After a fantastic first look cocktail party at Rofuto a couple of weeks ago, me and Sam returned on their first Saturday lunchtime service for the soft launch to try their full menu. From the moment you step foot into their very own entrance on Five Ways to the top floor where the restaurant is based you are received with the warmest of welcomes.
We arrived earlier than planned to our lunch sitting which was booked for 2pm but we were kindly given the option to be shown to our table early or to head to the bar which takes centre stage in the middle of the restaurant. Of course, we opted for the bar. After sampling a range of their cocktails the previous Monday I had already decided I was going to opt for a glass of Riesling from their extensive wine list on this visit. I opted for the Waipara Hills Riesling from the Waipara Valley in New Zealand, it was fruity in flavour and delivered a crisp, lingering finish.
Shortly afterwards we were escorted to our table with an amazing view of Birmingham by Tim Davey, the general manager at Rofuto who again made us feel very welcome and relaxed. After perusing the menu for a short while we were greeted by our friendly waitress who carefully explained the differences between the sushi on their menu. There was a wide selection including sashimi, nigiri and maki rolls and considering the restaurant wasn't officially open yet she had a great knowledge of the menu.
Eventually we decided on our starters/small plates. I opted for the Beef Kushyaki, Caramel Soy skewers from the Robata grill and Sam went for the Grilled Octopus, Rocket and Pine Salad. We also ordered some Tempura Salt and Pepper Squid to share. I loved the idea of coming back to Rofuto for some drinks and simply ordering a few of these small plates to share between friends. When the food arrived I was slightly disappointed with my Beef as it was a bit tougher than I expected it to be and wished I had chosen the amazing Crispy Chicken with Kimchi sauce that I tried at the cocktail party instead. Sam however loved his Octopus dish, he said it was a fresh but tasty combination. The Tempura Squid was also the best we have ever tried and was seasoned perfectly.
For mains, I opted for a Japanese classic - Chicken Katsu Curry and Sam decided to go for the Saffron Miso Black Cod, Razor Clams and Pancetta. When these dishes arrived Sam's definitely looked beautiful - like something from Masterchef: The Professionals. It has been about a month since this visit and Sam still hasn't stopped talking about this dish. He said it was one of the best fish dishes he has ever had and would highly recommend it. Despite the appearance of my Katsu Curry which according to Sam 'looks like a giant chicken nugget' I absolutely loved it. The rice was perfectly sticky and the luxurious silky curry sauce was delicious. If only there was more of it!
We left Rofuto impressed with the venue, service, drinks and the food certainly lived up to expectations too. I cant wait to return already to sample some of the other dishes. I've particularly got my eye on the Halibut Champagne Yuzu Miso with Pak Choi.
I've also added some pictures from the toilets too which may seem odd but I reckon these must be the only loo's in Brum with a view like this!
Let me know if you've tried Rofuto yet and what dishes you would recommend!
Cariad,
