Roka on Charlotte Street has been one of my favourite luxury Japanese restaurants for a while. I first went there with work on a work lunch, and ever since I first tasted their sashimi and black cod, I have been in love. Jasiminne and I were long overdue for one of our London restaurant reviews, so I pinged her a message and we arrange a day to go and get our raw fish fix.
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Photo from Jasiminne |
I love the photo above that Jasiminne took! Is it weird that I like the fact I'm in it, but that I'm out of focus?! Anyway, I started with a cocktail and Jasiminne a glass of champagne. I usually go for traditional Sake when I'm at a Japanese restaurant, but it was a Friday evening and I just really wanted a cocktail. I can't for the life of me remember which one it was, but it was pretty delicious! It was very light and summery, perfect for the beautiful sunny evening we were blessed with.
We ordered loads of food, and started with a sashimi platter and my favourite type of sushi; California Maki Rolls!
We then moved on to the spicy soft shell crab. Omg. So moreish. I'm not a massive spicy fan, but I always get this, eat it and burn my mouth, but continuously go back for more.
Now, the Black Cod is usually heavenly. But for some reason it wasn't as good as previously. Jasiminne loved it, and don't get me wrong, I did too. I just don't think it was as good as I've had it before.
Now, after the Black Cod we decided to order the Beef Dumplings as well, but then they arrived and we realised we didn't actually want them. I don't know if it's because we realised we felt quite full when they arrived, but I wasn't particularly impressed by them. They were ok, but I've had better.
The desserts however were without a doubt the cherry on the cake. Jasiminne opted for the Green tea chocolate cake which oozed a brightly coloured green tea liquid from the centre when she cut into it.
I had a fruitier option, yoghurt and almond cake, with mango toffee, and caramel miso ice-cream. It was absolutely heavenly! Definitely one of the best desserts I've ever had. It really was the perfect summer dessert; the cake was so light and had so much flavour to it, and the mango toffee and caramel miso ice-cream complimented it perfectly.
We had such a lovely evening catching up and having a gossip, and before we knew it we looked around us to find the restaurant filling up fast! We'd purposely got there early and sat by the window for prime photo-taking without annoying other diners, and had been so lost in our discussions and food that we'd totally missed everyone else arriving! I love how Roka is open and so light and airy, ideal for any type of group, whether you're just there with friends or for a more special occasion.
Have you been to Roka? What's your favourite Japanese restaurant in London?
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Roka is my fave along with the Hakkasan Restaurants. Looks like you made some fab choices, the cocktail with the piece of sushi on top looks so cool! I love the sashimi platter there and the desserts are incredible.
ReplyDeleteLots of love,
Angie
SilverSpoon London
The cocktail was delicious! Agreed, sashimi platter is the best!
DeleteI really like the 'out of focus' photo of you. Looks great. I've heard of green tea chocolate cake but never tired it.
ReplyDeleteKatie x
www.katiejaneonline.com
Thanks! I had a little bite and it was so moreish!
DeleteLove that photo of you as well - great snap! I went to Roka with Andrea the other week but only for a drink, I'd love to go back for food though - it looks incredible. Glad you ladies had such a fun night!
ReplyDeleteLauren xx
The Lifestyle Diaries
Hehe thanks! Ah you must go back for food! x
DeleteI keep meaning to pop in & try Roka - not least because it's owned by a Kiwi (not that it matters ;)) Black Cod is my absolute favourite!
ReplyDeleteYou must go, everything is so delicious! x
DeleteI LOVE photos where I'm out of focus (I feel like a ghost, in the best way possible) and I'm so pleased with that photo of you (although I must say you look even better when in focus ;). We.need.another.foodie night out! x
ReplyDeleteJasiminne / Posh, Broke, & Bored - Luxury lifestyle blog
Haha, why thanks ;)
DeleteYes, definitely!!
x
Ahh Roka is my FAVOURITE! I read Jasimmine's post too and sounds like you guys had a lovely eve :) Shame you didn't love the black cod though... I really think it is so spectacular there so maybe they were having an off moment! I'm actually going tonight for my birthday and am now even more excited than I already was!!! :) Lots of love, Andrea xxx
ReplyDeleteAndrea's Passions
I know, I was quite sad :( maybe they were having an off day, as usually it's amazing! x
DeleteRoka is great! I love how they bring everything out on a ridiculously cool platter! I recently went to Nizuni (also on Charlotte Street) and that was really nice, and I think it's a tad cheaper than Roka too.
ReplyDeleteCeri
October Eleven
I know right!! The platter is amazing! Ooh I'll have to try it soon :) x
DeleteI love the presentation of the maki rolls, Catherine - so colourful! I'm usually such a fan of black cod, it's worth trying it with seaweed if you haven't yet. Strange but tasty!
ReplyDeleteSuze | LuxuryColumnist
I know, everything is presented so beautifully! x
DeleteLove love love Roka! And that black cod is one of my favourite comfort dishes in Londontown!
ReplyDeleteHoney x The Girl Next Shore
It's SO good! x
DeleteI'm down in London ALL THE TIME, so I def. want to check this out next time I come! We should meet up too! I love wine-y meetups! :)
ReplyDeletexx Alex
Team Starnes
YES! And you have to go! x
DeleteThat food is too pretty! I have to go there.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.themiddlesister.co.uk/
They present everything so well - it always looks (and tastes) amazing! x
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