Sushi and cocktails at Rika Moon: an exploration of worldwide flavours
Asian-fusion sushi and cocktail bar Rika Moon is bringing the worldwide influences of South America, Europe and Asia to London’s Notting Hill
An open sushi bar, creatively shaken cocktails and plush velvet seats adorn the house at Rika Moon in Notting Hill. The eatery, which was opened by founder Mahsa Salehnazhad in February 2022, prides itself on ‘creating the last word culinary and sensory expertise’, by an artfully curated cocktail menu and considerate exploration of flavours.
The meals brings oysters from La Rochelle, scallops from the Orkney Islands and an array of totally Japanese umami flavours to spearhead its ‘fusion’ strategy. Favourites are the Hokkaido scallops and asparagus kushiyaki with soya garlic butter, topped with intensely bitter umeboshi sesame; and a melt-in-the-mouth sashimi platter, served omakase-style, within the spirit of this slice of Japan in Notting Hill.
Kyoto miso black cod, mountain caviar, Japanese pickles, yuzu anori. Picture courtesy Rika Moon
Paul Greening (who previously led the kitchens at London eating places Aqua Kyoto and Novikov) is heading the culinary group as government chef. His adventurous strategy to delicacies is clear in his explorations into pickling, fermentation and wild foraging, in addition to the assorted culinary roles he’s undertaken all through his profession, together with as growth chef at Burger & Lobster.
With this strong experience below his belt, the dishes he’s designed embody a playful strategy to meals, similar to taking zesty hamachi ceviche and mixing it with kombu dashi coconut broth. Ceviche has origins in South America and Europe, with historic Incan and Spanish-Muslim cultures at play in its historical past. Alongside pickled greens and coriander, the dish boasts a wealthy data of flavours.
Hamachi ceviche at Rika Moon. Picture courtesy Rika Moon
Constructed throughout two flooring, the house has been curated by Salehnazhad with a holistic expertise in thoughts. Two rooms set various atmospheres, with yet one more cosy setting on the decrease ground, and a personal eating room for 2 within the again, extra suited to intimate evenings, and a eating room on the higher ground, with wraparound home windows for daytime cocktails and lightweight lunches.
The restaurant can be a London cocktail vacation spot, with a menu catering to an array of palates. With matcha, sesame and shiitake on the record, the stage is about for intrigue and the playful journey in style forward. §
Cocktail at Rika Moon. Picture courtesy Rika Moon
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