Roka

Good design and impeccable style run through Roka as sure as the grain runs through a piece of wood. It makes a strong first impression, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows revealing the cool vibe of the interior. Various types of wood, stainless steel and glass combine to create an ultra-hip space dominated by the open kitchen and robata grill (traditional Japanese barbecue grill). There is counter seating in the Japanese style where you can watch the chefs in action, or you can opt for wooden tables which fill the rest of the room. Downstairs, there's a more informal, cool, club-like vibe, with a central bar again, but this time, followed up by sofa-style seating and occasional tables. Service is friendly, upbeat and knowledgeable. The new-wave Japanese cooking - ideal for grazing and sharing - is delivered via an extensive menu (backed by a couple of tasting options) designed around dishes from the robatayaki grill alongside an impressive selection of fresh, vibrant sashimi and sushi, all based on top-quality produce. Note the food arrives in no particular order. Ebi no atama is sushi with crispy prawn, avocado, chilli, chrysanthemums and dark sweet soy, or there is rice hotpot with king crab and wasabi tobiko, and from the robata comes lamb cutlets with Korean spices. Roka is sibling to Rainer Becker's other restaurant Zuma, across town in Knightsbridge (see entry).

5 min walk from Goodge St
Nearest station: Goodge St/Tottenham Court Rd

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