Located in Oxford Circus, the Japanese restaurant is a superb spot for the summer.
Rooftop restaurants in central London are few and far between. Strut forward, Aqua Kyoto. Located near the capital’s famous shopping hubs, Oxford Street and Regent Street, it is a fabulous and fashionable spot for Japanese food. So much so that before I booked, I already had people recommending the restaurant.
Aqua Kyoto is in the heart of the city. The entrance is discreet and dimly-lit, with a lift taking you upstairs. Spanning indoors and outdoors, the interior design wouldn’t feel out of place in Las Vegas, thanks to its red hues, sculptural-style lighting features and theatrical dining. Choose between watching the mixologists in the long bar, or the sushi chefs in the open kitchen.
If the weather permits, then indulge in the alfresco experience. What the rooftop lacks in size, it makes up for in the scenery. The space is more understated, and includes rows of tables, fancy flowers and, if you get cold, blankets as well as heaters.
Aqua Kyoto is overseen by Chef Jordan Sclare, who creates Japanese food with a modern twist and serves it with style. The restaurant is open for brunch, lunch and dinner. We visited for a midweek lunch, and it was already buzzing with visitors. The menu spans appetisers, crystal sushi, maki, salads, sashimi, tempura, robata, Wagyu, large dishes, signature platters and desserts. The long list can feel overwhelming, so make like we did and ask the knowledgeable staff for recommendations.
All of the dishes in Aqua Kyoto include a dose of camera-ready theatrics. The Aqua Kyoto Innovative Sushi Platter is superb for sharing and comes with 10 pieces. The Grilled Salmon Toro and Avocado comes in four pieces and is rich and robust. The Rock Shrimp Tempura is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and is served with chilli and garlic mayonnaise.
It’s mandatory in a Japanese restaurant to order the Black Cod, and this one does not disappoint. The dish is flaky, fresh, and accompanied by kamameshi rice, ikura and pickled ginger. The Yuzu and Shiso Marinated Lamb Cutlets is a juicy four-piece marvel, and comes with a kimchee and spicy mayonnaise sauce.
Aqua Kyoto takes classic desserts and gives them a Japanese twist. The options include the Matcha Green Tea Tiramisu, which is freshly made at the table, and the Sakura Blossom Tree, which is a take on panna cotta and includes matcha crumble. We went for the cooling and comforting Mochi Selection, which comes in four flavours.
Aqua Kyoto’s drink menu spans cocktails, sake and wine. The signature cocktails range from the Insta-friendly Can I Call You Rose with rosé and grapefruit, to the Kyoto Paradise with lime, vodka and watermelon. The restaurant has recently partnered with actor Idris Elba and wine expert David Farber’s brand, Porte Noire.
Aqua Kyoto: raise the roof.
GO: Visit https://aquakyoto.co.uk for more information.