In a case of mistaken identity (well actually I recall signing up for something to do with them...) I received an email addressed to Stuart offering me the opportunity to try their new tasting menu at 50% off. After reading the divine menu, I couldn't help but make an appointment. I used my real name and there was no issue so I feel less of a charlatan. Additionally a few days before the night, I saw that they were offering the same deal to the public for the 2 weeks after this VIP special.
Anyone asking me for a restaurant recommendation, for the foreseeable future, will be directed to Black Roe. You might remember that I recently fell in love with the food at Chotto Matte, well Black Roe is their sister restaurant and it is INCREDIBLE. The food is a fusion of Japanese/Hawaiian cuisine and it's all set in an ultra-trendy dining room in Mayfair - which plays deep house beats while you eat. Sounds perfect, right?
For the last 8 years, I have been lucky enough to have a surprise organised for my birthday, obviously the fact that I married the man that is behind the surprises means that they will hopefully continue forever more!. This year for my birthday I was asked to meet Mr R at Oxford Circus station, we walked 5 minutes up the road to Mill Street and in true Mr R style, his look of confusion led to me pointing out the restaurant I thought he might be looking for.
I LOVE Poke! I first tried it in Hawaii a long time ago and it immediately became my favourite Hawaiian food (yeah, not Spam!). It seems like poke has finally made its way to the UK, albeit a few years later than it became a trend in the US, and seems to be spreading rapidly throughout the city with several poke-centric spots such as Black Roe and Ahi Poke.
The vibe at Ahi Poke is great and some of the dishes were delicious but their signature poke could use some work.......
It was almost two years ago now that I totally fell in love with the food at Jordan Sclare’s first restaurant Chotto Matte, a super-cool Nikkei restaurant in Soho. My admiration for Jordan’s cooking and the fact that Hawaiian food is something rarely found in London meant that I was intrigued to try his new restaurant, Black Roe.
If 2015 was the year of the bao, is 2016 set to be all about the poke (pronounced poe-kay, in case you’re wondering)? The Hawaiian dish featuring marinated raw fish is definitely on trend at the moment, with even Pret having recently introduced a poke salad on their menu!
Given London’s love of niche eateries specialising in anything and everything from cereal to cheese toasties, it was only a matter of time before we’d see a dedicated poke eatery too... And the wait wasn’t too long, with Black Roe Poke Bar and Grill launched in late March this year by Kurt Zdesar (of Chotto Matte in Soho).
Taking over the former site of Bouillabaisse in Mayfair’s Maddox Street, the dimly-lit restaurant has a moody yet playful tone with its loud music and tongue-in-cheek neon lights.
Nottinghillyummymummy
+4.5
When I told Mr.X we were going out for Hawaiian food, he looked at me like I had told him that we were going out to Pizza Hut; clearly not impressed and hinting that it was a bad idea. To him, Hawaiian food evokes images of anything with a pineapple on top: Hawaiian pizzas, fried rice topped with pineapple or chicken kebabs – with pineapple. Little did he know that the newest trend to hit this side of the Atlantic is Poke (the U.S. has had this trend for a while already, but it has now swum to our shores). I told him to trust me, I am now a bona fide restaurant critic after all (the pressure was now on).
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Black Roe, Mayfair – From the outside, Black Roe exudes an image of daring, mysterious, exciting and intriguing. The window display was just ace with that glaring lobster as if saying, “do you dare?”
Black Roe looks small but I was surprised that at the number of diners they could seat- I'd guess about 40 – 50 diners? Black Roe's bar is right at the back of the room and so walking towards the bar, I could not help but lust over the dishes served. It all look very elegantly plated and the colours of the food were like sunshine. Right, partly it was the dim yellow lighting that seems to make food look more appetising. There is also a private room downstairs which could seat up to 20 diners. On one side of the room there are tanks of fresh lobster and fish and with a semi open kitchen, diners in the private room are not missing any of the fun upstairs.
After a round of cocktails (from £9.50) each, we head to our table with all eagerness and enthusiasm for the food.
My heart skipped a little when I looked at the price list of wine, with the cheapest bottle at £200.00 and runs up to more than £2,000. But then I realised that it was the fine wine list. I started to look at that with a different view. There are more French wines (from chateaus and domaines that I am not familiar with) as well as a couple from Spain and Italy and one each from Australia and USA. As much as I was tempted to go for it, I had to be practical and check out the more affordable wines, which starts from £25.00 onwards.
