Roka

First look: ROKA Kuwait to launch at Waldorf Astoria Hotel

Contemporary Japanese restaurant ROKA opens its doors tomorrow (September 13, 2022) in Kuwait. Following its success in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, this launch is the brand’s third Middle East opening outside of London, marking a significant step in Roka’s expansion plans in the region. The new ROKA is located at Kuwait’s first Waldorf Astoria is directly connected to the country’s largest mall, The Avenues. Ahead of the opening, ROKA co-founder, Rainer Becker said to Caterer Middle East: “This opening marks a significant milestone for ROKA and our plans to expand our presence across the Middle East.” “The Kuwait gastronomic landscape is on the rise, and we are glad to have ROKA Kuwait add its unique, award-winning cuisine and ambience to the city’s culinary scene. We are committed to bringing our creative energy and hospitality, along with a unique robatayaki experience to residents and visitors, near and far.” The front-of-house features a sushi counter, along with an open concept dessert counter, both of which are exclusive to ROKA Kuwait. Moreover, families and large groups can reserve the semi-private room or the lounge area, which offers views of Kuwait. The menu features signature dishes from the grill including kankoku fu kohitsuji (lamb cutlets with Korean spices and sesame cucumber) and the bekupoteto (baked potato with yuzu cream and chives). As well as the sake no taru taru (salmon tartare with den miso and yuzu) and kampachi sashimi no salada (yellowtail sashimi, yuzu-truffle dressing). Reservations are now open. The restaurant is open on Friday and Saturday from noon to midnight and Sunday to Thursday from 6.30pm to 11.30pm.

Alrai · Kuwait · 12 Sep 2022

Roka now open in Saudi Arabia

Thanks to a partnership between Rainer Becker’s Azumi Limited and Mohammed Abdulrahman Jawa’s MJS Holding, Saudi Arabia now has a branch of Roka. The sister restaurant to world-renowned Japanese offering Zuma, the brand focuses on robatayaki cooking. The agreement between the two parties will see a further four of Azumi’s brands open in KSA with a total of seven outlets. The other concepts moving into the country are Oblix, Inko Nito, and Etaru. Roka Riyadh can be found at Prince Muhammad Bin Abdulaziz Road in the city’s As Sulimaniyah area. At the time of the deal, Sven Koch, CEO Azumi Limited, said: “We are delighted to join forces with Mohammed Jawa. As we continue to expand our international footprint, it is important for us to find like-minded partners. The Kingdom is a fast-growing market and new for us, we are very proud to be taking this step with Mohammed. He is a true operator and is hugely passionate about our brands. This, combined with his innovative approach to business, means we aligned seamlessly. We are very honoured to be working with him.” Posting on LinkedIn after visiting the branch, Koch said he was proud of the team’s success so far. Mohammed Jawa founded MJS Holding after spending 17 years in the restaurant industry, and launched the first franchise of US brand Urth Caffe in the Arabian Peninsula. Azumi Limited currently operates 26 restaurants across the globe, including both Roka and Zuma in Dubai.

Saudi Arabia · 25 Aug 2021

First look: ROKA Dubai to open next week

ROKA Dubai is opening its doors next week (Wednesday March 18), in news that will thrill foodies throughout the city. And Time Out Dubai has been for a sneak peek behind the scenes. The famous restaurant is a sibling to Zuma, Time Out Dubai’s Restaurant of the Year and Best Japanese Restaurant 2020, coming from famed chef and restaurateur Rainer Becker. With several branches already in London, including in Mayfair and Aldwych, ROKA Dubai is a first international venture for the popular restaurant. ROKA first opened in 2004 in Charlotte Street, and has been hugely popular since. ROKA is a Japanese robatayaki restaurant that focuses around robata grills. The technique originates from the fishermen cooking fish over charcoal on the boats out to sea off northern Japan. Dishes on the exciting new ROKA Dubai menu include yakitori-negima yaki (robata-grilled chicken skewers with spring onion) and kankoku fu kohitsuji (lamb cutlets with Korean spices and sesame cucumber). ROKA Dubai will also be serving key signature dishes such as kampachi sashimi no salada (yellowtail sashimi with yuzu-truffle dressing) and sake no taru taru (salmon tartare with den miso and yuzu). The reservations lines are now open, as of today (Monday March 9) too, so if you’re looking to book a table you’re in luck. It will be open for dinner every day, on Saturday to Wednesday 6.30pm until midnight and on weekends from 6.30pm until 12.30am. Dubai’s restaurant is in The Opus by Omniyat in Business Bay, designed by the late Zaha Hadid, and is one of the most hotly-anticipated openings this year. “After being so warmly welcomed with Zuma in 2008, we felt it was a good time to bring its sibling ROKA into the region,” said Becker. “We are very much looking forward to showcasing more of the robata experience, which is at the heart of the restaurant, making a relaxed and edgy vibe for dining. “Moving into the Zaha Hadid designed The Opus is very exciting for us all and we hope we can create a cool and multi-dimensional dining experience with a neighbourhood feel for the Dubai community.” It has space for 100 diners inside in the “chic-but-industrial” 7,400 sq ft venue and we’re promised an “edgy warmth” and “chic feel”. There’s also a spacious terrace, which seats 64 diners and boasts super Dubai skyline views, while a resident DJ will provide the beats. We can’t wait for it to open.

Dubai · United Arab Emirates · 7 Mar 2020