London is one of the best places in the world to enjoy Japanese cuisine, outside of Japan of course!
Londoners can’t get enough of Japanese food, and I am not talking about Tepid supermarket sushi.
The UK’s capital has many stylish spots where you can relax with friends over tempura, Ramen, and a very dry sake.
One of London’s leading Japanese restaurants is ROKA.
In Particular – The original restaurant on the corner of Charlotte Street W1T has been going strong since the early 2000s and remains the best place for the ROKA experience.
If you’re a tourist looking for a sophisticated London eatery or a local looking for fine Japanese dining with the wow factor, we share everything you need to know about one of London’s best-kept secrets.
About ROKA
ROKA is the labor of love of acclaimed German chef Ranier Becker who is renowned for the Japanese restaurants he has founded across the world.
Charlotte Street’s ROKA was hot on the heel of his first London restaurant Zuma, opening in 2004.
This stylish restaurant with 100 covers centers on an open kitchen with a wooden counter and surrounding seating.
The Robata grill at the heart of the ROKA dining experience is from the charcoal-grilled cuisine of fishermen in northern Japan.
Did You Know? The name ROKA is derived from the name of the robata grill (RO) and the warmth and energy it provides (KA).
ROKA was extremely well received by Londoners, particularly the younger, student crowd who got their first taste of great Japanese cuisine in an upmarket but accessible setting.
Over the years, the popularity of ROKA has not waned, driven in part by its proximity to the University College London campus, and also its hush-hush downstairs bar that gets packed on Friday and Saturday nights.
The ROKA brand has since expanded to Canary Wharf, Mayfair and international spots including Riyadh and Istanbul, but for us, the award-winning Charlotte Street original is still the best!
Dining at ROKA of Charlotte Street
There is nothing stereotyped or formulaic about the open-kitchen dining experience at ROKA.
Despite taking center-stage in the restaurant, the Robata Island grill really helps to recreate a relaxing, less formal atmosphere.
Chef Rainier took his inspiration from Japanese hibachi restaurants where chefs prepare mouthwatering dishes right in front of the guests, the essence of Japanese hospitality.
If you are new to Japanese cuisine and unsure of the formalities involved the chef and hosting staff will put you at ease.
What can I eat at ROKA?
ROKA’s delicious menus span key Japanese staples like sushi, tempura, and grilled meat.
Though the presentation is undoubtedly Westernized, ROKA remains true to its Japanese roots.
Here are some of the signature dishes of ROKA Charlotte Street.
Sashimi and Maki
- Botan ebi sashimi – It’s pricey but this succulent giant shrimp served with delicate oscietra caviar is amazing!
- Ebi furai to avocado maki – This crowd-pleaser maki roll is stuffed with satisfyingly crispy prawn, avocado, and dark sweet soy.
- 6 nigiri selection – The nigiri selection is a great choice if you are not sure what to try.
Salads and Tempura
ROKA Charlotte Street serves delicious tempura in the downstairs bar.
Our favorites include:
- Kuruma-ebi – A juicy tiger prawn tempura in light batter served with tentsuyu and spicy yuzu sauce.
- Yasai tempura – Classic vegetable tempura served with a delicious yuzu shichimi
If you’re on a tight budget, you can also enjoy the atmosphere over a generous helping of steamed edamame.
Robata dishes
These sumptuous grilled dishes are the signature of ROKA dining.
Here are the best ones to try:
- Yaki hotate – A succulent scallop skewer you can enjoy with wasabi and shiso.
- Kobuta no ribs yawaraka nikomiyaki – Fiendishly moreish baby back ribs Japanese style served with sansho and cashew nuts
- Konasu – Vegetarian-friendly eggplant in mirin, ginger, and soy.
In addition, you can try a bit of everything with ROKA’s legendary tasting menus.
Once you’ve enjoyed your entrees, the dessert menu is not to be missed.
Try the amazing chocolate matcha pudding or a selection of ripe and juicy seasonal; fruits.
Getting to ROKA Charlotte Street, W1T
If you want to dine at the original ROKA, it is easy to reach in the heart of the characterful Fitzrovia (NoHo) district in central London.
It really is a place to dress up for, so if you’re recovering from trawling nearby Oxford Street it’s well worth smartening up before you visit.
There is no official dress code, but years ago there were reports of people wearing trainers being turned away from the downstairs bar.
How to Get to ROKA Charlotte Street, W1T by Tube
Charlotte Street is a short walk from Goodge Street Station (Northern Line), Tottenham Court Road (Central Line), or a slightly longer walk from Oxford Street or Warren Street (Victoria Line).
Head towards Tottenham Court Road and turn onto Goodge Street (opposite Boots pharmacy). Charlotte Street is the second right turn.
How to Get to ROKA Charlotte Street, W1T by Bus
Once again, you want to get to Tottenham Court Road and hit Goodge Street.
The best buses for getting to Charlotte Street are the Number 73 or the Number 10 bus heading towards Kings Cross.
Stop at the Goodge Street tube station on Tottenham Court Road and head up to Goodge Street for Charlotte Street.-+
Parking Options for ROKA Charlotte Street, W1T
Skipping the car in central London is always going to be cheaper.
But if you can stomach the congestion charge, there is metered parking on Goodge Street and surrounding roads.
You can also use the ParkBee CitiPark – Fitzrovia at Clipstone Mews.
Rounding Up
ROKA in Charlotte Street is one of the best Japanese restaurants in the country.
Though it is pricey, with a full meal with drinks costing at least £50 per head, you can get away with enjoying the delicious bar menu along with a refreshing cocktail and great ambience.
Alternatively, you can try the ROKA bottomless brunch, aimed at the lunch crowd that is £45 for at least ten popular dishes.
