The All In One Ultimate Restaurant List Interview: John Devitt

One of London’s Top 100 Restaurants 2013

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.”

This article is connected to Koya
Published Jul 9, 2013