Jeddah, the second-largest city in Saudi Arabia, is known for its cosmopolitan and diverse culinary scene. From traditional Arabic cuisine to international delicacies, Jeddah offers something for every taste. And now, Jeddah has a new addition to its gastronomic landscape: ROKA, a contemporary Japanese robatayaki restaurant that opened on June 13, 2023.
ROKA is not a new newcomer to the Saudi market. It already has a successful branch in Riyadh, which won several awards, including Restaurant of the Year and Best Japanese at the Time Out Riyadh Restaurants Awards 2022. ROKA is also a well-established brand in other countries, such as UK, the UAE, Kuwait, and Turkey. But what makes Roka stand out from other Japanese restaurants? And what can you expect from ROKA Jeddah?
ROKA specializes in robatayaki, a traditional Japanese cooking technique that originated in Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan. Robatayaki means "fireside cooking" and involves grilling skewered meat, seafood, and vegetables over hot charcoal. The charcoal used is called binchotan, which burns at a high temperature and produces little smoke or odor. This allows the food to retain its natural flavor and juiciness.
ROKA Jeddah is located at Cascade, a stunning retail and entertainment complex within Jeddah Walk. The restaurant has a chic and modern design that combines stone, metal, and wood elements. The centerpiece of the restaurant is the robata grill, which is placed in the middle of the dining area. Customers can sit around the grill and watch the chefs prepare their food with skill and flair. The atmosphere is lively and interactive, as the chefs serve the dishes directly to the customers using long wooden paddles.
The menu at ROKA Jeddah features a variety of dishes that showcase the robata cooking style and Japanese cuisine in general. You can find classic items such as sushi, sashimi, tempura, and noodles, as well as signature dishes such as lamb cutlets with Korean spices, black cod marinated in yuzu miso, and grilled scallops with wasabi and shiso. ROKA Jeddah also has some exclusive dishes that are only available at this branch, such as fried soft shell crab with chili shiso sauce, chicken sando with gochujang sauce, and spicy tuna tempura roll with chili sesame mayo. For desserts, you can indulge in a milk chocolate lotus with banana ice cream and kokuto crumble, another exclusive creation for Jeddah.
ROKA Jeddah is more than just a restaurant. It is an experience that combines authentic Japanese cuisine with contemporary style and service. It is a place where you can enjoy delicious food, friendly staff, and a cozy ambiance. Whether you are looking for a casual lunch, a romantic dinner, or a fun night out with your friends or family, ROKA Jeddah is the perfect destination for you.
To make a reservation at ROKA Jeddah, you can visit their website or call +966 9200 17652. You can also follow them on Instagram to stay updated on their latest news.
