Kokoro Craft Udon - Andover, Massachusetts

Jiyoung Chang

The food tasted really good, especially the broth—it was clear and not too sweet, which I really liked. I've tried several udon places near Boston, but this one stands out. If you're craving something authentic, I highly recommend this place. P.S. The spicy sauce was quite hot, so if you're not into spicy food, it's better to ask for it on the side.

Wai Cheang

So happy we got an authentic udon place in the area! The noodles are perfectly chewy. The beef is well marinated with generous portions. The environment is relaxing and comfortable. We'll definitely come back again.

DJ P.

I go out of my way to stop here when I'm in the area. Such kind people and flavorful, thoughtful food.

The "spicy" is a lovely medium level of heat.

I get take out and add more boiling water to stretch the seasoned broth for two bowls. One recommendation for the chefs would be to add more protein options for some items (tofu, fish, etc.)

Ammara Deab

Kokoro Craft Udon for a couple weeks and they're still doing their soft opening so the menu is currently cold niku udon/spicy cold niku and hot udon. The noodles are delicious and my preferred is the spicy cold niku udon.

Owner is nice. Came over to ask how me and my friend's like her dishes and we were honest and let her know everything was great. She explained that when they are no longer in a soft opening period, there will be more udon dishes. She noted a curry udon dish will be coming. Can't wait.

Macy Kwan

I finally don’t have to drive out to Boston - Yume Ga Arukara for good udon. This place is delicious- equally as good with a lot more variety (appetizer and drink wise) love the service and atmosphere. Greatest things - only a 10 minute drive from home without the city traffic hassle! 10/10 would come again!

Joyce Wong Phan

Tasty udon spot that opened up ~3 weeks ago! I usually drive all the way to Cambridge to get my udon fix so am super happy to have one so close by. I got the spicy cold niku udon and it was super yummy and refreshing. Be warned - it IS spicy! Noodles had a great chew, and the sauce was awesome. Meat was very well seasoned, but I got a lot of overly chewy/fatty pieces that were hard to eat. Overall - will be back!!

Nicolas Lima

HOW does this place have a 4.5 star rating

When you sit down there’s no waiter to take your order; even though the restaurant is empty you order through a QR code on the table. I came in a group of five, it took around 20 minutes for the first appetizer, a cucumber salad, to come out, then ANOTHER 20 minutes for the second appetizer, an order of takoyaki. The main courses were spaced out by ten minutes each: I got my food first and had finished before two of my friends had even received theirs. My friend who got the Tori Ten Kare Don received what looked like fried pre-cooked deli chicken, and the curry was the golden curry you can get in a box at market basket. His meal was over 22 dollars in total, with no drink or appetizer. As we were eating a woman who had ordered take out came in and was told to wait TWENTY MINUTES for the food she had ordered online previously. This is absurd! The restaurant is nearly empty, it’s a weekday, and these are some of the longest wait times I’ve EVER experienced at a restaurant in my life. I loved Gati, and I loved the idea of having an udon restaurant in Andover, but even though my food was good (not the greatest udon I’ve ever had, but still quite good) I doubt I’ll be coming back here again. Don’t come if you’re not looking for a two hour one course dining experience.

The pricing is also completely unreasonable: five pieces of frozen takoyaki cost 10 dollars. Appetizers here are all clearly prepackaged frozen items and the portioning is also tiny. My friend got an udon, a coke, and takoyaki and it came out to 40 something dollars. They also ask for the tip BEFORE the meal! Tips are meant to be a reward for good service, obviously in the US it’s customary to tip 20%, but frankly I waited an hour for my meal that consists of pre-made broth and boiled noodles, I would not have tipped that amount if given the option.

Kokoro, if you’re listening, I was a loyal patron of Gati for years and really would like to see this restaurant succeed. You WILL GO OUT OF BUSINESS if you continue to operate your restaurant this way.

One last thing! There was some obnoxiously loud bass-y Japanese rap playing through a speaker DIRECTLY (I’m talking within a foot) behind my head as I sat down. Come on. You’re trying to establish a peaceful atmosphere where you can find a warm break from the cold through soup and tea during the winter, you don’t want loud music in your ear. Play bossa nova or something.

Ah wait one more thing!!! I’m convinced a lot of this place’s reviews are fake. People with professional photos of the food and the interior of the restaurant raving about the food and the service? We must’ve gone to a different restaurant. Especially during a busier time of week the food must take hours to get to people, I can imagine someone leaving a three or four star review, but a 4.5 star average. Yeah right. Alright, review complete.

Jason Jennings

Went out to dinner here and it was everything I hoped it would be! The Takoyaki was amazing and the Tan Tan Udon and Spicy Niku was amazing, specifically the broth, so good on a cold night! The atmosphere was very chill and just had a great experience overall! Can't wait to be back!