Aqua Kyoto, London

We decided to finally try the dinner at the rooftop at Aqua, with a trip to Aqua Kyoto off Regents Street. The actual rooftop wasn't what I expected - a lot smaller than I imagined, and you can't really see anything - mainly because of the surrounding buildings and its own building. Not the best rooftop in London, but a great hideout for those who want some peace from Oxford Street nonetheless. 

The Aqua brand is pretty cool with its restaurants named in line with its cuisines or destinations - Aqua Shard anyone? I have been to Aqua Roma before many years ago in Hong Kong - probably one of the best views of one of the world's best skylines - but I knew that this would be have more of a focus on drinks and food service rather than the surrounding atmosphere. 

The chef's kitchen in the middle - handmade right in front of you. 

My cocktail came in a ninja cup. He was very cute and I wanted to keep him but a lovely, refreshing drink. 

Here we are with my ninja cocktail on the rooftop terrace - quite busy and small...and loud. Would recommend coming in early if you want a seat otherwise this place gets quite cramped. 

This was the drink that came with the foraging menu - shiso infused vodka, rose and pine liqueur, vanilla syrup and lime. To be honest, this drink tasted more like bathroom freshener which I just couldn't get out of my head unfortunately.

Omakase sashimi. 

Top dish - sumiyaki ostrich fillet. This was a bit toughened tasteless. Left dish - handmade green tea soba. This was superb - really loved the noodles. Right dish - katsuobushi scallops with yomogi rice.

Scallops were well cooked but there was nothing particularly outstanding about the dish. 

Green tea soba noodles - wild flowers, mushrooms, gingko nuts and eggs. 

Ostrich fillet with wild garlic and wild herb miso. 

The dessert for me was the best dish and really made up for the slightly disappointing dishes - bitter chocolate, spiced wild lacto damson, meadow sweet ice cream. The bitterness of the chocolate complemented the sweet ice cream perfectly and I could have had more. It was divine.