Kinyobi: Where Japanese Craft Meets Nordic Clarity

Copenhagen’s culinary landscape continues to evolve, and this winter it will welcome a striking new addition: Kinyobi, a Japanese-inspired gourmet restaurant. Behind the concept stands Will King-Smith, formerly Head Chef at Geranium and most recently acclaimed for elevating Goldfinch to a top-tier destination on Denmark’s gastronomic map. Now, together with Sovino Group and chef Adrien Norwood, Smith turns his attention eastward — blending the precision of Japanese cuisine with a distinctly modern Nordic sensibility.

At Kinyobi, Japanese tradition meets contemporary flair. The menu celebrates flavor and craftsmanship, with an emphasis on high-quality ingredients and inventive presentation. “I really want to emphasize the purity of flavor in each ingredient — dishes that make guests want to come back and experience them again,” says Smith.

Expect finely honed interpretations of Japanese classics — sashimi, nigiri, maki — alongside original creations that bear King-Smith’s unmistakable signature. The menu ranges from oysters, tuna tartare and scallops to more indulgent highlights such as gratinated king crab with nori butter and corn, monkfish karaage, wagyu skewers with yuzu kosho and lean tuna nigiri topped with pepper leaf. Each dish is crafted to leave a lasting impression, both in flavor and in form.

To heighten the sensory experience, ceramic artist Tinne Maria Andersen has designed bespoke tableware exclusively for Kinyobi. Every piece, from plates to bowls and delicate cups, is tailored to the restaurant’s visual language and culinary style. One of the most striking is a wave-shaped plate that mirrors the sea — a subtle, poetic tribute to the menu’s deep connection to the ocean.

In Japanese, Kinyobi translates to “Friday” or “golden day.” This name reflects the restaurant’s spirit: a place that feels like the perfect Friday night. The atmosphere is lively but measured, with a resident DJ setting the tempo as guests settle into a warm, wood-clad interior.

At the center of the dining room, a lounge area invites guests to unwind, underscoring the restaurant’s quiet sophistication. A transparent display fridge reveals which ingredients are used that day, a subtle tribute to the kitchen’s openness and respect for its craft. Toward the back, a sculptural bar anchors the room, its design blending natural materials with crisp, contemporary lines.

The DJ corner, styled like an intimate living room, completes the scene. “We’ve invested a lot of energy into that space,” says Smith. “Music is an essential part of the Kinyobi experience.” Music curator Hakeem, responsible for the DJ line-up, adds that several Copenhagen-based artists are already set to bring the right energy to the venue — one that blends Japanese-inspired elegance with Nordic warmth.

More than a restaurant, Kinyobi is a complete experience — a celebration of modern Japan in the heart of Copenhagen, wrapped in Nordic design and rhythm. A place where fine dining, music, and atmosphere converge to create a golden evening, every day of the week.