ROKA Aldwych restaurant review
Words: Holly Butler
As if there weren’t enough Japanese restaurants popping up to entice you with their ‘take’ on your favourite, another has arrived, but please gents, put your skepticism aside for one moment for the newest in the ROKA clan.Although the fourth of a long-standing favourite hangout for many, ROKA Aldwych is the new haven for foodies and well deserving of it’s critical acclaim. For a darkly elegant and intensely delicious welcome, far from baubles and garish tinsel, you should most definitely head over to Rainer Becker’s latest opening this Christmas. Marking their 10-year anniversary of the Charlotte Street flagship, Aldwych is the largest venture of the ROKA restaurants.With a prime focus on executing contemporary Japanese Robatayaki cuisine, Aldwych has the symbolic robata grill at it’s heart. The tanned leathers, stained timber and green oak might scream macho decadence to you but don’t fear, once welcomed into the chasm of No. 71 you will find yourself at ease in the relaxed and dynamic space. Once receiving the first (of many!) small plates I was reassured to find balanced and layered flavours. The dishes manage to find an equilibrium between your favourite Japanese flavours and a delicate presentation pleasing to the eye. Then again who am I to judge? I was sold as soon as I read the words “Japanese Wagyu beef tartar”.
With my palate ready and waiting, me and guest were delighted to receive an onslaught from the encompassing team at ROKA, and their recommendations were on point. I would thoroughly recommend asking them to bring a selection as suggested by the accomplished kitchen team – then you, nor your picky guest, can determine what magic will arrive. Demolishing dish after dish it would be truly embarrassing to list everything we tried however here were 5 of my standouts:• Spicy edamame, you will fight your guest for every last one• Succulent Lamb Chops with refreshing sesame-drizzled peeled cucumber• Rock shrimp tempura, crispy morsels of yummy fishiness• Blackened chicken yakitori, morish and tender• Langoustine and cod cheek skewers, shiso and ume boshi
ROKA Aldwych will set you back a considerable amount if you get carried away but we just couldn’t help it. Come and indulge in the newest of the ROKA collection and enjoy a “new” Japanese experience – just trust me on this one.
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