London’s Hotspot, ROKA Debuts in Kuwait

The critically acclaimed contemporary Japanese robatayaki experience  lands in the city this September

Renowned contemporary Japanese restaurant, ROKA is all set to open doors in Kuwait this month. Following its resounding success in the UAE and Kingdom of 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 brainchild of co-founder and creator Rainer Becker, ROKA is located at Kuwait’s first Waldorf Astoria, directly connected to the country’s largest retail, entertainment and lifestyle destination; The Avenues. The restaurant opens into a vast and alluring space with a modern industrial ambiance, featuring raw exposed ceilings and concrete brick wall finishes.

Complementing the energized space is the renowned Japanese robata grill, the heart and soul of ROKA. A traditional Japanese cooking method, the robata grill is inspired by fishermen cooking fish over charcoal on the boats of the Northern coastal waters of Japan. Signature dishes from the flaming grill include kankoku fu kohitsuji (lamb cutlets with Korean spices and sesame cucumber) and the bekupoteto (baked potato with yuzu cream and chives). Other must-haves to complete the ROKA experience include sake no taru taru (salmon tartare with den miso and yuzu) and kampachi sashimi no salada (yellowtail sashimi, yuzu-truffle dressing), to name a few.

The front-of-house showcases a stunning sushi counter, along with an open concept dessert counter; both adding to the one-of-a-kind experience that is exclusive to ROKA Kuwait. Families and large groups can reserve the semi-private room; an elevated dining area featuring a red scaffold board wall, dressed in sleek design fixtures and ample seating that is perfect for intimate gatherings and celebratory moments. Guests can also reserve the lounge area, adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer striking views of Kuwait City or head to the uniquely designed indoor terrace that emanates a natural alfresco ambiance, including a water feature, an exotic live plant wall and a DJ booth where resident DJs will spin the best beats.

Ahead of the opening, ROKA Co-Founder, Rainer Becker said, “We are extremely delighted to bring the ROKA experience to Kuwait. We are committed to bringing our creative energy and hospitality, along with a unique robatayaki experience to residents and visitors, near and far. 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 add its unique, award-winning cuisine and ambiance to the city’s culinary scene.”

True to its name, which means to socialise around the robata, ROKA promises an authentic menu with uncompromising flavours, along with meticulous service and hospitality in Kuwait.

Reservations are now open.

Location: ROKA, Waldorf Astoria Kuwait

Opening Hours:

Friday & Saturday 12 pm – 12 am

Sunday to Thursday 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm