So, if you didn’t already know, I love Roka. As in, loooooove Roka.
Honestly, I think I should get paid for the amount of positive advertising I do for them!
Hence I’ve already reviewed Roka, Charlotte Street twice, once back in May, and again for my birthday meal in June.
However, I haven’t yet reviewed Roka, Aldwych, OR the premium tasting menu, so you’re still in for a treat (and lots of new dishes).
After more work drinks than you could (EVER) possibly imagine, with the last few occurring in Demon Wise, which I must say does some rather quirky cocktails:


We rolled in to Roka shortly after 10pm, and claimed a table for 6.

I was pleased to sight the same familiar and beloved robata grill centerpiece as in Roka, Charlotte Street but, sadly, none of my favourite staff, and I found the space altogether a little more serious & sterile than its sister flagship restaurant.


Because clearly we were in need of more booze, more booze, of both the red & white variety, were ordered and merrily consumed.
The premium tasting menu costs £83pp, and kicked off with yellowtail sashimi with yuzu-truffle dressing.

My, my, this was good. As in, absolutely mind-blowing.
The yuzu and truffle added both a citrus freshness and earthiness to the butter-soft slithers of fish.

Then arrived a boat containing all sorts of seafood delights.
Lobster with homemade ponzu sauce; yellowtail sashimi; salmon with crispy rice; Japanese egg roll unagi with kinome; and tuna gunkan with oscietra caviar, were all aboard.


I particularly enjoyed the salmon with crispy rice for its textural contrasts, and the tuna gunkan with oscietra caviar for its freshness & smoothness.
At this point I popped to the toilet, only to return to find my inebriated friends obliviously tucking into my photo opp, so apologies for the upcoming half-eaten plates.
These were Roka’s classic black cod, crab and crayfish dumplings, which I’ve reviewed in my previous posts, and also got my teeth stuck into at Taste of London.

And, on my recommendation (I just can’t help myself when it comes to Roka), in addition to the premium tasting menu, we ordered two portions of rock shrimp tempura, wasabi pea seasoning and chilli mayonnaise (£14.30 each).

I just LOVE prawn tempura, OK? Roka’s are very good (the mayo is phenomenal) but, as I’ve said previously, Sushi Samba is still the Queen of this dish, in my opinion, with Buddakan and Goodman serious competitors.
Next up were the scallop skewers with wasabi and shiso, which I’d never had before, but will certainly be having again.

The seared beef with black truffle dressing was an equal triumph, with the beef wonderfully tender; (I want to say) cucumber adding great, fresh crunch; and the truffle dressing being just that.


Then it was time for my favourite dish in the world – black cod marinated in yuzu miso. I’ve run out of words for this dish. I’m afraid that you’ll have to read my previous reviews (search ‘Roka’ page) for the full list of adjectives that this dish summons from me.


The asparagus with sweet soy and sesame were perfectly cooked.

Although they had nothing on the extra eggplant in mirin, ginger and soy (£4.90 each) that we ordered as well.

The lamb cutlets with Korean spices were another newbie for me, and an utterly fabulous one at that. The meat was unbelievably tender and full of flavour.

However, the absolute unequivocal star of the show was the final dish; 290 day grain-fed Black Angus rib-eye with eryngii mushrooms and wasabi ponzu. The meat melted like butter, and was simply pure indulgent perfection, with the accompaniments absolutely spot on.
We all sat in a dream-like drunken stupor around the table mumbling our love for a piece of beef. (Really quite hilarious in hindsight.)


But, of course, the sweets were yet to come, and that they did, by way of the show-stopping ROKA dessert platter.

Ladened with all sorts of fresh exotic & dried fruits (the dates are divine), palette-cleansing sorbets, creamy ice-creams, and the EPIC dark chocolate & green tea pudding with crunchy jivara and pear ice cream, and superb sobacha crème brûlée with hazelnuts and yamazaki whisky ice-cream.

