London's best review, food and drink news
Where to begin? Everything about Roka is enticing: from the soft honey-coloured walls to the aroma of wood burning at the centrepiece robata grill and, above all, the food – a modern take on traditional Japanese cuisine. Roka is the younger sibling of runaway success Zuma ( see 198), but is more than able to hold its own. Wraparound floor-to-ceiling windows and a spacious interior exude a relaxed confidence that’s reflected in the customers: media types in big shades, suited bankers and the odd celebrity. The exquisitely presented food is divided into à la carte and taster menus. Vegetable tempura was feather-light and crisp; aubergine coated in ginger, mirin and shoyu, and charred on the grill, was beautifully smoky; velvety sashimi of tuna, sea bass and salmon arrived on a block of ice as clear as glass – all delivered by knowledgeable and attentive staff. The only off-note was some tear-inducingly salty kimchi. Roka is a prime venue for sampling shochu, which can be fully (un)focused on in the basement Shochu Lounge. The drinks menu also includes an extensive choice of high-quality saké. Roka might rock your budget, but it will rock your taste buds too.
Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008
|
|
London's best review, food and drink news
Hi there, I am funny, understanding and caring person. I have been in UK since I am 13 years old so I am independant. I am joining this web site to...
|
|
The best of London in your inbox
|
|
Went here for my birthday last week and had the premium tasting menu. The food was delicious, but the service could have been better, both in that we had to keep asking to get our glasses refilled from the white wine bottle they had on ice, and worse they kept bringing the courses in rapid succession till at one point we had about 5 things on the table and didn't know what was what. When we asked then to stop brining the food till we had finished, it worked for about 5 mins, and then the food started coming again, although we still had a couple of courses on the table. It was a real pity as I like to savour each individual course, and here it really felt like they wanted you to bolt it down and leave. If they want to turn over the tables so fast (and I don't know if there was someone after us) they shoudn't do so many courses.
The most amazing restaurants you can ever imagine. Been going here for years. The atmosphere, service and food is the best I have ever experienced. I'm a restaurant manager and I have never found a fault at ROKA. It's like your birthday every time you eat here ( spend two there already, my third one coming up next week) and I will celebrate it there again. Don't even think about coming here if you don't want the best of the best. Please try the black sole. OH MY GOD!!