The star dish of Black Roe is their poké (pronounced “poe-kay”). Poké is popular in Hawaii and is traditionally ahi tuna served with seasoned rice. At Black Roe, apart from the ahi tuna classic, other poké dishes include beef tataki, scallop, vegetable, seabass, yellowtail and salmon (prices from £6.50 - £10.95 for a trio selection). But Black Roe is not only about poké and fish. The hot appetisers (from £7.95 onwards) include some crowd pleaser dishes such as tempura and pot stickers. The main dishes from the Kiawe wood grill offers dishes such as smoky lamb rack, cajun style blackened seabass, bison rib eye steak (from £9.95 - £34.90). A more affordable speedy lunch is available from £13.95 and a 3 course set lunches at £23.50.
On the dessert menu, there is the more prudent style such as chocolate cake, apple tart tatin and a range of ice-cream and sorbets.
salmon poké with yellow chilli salsa £6.95
classic ahi poké with roasted sesame soy marinade £7.95
seabass poké with mustard roe salsa £6.95
asparagus tempura with coriander salsa, truffle aioli £9.95 – beautiful presentation and sound of ingredients but the tempura did not have that tempura crunch and the aioli was not so much to drain the tempura in.
kalua pork belly with mirto puree, apple salsa £12.90 – the pork belly tasted amazing. Well seasoned, soft and moist but has texture, crackling skin and a slight sweet and tangy sauce.
whole lobster mac 'n' cheese £29.95 – the pasta was al dente, just how I like it, and coated with a delightfully cheesy lobster sauce that had small peices of lobster in it, I had to keep picking at it until every last bit was gone!
chicken “spatchcock” with grilled corn salsa £12.50
ahi tataki toasted brioche with piquillo peppers, smoked aji £13.95 – the fish is so meaty it really deserves the name of red meat of the sea. I love raw fish and this was done well.
Black Roe was packed but head chef, Rob Thompson was as calm as still water. He even gave us a kitchen tour himself!
chocolate melting cake with vanilla ice-cream £8.50 – it was a little on the sweet side for me.
fresh doughnuts with lemon sugar and chocolate £7.50 – warm doughnuts with lemon sugar and chocolate was hard not to like. The doughnuts were slightly dense and heavy with more bite and texture. I do prefer it this way than fluffy ones, so I love it.
shake and bake £12.50 – a wow factor. It made me so happy seeing the giant cup with ice-cream, marshmallow, thousands and millions, meringue, ice-cream, chocolate sauce but the best of all, the excitement on my friends' faces too. Was it good? Well, it was not too sweet to start off with but it was great dessert to share and an eye catcher. It was fun.
Service was a little up and down. It started out brilliantly but it was not elegant. I'd say at times, they were rather impolite by interrupting our conversations. Certainly not befitting to the posh image that Black Roe was set up for. Music was definitely too loud.
I like the kind of food served in Black Roe. It certainly appeals and with that slight touch of glamour, I'd certainly say it was a fun evening out. Food was ranging from good to quite good with the desserts not as exciting as the savory dishes. It is expensive but not ludicrous and they give a good portion size for their prices. Remember, it is after all, Mayfair.
Lovely restaurant with some great dishes. The poke was a hit with our group and the lobster Mac and cheese a novel and tasty idea. It can get pricey but it's definitely one for your must do list
High quality seafood cooked with care and passion. All hits, no missed food-wise. It is expensive and the portions are on the small side, but you're paying for the freshest prawns, scallops, yellowtail, tuna, white crab meat and octopus. Even the rice were perfect. Minuses: Excessive noise / music, 15% service, crowded tables
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This is a really nice restaurant, the food is excellent and the service was spot on - we were served by Celine who was friendly and attentive without being overbearing. Couldn't ask for a better waitress!
If I had some constructive criticism it would be that some of the portions could do with reviewing, especially the kale side dish. Since the mains don't come with any veg they really should increase the size of the vegetable side dishes. Also, although I liked the decor, it did feel a little oppressive especially when the lights were dimmed. I think painting the ceiling a dark cream or light grey would make the restaurant feel more pleasant. Lastly, I tried the oyster gratin and it's fine, but I really wish the restaurant offered just plain oysters too as well as a non-mac+cheese lobster.
The pictures are of the Black Roe Poke, lamb main (amazing), kale side, beef dripping fries and the octopus main. We also had the glazed salmon, oysters gratin and two desserts - the anise glace (definite recommendation for that) and the tiramisu which, although nice in itself, should not be called a tiramisu! It reminded me more of the mango pudding you get at dim sum restaurants crossed with a fruit fool. Please change the name of this dessert, it's quite misleading.
