We were staying around the corner from Kokoro here in Tulum without even knowing it— there’s a sign up against jungle foliage with a path and no further explanation. But at night, the path is lit up with string lights, inviting and mysterious. We wandered down the path and found the first pool I’ve seen that actually feels lagoon-like, and a Japanese restaurant with a grill on the first floor and sushi on the mezzanine.

A gravel path with lights strung above. A gravel path with lights strung above. A pool with humid mist at night lit from underneath surrounded by jungle foliage. Latterns hung on trees at the restaurant.

If a sushi place looks pretty good, I’m almost always going to go for the omakase. So we decided to make reservations and return the following night to check it out.

A picture of myself standing on a gravel path with lights strung up above me. A picture of Elsa on a gravel path below string lights. A picture of Elsa and I sitting together.

What followed was a wonderful meal, most of which is pictured here 1. The toro sashimi and toro nigiri with black truffle were particularly special, as was the quail egg and nori “taco”. It’s a privilege to be able to take vacations, and it’s even more of a privilege to be able to find a restaurant like this and let the chef do whatever they want. These are the experiences I treasure.

Sashimi with three kinds of tuna on banana leaf and ice. Although it's missing two pieces, there are three remaining pieces of nigiri. Tuna maki with avocado and Japanese mayo. Quail eggs on nori as a "taco" A light miso soup Tempura ice cream with strawberries

  1. I am not perfect. I often eat before I take a picture, leaving some holes on plates or missing entire dishes because I am lost in the food. I am human. ↩︎