Koya has been an instant success since it opened in 2010. They specialise in just one type of noodle: thick udon, made from wheat flour. With regular queues winding down the pavement outside, Koya was one of the first of a wave of quality, affordable, independent eateries in Soho.
“The idea for Koya came from a restaurant in Paris called Kunitoraya” explains owner John Devitt. “I used to go to it every time I was visiting. I eventually met the owner and he kindly lent us his expertise. I’d always wanted to open a Japanese restaurant in London as I thought it was always under-supplied.
Earlier this year Koya took over the site next door, formerly owned by Moolis. What will the new branch be like? “Koya-Ko will hopefully open the first week of August, possibly earlier. It will be a pared back noodle bar with 24 stools all facing an open kitchen. It will allow Koya to grow a little and take up a supporting role. We will also be open from 8 am till 11 pm, incorporating Japanese breakfast.”
And the key to their success? “I believe we hit a chord with offering hand-made noodles that are healthy and affordable. Our spartan interior and simple dishes with great ingredients allow us to keep control over our integrity.”