This izakaya in Gurugram’s 32nd channels Tokyo after dark

The izakaya was never meant to be this slick. In Japan, it’s the after-hours refuge for office drones—low-key, no-frills, and dimly lit enough to disappear into. But in Delhi-NCR, it’s been rebranded as the city’s latest lifestyle flex, where moody lighting meets crafted chaos, and every plate is made for the ’gram. Whether it’s Call Me Ten in Vasant Vihar or Ebisu on Golf Course Road, Delhi-NCR’s izakaya wave is ditching sushi boats and quiet luxury. Think fire-kissed bites, high-energy rooms, and a heady shot of Tokyo after dark.

Kioki, in Gurugram’s 32nd Avenue, is the latest entrant to the city’s izakaya scene. It joins 32nd’s curated roster that includes the likes of Pastiche and The Monk. While the others embrace elegance and restraint, Kioki throws the rulebook into the robata fire and turns on the drama.

As you step inside, a sculptural stone piece—inspired by lava rock—glows like embers, an ode to the robata grill that anchors Kioki. The 70-cover space is dark, dim, and undeniably sexy—layered with reclaimed wood, shipwrecked timber, and surfaces shaped by natural ageing. You are wrapped in shadows, inky hues, flickering flames, and the slow, seductive curl of smoke rising from the robata.

It’s easy to romanticise and brood in corners here—a second-date spot, perhaps, or one for a mid-week catch-up with the bestie. Not just for the spectacle and the food—which will be endless—but for the stillness. For the quiet theatre of your food being prepared with precision, low-key grooves and lounge beats weaving their way through conversation, and a sense of mystery in the air that doesn’t demand explanation. 

The food channels the same energy—bold, a little rebellious, thoughtful, and full of surprises. Conceptualised by chef Vikram Khatri, who has stirred the pot at Sakura, Ai, and Guppy, the menu is a joyride through izakaya-style small plates like robata skewers, miso-kissed seafood flown in from Toyosu Market, ramen bowls, and plenty of flavour detours along the way.

The spirit of surprise hits early. The amuse-bouche? Chilled jasmine tea infused with plump tomato, served alongside a chuka-style tomato bruschetta—delicate, layered, quietly clever. Next up was edamame hummus. Smooth and sharp, paired with senbei-style nori rice crackers that broke with a crisp crack. A mic drop, only edible. From there, the small plates lean into comfort: crisp gyoza, feather-light tempura, golden chicken karaage, and a punchy okonomiyaki served hot off the grill. Salmon steals the show—from Scottish salmon sashimi to the torched sea-salt-kissed salmon belly cut that melts on contact.

But this isn’t your prim-and-proper sushi joint. The eggplant unagi roll is a plant-based bad boy—sweet, smoky, and a little extra. The acevichado? Pure chaos in a good way: crispy prawn, silky avocado, and a tuna negiloro riding on goth black rice. And then there’s the chicken and leek yakitori: slick with taro glaze, hit with shichimi, and grilled till the edges are charred.

Ramen purists, look away. The chicken soboro mazemen skips the broth and doubles down on texture—springy noodles, slow-cooked chicken, pops of edamame, and jammy soy eggs. The mains include a soul-satisfying chicken katsu kare, buttery market fish and a miso zuke cod that’s pure umami seduction. Vegetarians aren’t left behind—seasonal greens itame and tofu, and the aromatic Japanese curry hold their own.

The finale, a stick cheesecake, is sleek and silky, lifted with notes of yuzu and kaffir lime. Follow that with the nama chocolate: a dark chocolate crémeux crowned with soy caramel drip, sake-poached apple, and a crumble of black sesame soil.

You won’t find cocktails here just yet (the bar license is still in the works), but the mocktails are a good stand-in. Try the Kyoto Garden—cucumber, mint, and elderflower stirred into a crisp, botanical blend that tastes like spring in a glass. The Osaka Cooler, with mango purée, wasabi, and citrus, is essentially a booze-free Picante with a bite. The menu also has house sodas in melon and shiso variants, plus a solid tea and coffee menu.

While Kioki shines after dark, it switches gears by day with a separate lunch menu featuring donburi-style bowls—ideal for the work crowd looking for something fast, filling, and flavoursome. Even with all the flair and fire, Kioki never tips into gimmick. It’s confident with just the right kind of unhinged, and that’s exactly what makes it tick.

Meal for two: ₹2,500 (with mocktails)

Timings: Noon to 11:30 pm (open all days)

Address: 32nd Avenue, NH 48, Sector 15, Part 2, Gurugram, Haryana 

Reservations: +91 98109 12407