ROKA Japanese robata grill opens in Hong Kong this July

HONG KONG – ROKA is set to bring its signature Japanese robata grill to Hong Kong this July, offering a casual, informal and sociable dining concept at the exclusive mall, Pacific Place. The opening marks the fourth from the hugely successful ROKA group following on from The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel in Macao, Scottsdale in Arizona and the award-winning original in London.

Taking the Japanese dining experience beyond sashimi, sushi and tempura, ROKA focuses on the power at the heart of the ROKA concept and the area from which all energy flows, the Japanese Robata grill.

ROKA is derived from two words: RO and KA. RO means a hearth or gathering place where people meet to socialize and enjoy food and drinks. KA stands for a burning fire, projecting a welcoming and energetic atmosphere.

Located at the basement level of Pacific Place, the 6,000 square foot venue seats 155 people, including 21 at the Robata counter and 7 at the bar.

Charcoal-grilled quality meats, poultry, seafood and seasonal vegetables are complemented by signature sauces and served from the open Robata grill, in full view of diners at the counter and surrounding tables.

In addition to the Robata items, the menu includes market-fresh sashimi and maki sushi rolls along with a selection of unique ROKA specialties plus creative home-made desserts and beverages.

The wine cellar houses over 500 bottles of premium wines from around the world, including a selection of 18 wines served by the glass.

Shochu, an ancient Japanese spirit distilled from several raw materials such as barley, buckwheat, sugar or sweet potato, is the inspiration behind the restaurant’s house infused well-being tonics. ROKA customizes its own shochu, which are distilled from barley, by macerating seasonal fruits and herbs to enhance its natural taste. The bar offers a fabulous array of both traditional cocktails and those blended with signature shochu tonics, such as Nightingale and Glass Maze. A selection of sake from various regions of Japan plus an international selection of premium spirits are also available.

ROKA is minimally styled and inspired by the four elements of Earth, Fire, Water and Air by Japanese designer Noriyoshi Muramatsu of the esteemed Tokyo design firm Studio Glitt.

The concept is authentic but not traditional, with the restaurant emphasizing ingredients and flavor, simple and appealing presentation using ethnic Japanese crockery and a menu designed for sharing.

“At ROKA Hong Kong we’ve created a casual, informal and sociable dining experience with a vibrant and energetic atmosphere,” said Rainer Becker, the award-winning chef, who co-founded the concept with the Waney family.