Roka - Charlotte Street. Restaurant review

1st year wedding anniversary, meant a special treat for my wife and I. Our baby boy was left with his grandparents, so we ventured out for a night of good food and some silence too. 

For this special occasion, we decided to go to ROKA in Charlotte Street. I had been before, however, for my wife this was her visit. Good choice? I think so. How did she find it? Let's find out.

A bit of background first from ROKA themselves (copy taken from their site):
"The name ROKA carries great meaning - ROKA is a meeting place where food and drinks are shared with friends (ro) and heat, warmth and an all-embracing energy surround (ka). the principle cuisine is from the robata grill, which originates from the fishermen of the northern coastal waters off japan, who would cook the fish on the boats with different charcoals and share the bounty with one another using their oars.

the robata grill itself is located amid diners and forms an integral design element of all the restaurants. not just a feature, the robata is more the beating heart of ROKA, the area from which all energy flows. an energy that offers warmth and enjoyment while guests admire the respect given to the food as each dish is prepared."

Sounds very classy and fancy. This was exactly the reason why we went there. One dish which resonates clearly with this and one that I was looking forward to was Black Cod. One of my most favourite dishes ever.
What did we order:​

• age watari gani maki (softshell crab, cucumber, kim chi and chilli mayonnaise)
• ebi furai to avocado maki (crispy prawn, avocado and sweet soy)
• Tuna Sashimi
• ​Octopus Sashimi
• yaki asparagus (v)
• asparagus with sweet soy and sesame
• tuna tartar with cavair and quail egg
• Lamb ribs
• Black cod
• Yoghurt Cake

For a hungry couple we were not entirely sure if this was enough initially, but the waiter assured us we were good. I think he even thought we ordered too much.

So, was Laura impressed. Hell to the YES!
What is there not to like from that list above. Maybe the rolls NOPE, there were good. What about ribs. Sorry, they were sticky, sweet and delicious. I wouldn't usually go for ribs at ROKA, but these were awesome. Tender and full-off-the-bone straight into my mouth type of goodness.

So three for three. What else was amazing? All of it! the Black cod melted even before it entered our mouths, the buttery goodness flaked off the skin and was transported via chopsticks to two hungry and happy mouths.

I honestly think that if you order everything we had, you will be happy. Your wallet and finances may suffer a bit. But, so what. Your taste buds will be so happy.

​Good service and more importantly good food. Cocktails to start as we were celebrating.

GOOD TIMES: Black cod is always a winner

WATCH OUT: Not a bad word to say; on the pricey side so you have been warned

OMG: the dessert was lovely, sweet and tangy. Do it!