Overall, way above average, I'll definitely go again.
Excellent food, service and style comes at a cost; and it's worth it. Food was beautiful, but with the small plate concept you do get to try lots of incredible dishes but it can add up. Cannot fault the style and service, but the wine is over-priced. Recommended for the the food.
spent our new year's eve dinner at Black Roa Mayfair. The service was nice, but we felt like they really wanted us gone pretty quickly, as they were rushing to get empty plates as soon as we finished our meals.
The food was awesome though! We shared three starters - dumplings, gyozas and the squid, all were incredibly tasty! For main I had the beef and beans with rice and I loved it! Would totally recommend! Best thing though was the dessert, chocolate fondant cake, which was the best chocolate fondant cake I've ever had in my life!
In my opinion the food prices are fine, but the drinks are just pathetically overpriced!
The atmosphere inside was interesting, a little too dark and try hard chic. Watching people around us was really entertaining though, cause they all looked so bored and tried hard to seem like they didn't care about their 50£ lobster with mac and cheese.
Amazing meal here. Very fresh and tasty ingredients with superb service to match. We were talking about it being my birthday in conversation with one another which the waiter picked up on and arranged for my pudding to come out with a candle.
The scallops were the freshest and most humongous I have ever had and they went perfectly with the crunchy quinoa. The wagyu beef was tender and the Yuzu hollandaise accompanied it well with its zesty flavour.
This is a must visit venue!!
Great food - the lobster mac and cheese, black bean beef and oysters were excellent! Would recommend to go for dinner as the interior is quite dark. Service is abit slow but the food makes up for it.
Instagram: @rozarioemma
Night out with friends - first time in a Hawaiian restaurant- excellent seafood experience!
Mayfair, perfect location, and cozy place!
The selection of cocktails they have it’s delicious. Food was excellent, everything we tried was divine - first time I had poke(bowl of fresh fish, rice, pineapple and vegetables) but it was amazing. Each plate was presented very elegantly and in good portion sizes. Service was good and really polite.
Strictly recommended.
Went there for date night - really stylish decor, music not too loud so good for conversation.
Food was delicious and thought the Japanese fusion was good. Lots of flavour and punch even in the cold dishes. It edges on the fine-dining side but also feels casual and funky too.
Went there for lunch, ordered poke as well as some gratin oysters. I was mostly interested in the poke and they did not disappoint. Fishes were fresh and sauce was nice but slightly too spicy. Didn’t know there would be so much cucumbers in the poke so I had to pick out all the cucumbers. Gratin oysters were OK, too much cheese, oyster to cheese ratio was like 1:10. Great option for a light poke lunch as their pokes are reasonably priced.
Very nice restaurant. The food was great - Hawaiian based theme. The interior is cozy, and the music is just right for a good conversation. We went for the tasting menu for The Nudge insiders which included 2 of their signature cocktails and an 8 course meal that was delicious.
Yes to this place! Great atmosphere, friendly staff and the menu had a tasteful selection of dishes. My favourite was the “Ahi Tuna Tataki” with piquillo peppers, smoked aubergine & sesame crumb. Delicious 👌🏼
Totally in love with this restaurant all the foods is tasty no mistake
Food
beef tataki and fried squid for starter
mac and chees lobster and lamb chops and grilled chicken for main course
dessert chocolate fondant
Service
Is like a 5 stars hotel
Bharvi Hadani (Notesfrommykitchen)
+4
Great poke ! Great grills .. pretty good selection of wines and cocktails ... shame the deserts weren't up to the same standard .
Food was good. We specifically went to try the lobster mac n cheese. Whilst it was £38 it was pretty good. the poke bowl, gyozas and bbq chicken were also nice. Only down side for us was slightly pressurised and rushed service. Loses a star.
Kristina Vavilaviciute
+5
Had one of my best evenings there.
The food amazing
The wine unforgettable
The cocktails very instagramable
The staff very helpful and accommodating
Can’t wait to go back!
What can I say AMAZING! So DOPE! I went for the Lobster Mac and Cheese and I will go back again for it! Worth every penny an amazing restaurant to dine in and has a GREAT vibe.
Service was amazing, wait staff recommendations were spot on, fav plate was the prawn entree and the lamb! Will be coming back to try the lobster Mac and cheese.
Great cocktails and best staff. Bartender is very attentive and helpful. Definitely recommended.
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