And just like that, ROKU, Innovative Dining Group's newest concept in the old Rivabella space, has opened its doors. It's a quick turnaround for the restaurant group, which only closed the Italian concept in March of this year.
In Rivabella's stead comes a real stunner that capitalizes on modern Japanese design. The expansive 8,000 square foot space is divided into a bar and lounge, main dining room, sushi bar built with live-edge walnut wood, and teppanyaki with four grills that accommodate up to 28 guests.
Upon entering the restaurant, diners are greeted by a 20-foot custom mural depicting Japanese iconography painted by local street artist Hans Haveron. The painting's red and black hues carry throughout the space, with floral patterned booths and oversized silk pendant fixtures enhancing the Asian vibes. Mahogany windows that open out to Sunset Boulevard maintain the indoor/outdoor feel that was Rivabella's crowning feature.
As for fare, ROKU pulls from Sushi Roku's arsenal of successful dishes like yellowtail sashimi with diced chilies and spicy tuna over crispy rice, but also offers new items like toro tartare prepared tableside, uni toast, and sautéed foie gras with balsamic plum wine. Of course, the teppanyaki experience is more grown up than the Benihana birthdays of your past. Proteins such as A-5 Wagyu, Santa Barbara spot prawns, and Hokkaido scallops are accompanied by mushroom consommé, kale salad with mushrooms, hibachi shrimp, vegetables with shiso paste, and dipping sauces that include truffle chimichurri.
ROKU is open Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (starting November 30), Sunday and Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday from 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., and Thursday through Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
