Wow. Have you ever walked out of a restaurant and your head was buzzing?\n\nThat's how my girlfriend and I felt after leaving Roka Akor tonight. Just magnificent. \n\nFrom the moment we stepped foot in the restaurant, the manager and the hostess were gracious and accommodating. There wasn't a table immediately available so the manager led us to the beautiful bar where the chairs were all setup diagonally inviting us to take a seat. A very fine, delicate, touch, something very subtle, but wonderful, which was indicative of things to come.\n\nWe were seated at the bar area facing the expansive kitchen. It is just an incredibly inviting setup, probably my favorite I have ever seen at a restaurant. We were greeted by our server, Victoria, who was funny but genuine, seemed to always be there just when we were about to ask about something, and never seemed pushy. In addition to that, we brought along a coupon from our hotel concierge, after handing it to the manager, I realized it had already expired. Upon us pointing it out, the manager said that it was no problem that he honored it. The coupon was for 2 free appetizers, we ordered 3 and upon receiving the bill, the two most pricey appetizers were given to us free! That was truly a nice little treat. A quote from my girlfriend on the service, \"This is a place where I felt honored to be eating here, but the service made me feel like they were honored that we were dining there. Humbling.\" \n\nBut onto the food, which if you are not inclined to read this detailed review, was, according to my girlfriend, \"Probably the best if not top 3 meals I've ever had in my life.\" Me too.\n\nFor appetizers we had the grilled shishito peppers, which I have had before, \"Will now replace edamame for me at any place that offers it.\" The salty, grilled, spicy combination is just perfect. The cold soba noodles and the fried oysters were wonderful as well. The soba being presented in an exquisite manner and the oysters fried so that the oysters still maintained their oyster-y goodness but had that crispy tempura crust.\n\nIn between appetizers and the main course we had an assortment of robato grilled veggies: Sweet Potato, Tofu, Mushrooms, Zucchini, BBQ Rice, Corn. All grilled to the point where it tasted like I was eating a more perfect version of that vegetable. The sauces, paired in a way that just enhanced the flavor even more.\n\nEven after all that, the main courses stood out most of all. We had the two signature Roka Akor entrees: The Korean-spiced Lamb & the Blackened Cod. \n\nFor the lamb, my girl quoted, \"I don't eat much meat, but this is the BEST meat I have ever had. Ever. Not best lamb, best meat.\" I wholeheartedly agree. The lamb was of the highest quality and grilled in a way where we could easily slice through the juicy side with a butter knife. I was embarrassed but wanted to clean off each lollipop bone with my teeth it was so delicious.\n\nFor the cod, it was grilled lightly wrapped with a \"japanese Mulberry? leaf\", blackened but still juicy. When eaten with the sweet mustard and the pink-pickled-onion slices, was a heavenly combination. Individually delicious, but rarely do I feel that foods combined so well in my mouth as did the cod with the pickled onion and mustard. Perfect.\n\nAll-in-all, not just a delicious meal, but a transcendent one. We asked each other afterward, \"What more could you have asked for in a restaurant?\" And we could not think of one. Sure, it was pricey, but for the quality of service, the taste of the food, the exquisite setting, it was worth every penny and more.\n\nThe buzzing in my head hasn't stopped. I loved it!
places reviews