ROKA Canary Wharf

Exquisite Japanese Cuisine with Cozy Ambiance

On a recent venture to Roka in Canary Wharf, I found myself navigating through a mosaic of experiences, much like the varied reviews bustling through any discussion of this renowned establishment. The highs were delightfully high - with the black cod showcasing its famously melt-in-the-mouth texture and an accompanying sake that smoothly rounded the flavors. This is a place where the artistry of presentation matches the craftsmanship in the kitchen; dishes look as good as they taste, a rarity I prize highly in my culinary walks around London. Yet, like an opera that captivates yet baffles, not every crescendo delivered the expected gustatory impact.

While service moments at Roka sway from attentive to teetering on lethargic – perhaps a symptom of its popularity – you cannot deny the patience of the team who strive to regain composure and rectify intermittent lapses. For every tepid dish, there lies a counterpart, tuned impeccably to searing perfection, and that's where Roka's charm unfolds - the potential for serendipitous bites. The beef, for instance, was a surprise star among the offerings: cooked with a delightful balance, drawing the essence of what a wedding of grill and Wagyu should embody. As London's din echoed outside, diners inside were cradled within a lit, sensuous ambience where food makes memory, ensuring a mixed yet uniquely enriching culinary experience. So if you find yourself in Canary Wharf, consider allowing your palate a dance of both predictable and unexpected delights, a hallmark Roka seems intent on fully embracing. — Audrey Al Dente