Friday 1 May 2015

R O K A Aldwych

After experiencing a delicious brunch at the Canary Wharf branch, a very generous family friend decided to take the hubby and I for a dinner at the newly opened Roka, Aldwych to celebrate our recent wedding.

Firstly I must say what a wonderful time we had and how clean and beautiful this restaurant is with a water feature by the toilets, a spacious and cool bar and tables over looking the open plan kitchen. The front of house staff were delightful and friendly and could not have made us feel more welcome on arrival.

After being seated at the bar we were advised there was an issue with the grill and our party were given the option to walk away from our reservation, take a paid for taxi to the Charlotte Street branch for a table an hour later OR to stay and dine on cold food only. As we were there and a couple of drinks in we decided to take the plunge and stay regardless of the situation. We were seated at a central round table and promptly offered a glass of complimentary champagne each as an apology despite it being our choice to stay!

We ordered a bottle of sake, some wine and several g&t's, plus added what we had already spent at the bar to the main table tab. After the meal; when presented with the bill the restaurant on top of the champagne had removed all drinks and service charge as another apology to us. I literally cannot believe how amazing the service had been and this gesture was beyond generous as we had, had a fantastic time regardless. So thank you Roka for going above and beyond and delivering such a great experience.

We didn't really do the whole starter and main course thing, instead we ordered loads of food to come out as and when it was ready and to share as a table. Of course we had the obligatory steamed edamame with sea salt and the spicy tuna was to die for, we ended up ordering a second portion we were so impressed. We had a tempura prawn sushi, salmon sashimi and some yellowtail as well as softshell crab. The padron pepper tempura are also a delight and again we ended up with a second round of these.

The desserts here are incredible and as a group we over ordered so we could all mix and match and try everything. The peanut, vanilla and chocolate sundae was insane and even the blackcurrant sorbet, which I would not normally choose was delicious. The chocolate dessert with green tea was also mouth watering! To be honest I am not sure I could choose a favorite, everything we tried was just brilliant and my photo does not even begin to do the treats justice.


I have no idea what the bill was as it was a generous treat, I can imagine removing all drinks made it quite reasonable but if you were a full paying customer this place is expensive, for sushi and full drinks I would say £50 plus per head. HOWEVER, the food is absolutely amazing and to impress a date or treat a loved one you really cannot go wrong. I hope I can come back one day soon and try the full menu, hot food and all but for now I will savor the mouth watering sushi memories from a delightful evening out.


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