I had the ROKA dessert platter at my birthday meal too, and cannot recommend it as the perfect finish to a wonderful meal at Roka more highly. It’s SO good.
In terms of price, as I said, the premium tasting menu costs £83pp, on top of which you need to take into account alcohol and service. (Thankfully) I didn’t pay for this meal (even dessert wine was ordered… you get the picture) but, still, for the quantity & quality of the food that you get to sample, I think it’s very well-priced.
If you haven’t been to Roka yet, what are you waiting for?
10/10
Awwwww, I’m getting excited to visit…!
You’ll love it Emma! 🙂 xxx
Ahhh Roka *happy sigh* I agree the atmosphere is better both at Charlotte Street and Mayfair but when you’re engulfed in the joy of the food that’s all I can think about. I would also give Sushi Samba the top prize for Roka shrimp tempura.
Lots of love,
Angie
SilverSpoon London
I still need to check out the Mayfair branch but, yes, I’d eat the food happily in a hole in the ground and still have the best time ever! xxx
Oh wow, this definitely sounds like a place I would love to visit someday. Everything looks absolutely delicious! Great photos 🙂
http://www.mintnotion.com
You should definitely go Eden, it’s my favourite 🙂 xxx
I want Roka, like, right now. THANKS ANDREA. 😉
Seriously though, I haven’t been for months and I miss the sashimi, black cod, and desserts.
C x | Lux Life
ME TOO CATHERINE. I want it now. All now. xxx
Goodness – this was NOT one to read just before lunch! I haven’t been to Roka yet – I MUST GO!! 😀 *drools*
YOU MUST GO! Perfect for lunch 😉 xxx
The food here looks really nice♥♥
summerdaisy.net
It is great Summer! xxx
You and your tempura! >_<
Love Roka! Don't you love how each branch has its own flair and vibe (but consistent with amazing food)? x
Honey x The Girl Next Shore
Tempura is where it’s AT! 🙂 and I’ve actually only been to the Charlotte Street and Aldwych branch – liked the Aldwych branch but Charlotte Street is where my heart’s at! xxx
I love ROKA. Literally my sushi happy place and love reading about other people’s experiences too!
Tahira | ramblingsofafoodaddict.com/
I feel you Tahira!!! xxx
Wow. This looks like an great blow out meal! If I wasn’t paying I’d order the dessert wine too, ha. Great menu though, like you say with all the fabulous food you get it’s good value. Still need to make the pilgrimage to Charlotte Street, but every time I want to go I leave it too late and it’s fully booked. Need to be more organised! xx
Tbh, I actually prefer sitting at the sushi counter which you can’t book for anyway – they keep it reserved for walk-ins, so if you’re 3 people or less, I’d highly recommend doing that! xxx
Food blogger problems. Not being able to pee for fear of missing a photo opp 😉
Hahahaha LITERALLY! xxx
I’ve never heard of this place but the food looks absolutely incredible – I can see why you love it so much! I’d definitely love to visit here 🙂 xx
Sam // Samantha Betteridge
You should Sam, you won’t be disappointed! 🙂 xxx
Wow this tasting menu looks incredible! I’ve been to this one but not the others and really like it. Will have to try the others soon! Sam x
YEs Sam, deffoes do!!! 🙂 xxx
We had the premium tasting menu when I visted Roka for my birthday and it really is incredible! That yellow-tail sashimi – I still dream about it! x
http://www.ellebloggs.com
It is the BOMB isn’t it Lauren?! xxx
I loved ROKA Aldwych! Glad you enjoyed it xxx
I’m glad! 🙂 xxx
I still haven’t been to ROKA and am clearly missing out! I love that the look of that dessert platter – immense!
Jaime… you MUST go. IMMEDIATELY. You will love. xxx
Great photos Andrea, I’ve had my eye on that dessert for a while. If I do go I’ll be sure to leave my honest review over at City Food Blog – my guide on what to eat in London
Great, I look forward to checking it out 🙂 xxx