UPDATE JUNE 2015: Roka has closed

September 13th, 2011

ROKA is a much acclaimed  Japanese style “robata” grill restaurant that originated in London in 2004. Part of the same group that owns and operates the  more famous zuma restaurants – also in London and Hong Kong- ROKA first opened in Hong Kong in 2008. Conveniently located in the lower level of the upscale Pacific Place Mall – ROKA has proven consistently popular as a dining choice for patrons ranging from local office workers, guests at the four 5 star hotels in the Pacific Place complex, or casual visitors to the mall. The concept of ROKA is to offer a casual, informal environment for enjoying fine Japanese style cooking- and in particular the freshly grilled produce from the centrepiece robata grill. The interior design of ROKA was created by a Tokyo designer Noriyoshi Muramatsu- and with abundant use of light colored timbers – on the floors, wall panelling and dining furniture, and a muted palette of soft hues- evokes a classical Japanese minimalist style.

The main dining space at ROKA

ROKA  has an open facade to the mall floor space which both invites the passerby and adds to an internal feeling of openness and spaciousness. Entering past a heavy timber doorway, a glass fronted wine cellar displays the over 500 bottles offered on the wine list. At the front of the main space is a lounge area of comfortably furnished sofas and armchairs, and is a popular area for enjoying some after work drinks and snacks from the grill. The solid timber bar stands between the lounge and the main dining and robata grill. Unsurprisingly, the robata grill and counter is the standout feature of the ROKA interior, and the “theatre” of the robata chefs grilling over the open fires is the quintessential experience of ROKA. The main counter features a solid slab of timber and the approximately twenty seats provide the close up spectacle of the chefs working behind the grill. A curved wall of charcoal blocks adjacent to the bar provides a contrast in color and texture to the interior.

The robata grill counter

The lounge area at the front of ROKA

The ROKA bar

The menu at ROKA is extensive and encompasses a range of contemporary Japanese dishes from the grilled fresh produce on the signature robata grills, to an extensive selection of sashimi and sushi, Warm Bites for sharing over a drink,  salads, rice and noodles, tempura dishes. And from the robata, the emphasis is on only using the freshest of produce –seafood flown daily fresh from Japan, vegetables, yakitori skewers, and prime cuts of aged beef are just a snapshot of the selection available. A couple of the highlight items are pictured below. ROKA also offers Set Menus– for both lunch and dinners- offering a good variety of options at attractive prices. Finally, desserts are not overlooked- and again a good selection of Japanese specialties is offered, and can be complimented with the non-alcoholic “Cleanser” fruit cocktails.

Ama ebi to hotate yaki maki – Sweet shrimp, flame grilled scallop, tenkatsu, tobiko & lemon

Ika kari no karaage- crispy fried squid with chilli salt

Gindara saikyo-zuke– Black cod with gingered saikyo miso- from the robata grill

The bar menu is highlighted by the extensive selection of sake from all the famous producing regions of Japan, and the signature cocktails based on the traditional Japanese spirit of shochu , concocted with fresh tropical seasonal fruits. The shochu are typically house-infused providing for a variety of flavours. Cocktails include vodka martinis mixed with tropical fruits- passion fruit, kiwi fruit, lychee; Bellinis with prosecco mixed with cherry blossom, green tea, honey melon; and other favourites like ROKA mojito and the Shochurina– a caipirinha with shochu and fresh fruit. The wine cellar features over 500 wines from the premier regions around the world, with a number available by the glass.

Yuzu Sour– Infused yuzu ichiban barley shochu with orange juice, yuzu juice & yuzu peel

Green Tea and Pear Bellini– pear puree, green tea powder, prosecco

ROKA sake– exclusively bottled for ROKA by  Kimura Brewery in Akita- nose of green apple, with flavors of soft nuttiness and ripe pears.

Orange Plum Shochu– Orange peel and barley Shochu infused in-house for 24 hours

ROKA is open daily for both lunch and dinner, and offers good value for the excellent quality contemporary Japanese dishes. Service is knowledgable, friendly and efficient.

See more photos inside ROKA in the slide show below:

ROKA

Address: Shop 002, Level LG1, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway.  Hong Kong
MTR : Nearest station Admiralty- direct access to Pacific Place
Reservations: +852. 3960 5988
Website: www.rokarestaurant.com
Facebook Page: Roka HongKong
Opening Hours:
Monday to Sunday  11:30 a.m. ~ 10:30 a.m.