Koku Cafe + Market

I moved to Seattle, October of 2019 to catch up with an old high school classmate at Koku. Right away, I really enjoyed the environment there. Being a business owner and digital nomad, I started to become a regular there to get some work done, grab some coffee and some amazingly healthy handcraft meals from the owner, Kurt, himself. His staff is friendly, and you can tell they have been able to create an awesome work environment.

I also really enjoyed getting to know Kurt, his experiences, and his passion for food. There's a lot that goes into his craft behind the counter as a chief at Koku that really makes you appreciate the food there even more. The food is SOOOO good, it's even better once you're able to know more of the story behind it.

I highly recommend adding Koku to your list of great eats!

I visited Koku on a Saturday afternoon to a pretty full café. I had heard good things about their rice bowls so I decided to get the brewed pork bowl. The space is enveloped in warm wood tables, chairs, and counters and is likely a nice place to relax or do some work. The bowl did not take too long to show up and I was soon devouring it. The assortment of food in the bowl was nicely arranged and the each component asserted its flavor from the pickled cucumbers to the brewed pork. The flavors all balanced nicely and it was pretty filling. It was a nice experience and I wouldn’t hesitate to return.

I just had Koku for lunch today, and the food was amazing! I heard the pork rice bowl was good, so that's what I went for, and it didn't disappoint. I believe it's marinated in some sort of tea... not sure of all the details, but it was so flavorful and yummy! Now, the main course was indeed amazing. BUT, the best part was really the dessert. I had the pleasure of slowly devouring one of the best chocolate chip cookies I've ever had in my life. Seriously. First, it was large. How can you not like that. Second, it was thin, with a slightly crispy outer skin, yet soft and chewy inner body, with chocolate oozing out (only from the inside when broken apart, of course). Do not NOT get this cookie, if you go to Koku. SO DELICIOUS!

Koku is amazing, great food, friendly staff and casual atmosphere. We ordered brewed pork rice bowl with fried egg, cookies and sandwiches, all were well prepared and perfectly cooked. There were so much detail in the food, the tea even came with it's own timer.

The venue even has it's own parking, definitely coming back again.

Extraordinary food from someone who clearly cares.

Every dish I've had at Koku has been incredible. The balance of flavors, textures, and color is carefully thought out. Plating for breakfast is often overlooked or overdone and neither is the case here. Koku is an underrated gem of Upper Queen Anne. With seats outside, you can see people waiting ages for a poorer breakfast experience. Their coffee is excellent as well, though I usually get a matcha breve.

The only problem they have is visibility. I pointed it out to some people across the street and they thought I was pointing to the bank.

Pictured are an Osaka Omelette and a Gochujang Brewed Pork bowl.