Where We Are Going Today: ‘ROKA’ Japanese restaurant

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Updated 22 September 2024
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘ROKA’ Japanese restaurant

  • The highlight of the evening will be the “Make Your Own” sushi platter experience, allowing guests to create their sushi plate from a premium selection of rolls

Roka in Riyadh and Jeddah is offering a culinary experience that merges tradition with innovation for Saudi National Day.

Guests can indulge in a special aojiru mocktail and a delightful green tea mochi for just SR25 ($6.66) and SR45, respectively. The vibrant atmosphere will be complemented by a live DJ performance from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., making it a great venue for a celebration.

The highlight of the evening will be the “Make Your Own” sushi platter experience, allowing guests to create their sushi plate from a premium selection of rolls. This interactive dining option pays homage to the culinary artistry of sushi-making.

In addition to the National Day festivities, Roka Riyadh has announced an exclusive two-night collaboration with Saudi Chef Nawal Al-Khawali on Sept. 26 and 27.

This limited-time menu will artfully blend the bold flavors of Saudi cuisine with the refined tastes of Japan, providing diners with a fusion culinary experience.

The exclusive set menu, priced at SR380 for dinner, features a variety of dishes. Starters include yellowtail sashimi with yuzu-truffle dressing and rock shrimp tempura seasoned with wasabi peas and chili mayonnaise, in addition to the zaatar roasted cauliflower served with spicy tahini sauce and cauliflower leaf chips.

The pickled date and spinach salad is a delightful blend of textures and tastes, combining the sweetness of dates with crunchy sumac-coated almonds and creamy fried goat cheese.

For the main course, diners can savor an exquisite selection that includes the Red Sea najel fish baked in sayadia spices, tender beef fillet infused with chili and ginger, a unique Japanese barley jareesh hot pot, and a baked potato topped with Saudi truffle.

Desserts are equally impressive, featuring sticky date pudding served with cardamom camel milk gelato, Saudi coffee caramel and miso creme brulee paired with pistachio ice cream.

For updates, check @rokarestaurant.sa on Instagram.

 


Where We Are Going Today: Cocina La Cantina

Updated 15 February 2026
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Where We Are Going Today: Cocina La Cantina

Mexican restaurant Cocina La Cantina — on Sari Road in Jeddah’s Al-Zahra district — offers a menu focused on traditional flavors with contemporary twists.

I started with three salads, including maiz del fuego and verde brasa. The charred corn and kale were well prepared, and the dressings reflected traditional Mexican flavors.

The seafood dishes — lamica roja and aguachile de camaron — were fresh and retained their natural texture and taste. Guacamole served with crispy plantain provided a simple balance to the spiced dishes. 

The tostadas, especially the salmon and smoked crab versions, were well executed, with each ingredient distinct and flavors authentic. The menu offers a variety of options.

I also tried the birria quesadilla, featuring slow-cooked beef with Oaxacan-style cheese in a blue corn tortilla, and the ribotes — charred corn ribs topped with cotija, lime, tajín, and smoky morita mayo. Totopos with guacamole and pico de gallo completed my round of starters. 

For mains, I had pollo enmolado, with 48-hour marinated chicken in chintextle mole served with XO rice; pipian del mar, featuring salmon with molokhia pipian and macha oil; and carne asada suprema, a 24-hour marinated Wagyu 5+ striploin with guacamole and salsa verde.

The proteins were fresh and cooked to order, with sauces and marinades complementing the dishes as described.

The menu uses Mexican-style names but includes clear descriptions, and the staff are knowledgeable and happy to answer questions. For more information, visit @lacantina.ksa.