It’s all change at the cinematic kappo restaurant Roketsu
Roketsu originally launched as a high-end Kyoto-style Kaiseki restaurant in 2022, offering a refined multi-course menu. It’s now decided to switch things up a little, offering the more relaxed and flexible kappo-style dining, where you essentially chart your own course through the menu, guided by the chefs. Good news for people who don’t like committing to long set menus.
There’s been a couple of interior changes too, including the addition of a few individual tables, but the main room with its stunning hinoki wood chef’s counter still remains. It’s a bit of cliche to suggest that walking into a restaurant like this can ‘transport’ you to Japan, but it feels valid here, seeing as all the elements from the counter to the sliding doors were actually made in Kyoto and then shipped to London to be reassembled on site. There’s something very cinematic about the space, and sitting up at the counter watching the chefs work is like being in your own little film.
Eat This
The menu is divided into: cold and hot appetisers; raw; fried; sushi (nigiri and rolls); grilled; and rice/soup. We got something from every section apart from grilled, as we didn’t really fancy eating meat, so went heavy on the sushi instead. This is where being free of the kaiseki format is a great benefit.
Highlights for us included the Horenso Goma-ae (spinach seasoned with sesame sauce); Cornish Crab Chawanmushi (steamed egg custard with crab and dashi); and some of the best pickles we’ve ever had.
We then had some proper nice and crispy vegetable tempura (something it’s hard to find done well in London), as well as scallop and prawn beignet, which were good but not quite as successful.
Sushi is spot on – we loved the ibushi toro roll, as well as the selection of five nigiri, running from scallop to chalk stream trout.
Drink This
Get sake for the full experience – there’s a huge selection by the glass so you can try lots of different things, from sparkling and cold sake to aged and sweet.
Why Go
Excellent food and a beautiful space make this a must-visit for Japanese food lovers.
Key Infomation
Address | 12 New Quebec St, London W1H 7RW
Website | roketsu.co.uk
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