ROKA to Open Second London Restaurant

(Hong Kong, 14 May, 2009) – ROKA is bringing its unique style of contemporary Japanese cuisine to the heart of Canary Wharf this autumn.

The newest outpost to the ROKA family follows the successful openings of ROKA Hong Kong and Scottsdale. Rainer Becker co-founder of Zuma / ROKA comments: “It’s been an exceptional time for Zuma, ROKA and Shochu Lounge as the company has experienced quite astounding success internationally. From a personal point of view, I am particularly looking forward to opening a further ROKA in London as I very much consider the city my home. I have been looking for a suitable site for a long time. Canary Wharf offers a unique urban environment with its own energy and is a great contrast to our West End location. I’m looking forward to bringing ROKA to a whole new audience”.

ROKA Canary Wharf will accommodate up to 140 guests comprising the main restaurant, the Shochu Lounge and an external seated balcony, overlooking Canada Square.

The cuisine at ROKA is based around the heat and energy of the Robata grill, which offers an array of dishes, full of exciting flavours and textures, for customers to enjoy. In addition, the menu will also feature dishes from the main kitchen and a selection of sushi and sashimi.

Head chef Yoshi Muranaka has worked under the guidance of Group Executive Chef for ROKA, Nic Watt for the last 5 years. Nic says of the new ROKA “We are incorporating a new dynamic into this ROKA project. It will be the first ROKA to include a ‘Robata Chef’s table’, where guests can literally be seated within the energy and action of the open charcoal robata kitchen.’

Noriyoshi Muramatsu, renowned designer of Studio Glitt in Japan is responsible for the restaurant and bar design. Muramatsu has created all the Zuma and ROKA interiors globally and views each location as an opportunity to build upon, and indeed, exceed his previous achievements. His design concept is currently underway and will bring his unique sensory approach to the Canary Wharf location.