoba – $10.00
- Spicy Ramen (with chashu pork and soft egg) – $14.50
The udon broth is light and not too salty. The tempura comes on a separate plate so it does not get soggy.
Kids Menu
For children under 10, these smaller portions come with a juice box and a small toy.
- Kids Chicken Teriyaki – $7.00
- Kids Chicken Katsu – $7.00
- Kids Sushi (2 California rolls and 1 nigiri) – $7.50
- Kids Udon – $6.50
Desserts And Drinks
End your meal with something light. The desserts are not house-made but they are consistent.
- Mochi Ice Cream (2 pieces, flavors vary) – $4.50
- Green Tea Ice Cream – $4.00
- Tempura Ice Cream (fried banana or vanilla) – $5.50
- Soft Drink (Coke, Sprite, Ramune) – $2.50
- Iced Green Tea – $3.00
- Hot Green Tea (free refill) – $2.00
- Sapporo Beer (bottle) – $6.00
- Hot Sake (small carafe) – $5.50
Lunch Vs Dinner Pricing Explained
You will notice a clear price jump between lunch and dinner. The lunch menu stops at 3 PM sharp. If you walk in at 3:01, you pay dinner prices. Here is what changes:
- Lunch bentos come with 2 pieces of shrimp tempura. Dinner gets 3.
- Dinner sushi sets include 2 extra nigiri pieces.
- Rice portions are about 30% larger at dinner.
- Dinner menus add premium items like unagi and chirashi.
If you want to save money, go for lunch. The quality is exactly the same. You just get less food. For most people, the lunch portion is enough unless you are very active or skipped breakfast.
How To Order Smart At Kokoro
Follow these simple steps to get the best experience for your money.
- Check the time first. Arrive before 3 PM if you want lunch pricing.
- Decide if you want a bento or sushi. Bento is more filling. Sushi is lighter.
- Look at the daily special board. It is usually near the cash register.
- Order one appetizer for the table, not per person. The gyoza is enough to share.
- Ask for extra ginger dressing on the side. It costs nothing but makes the salad better.
- If you are ordering sushi, start with the chef’s sashimi. It is the freshest fish of the day.
- Skip the soft drinks. The hot green tea is refillable and saves you money.
Do not be afraid to ask your server what is good today. They eat there too and will point you to the freshest catch.
Tips For First Time Visitors
If you have never been to Kokoro, here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Most locations are counter-service for lunch. You order at the register and they bring food to your table.
- Dinner is full table service with a separate server.
- Chopsticks are on the table. If you need a fork, just ask.
- Wasabi is already on your plate. It is stronger than you think. Use it sparingly.
- They do not split checks at dinner. Bring cash or be ready to Venmo your friends.
- Leftovers box well. The rice reheats fine but the tempura does not. Eat that first.
Parking can be tight at some locations. Go early for lunch to avoid the rush between 12 and 1 PM.
Is The Kokoro Menu Worth The Price?
Compared to other Japanese chains, Kokoro sits in the mid-range. You pay more than fast-food sushi but less than a high-end omakase bar. The fish quality is noticeably better than grocery store sushi. The rice is seasoned properly and not dry.
The bento boxes give you the best value. For around $15, you get a full meal with protein, carbs, and vegetables. That is hard to beat in most cities.
If you are on a tight budget, the chicken teriyaki bowl at $10.50 is the cheapest filling option. It is simple but satisfying.
For special occasions, the Deluxe Bento at $22 is a good pick. You get two proteins, gyoza, tempura, and a small salad. It is a lot of food for one person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Kokoro Have A Happy Hour Menu?
Some locations offer happy hour from 3 PM to 5 PM on weekdays. You can get discounted appetizers and $5 sake. Not all branches participate, so call ahead to confirm.
Are There Vegetarian Options On The Kokoro Menu?
Yes. The vegetable yakisoba, edamame, avocado salad, and agedashi tofu are all vegetarian. You can also ask for a veggie roll without fish. The cucumber roll is not listed but they will make it.
Can I Order Takeout From Kokoro?
Yes, takeout is available at all locations. You can call your order in or use a delivery app. Takeout orders are packed well with sauce on the side so nothing gets soggy.
Does Kokoro Charge Extra For Brown Rice?
Yes, substituting brown rice for white rice costs an additional $1.50. This applies to bento boxes and rice bowls. Sushi rice cannot be substituted.
Is There A Service Charge For Large Groups?
For parties of six or more, Kokoro adds an 18% gratuity to the bill. This is standard and noted on the menu at the bottom.
Final Thoughts On The Kokoro Menu
Now you have a full picture of what Kokoro Restaurant charges and what you get for your money. The lunch bento is the smartest choice for budget diners. The dinner deluxe bento is the best splurge for a special night.
Remember that prices can vary slightly by location. If you are ordering delivery, expect a small markup and extra fees from the app. The in-restaurant prices listed here are the most accurate baseline.
Next time you are deciding where to eat, you can walk into Kokoro with confidence. You already know the menu, the prices, and exactly what to order. No surprises, just good food at a fair price.