Former Nobu chef Scott Hallsworth opens new restaurant

Chef Scott Hallsworth, best known as the former head chef at Nobu London and the creative force behind cult dining spots like Kurobuta, Double Dragon, and Freak Scene, has launched his latest project Kuroyoko in Balham.

About Kuroyoko

A kushiyaki-style restaurant inspired by the neon-lit backstreets of Japan, Kuroyoko takes its name from the Japanese for “black alley” or “dark side.” The concept captures the moody, atmospheric spirit of Tokyo’s after-hours dining scene.

The restaurant specialises in kushiyaki – skewered and flame-grilled dishes – with a menu built around bold flavours, smoky aromas, and plates designed to be shared over sake, cocktails and highballs.

Opening Menu Highlights

Guests at Kuroyoko Balham can expect an opening menu that blends Japanese street-food inspiration with Hallsworth’s trademark creativity:

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Tsukune with sweet soy glaze
Oyster Mushroom skewers with garlic butter
Octopus with scorched yellow chilli miso
Korokke with creamy crab and truffle
Sticky Soy Short Rib rice pot with ginger
Desserts including Toasted Marshmallow with strawberry-yuzu dip and a Kinako Sugar Cookie with milk choc chips and brown rice ice cream

Scott Hallsworth on Japanese Food Culture

For Scott, Kuroyoko represents a natural evolution of his long-standing love affair with Japanese food and culture. He said: “I’ve always been fascinated by Japan’s after-dark food culture – smoky alleyway joints, late-night izakayas, places that feel alive with energy and flavour.

“With Kuroyoko, I wanted to bottle that atmosphere and bring it to South London – not just the food, but the whole experience.”