text: SIMPLY AMAZING.  I am a foodie and frequent sushi & Japanese spots across the nation - including a recent visit to Morimoto in NYC (of Iron Chef acclaim) and who would have thought the best Japanese food experience I would have would be in Scottsdale?!?!  I'm from Chicago & spend time in NYC - - how is this possible??  \n\nRoka Akor blew all expectations out of the water.  The dining experience reminded me of my visit to the French Laundry - the standard for a high quality dining experience with unparalleled food, decor and atmosphere.  Decor was elegant, rich, architectural and well thought out.   Staff was professional, service was top notch with just the perfect amount of conversation.  Best in class GM - her name is Joy - and she knows how to cater to the customer.  We had so many people waiting on us I don't have room to list them all.  \n\nThe food.... you can't begin to imagine how amazing... \n\nI highly recommend the sushi platter  - presentation looks more like art than food and the palate is unreal that there can be so many different flavors and textures from fish I've eaten a hundred times.  It's almost scientific in the way they perfectly balance the pairings.   They get it - they know soy overwhelms yellow fish, they know just how to make the cut of sashimi that melts like butter in your month, they know how to balance the flavors in ways I have never experienced and which I found truly insightful and enthralling.   \n\nI also highly recommend the ribs from the ROBATA GRILL.  It was in this moment that I knew this place was no \"sushi spot\" in this one type fits all mass market society.  You know that feeling you get when you discover a real \"game changer\" before everyone else - that's exactly the feeling I have when I think about the Roka Robata Grill.   I've never seen it done like this before and with such breadth in the menu.  It's UNREAL ....  there are no words to describe the food experience from the Robata Grill... you must simply experience it to understand why I'm talking about.  \n\nI also mentioned the atmosphere - awesome, very cool, chic, authentic and definitely SIT AT THE COUNTER (if you can get a space).  I found myself with my neck turned all night watching their head executive chef - CHEF CE BIAN work with precision and rhythm.   It was clear that the place was also the place to \"see and be seen\" but not in a cheesy way - a much more upscaled toned down confident way and definately inviting to all groups.  \n\nHonestly, the place is undervalued.  In Chicago or NYC, they could easily double the prices.  Someone mentioned  they are opening up a new location in Chicago and I just confirmed it on their website.  All I can say is watch out Japonais, Sunda, Nomi....  this place has you beat on all levels and Chef Ce Bian will be turning heads in a big way.  I simply can't wait to experience it again and all without a 3 hour plane ride!!!!