Read Ranch & Coast Virtually Anywhere
Issue link: http://ranchandcoast.uberflip.com/i/1542923
Looking to the entrées turns up another Roppongi 1.0 holdover: Mongolian grilled shrimp with mango salsa. That gem shares space with boneless short ribs, macadamia- crusted mahi mahi in curry sauce, misoyaki cod, and "crying tiger" steak ready for wrapping in lettuce leaves. A large bowl of drunken noodles, rendered smoky with the addition of soft pork belly and given breakfast-like wholesomeness care of a runny egg yolk, would also make for a delicious main course. Additions have also been made at the bar, which features solid takes on traditional tipples as well as signature cocktails lent flair care of Asian spirits and ingredients. A whisky sour with yuzu (lemon-like Japanese citrus fruit) comes across floral (like pink roses) from ume (tart plums). Meanwhile, lychee sweetness softens the edge of a martini without sanding it off altogether (read: it still packs a punch). Various Asian spirits — Roku gin, Nikka Coffey grain whiskey — are also available along with a quartet of sakes by the bottle. It would likely take every page of this month's issue to cover everything on Roppongi's menu, but a key CliffsNotes takeaway is that there is tremendous balance across this reincarnated venue's lineup. Salt, acid, umami, and sweetness (often veering a little heavier into the latter, but pleasantly so) are present in proper measures. On top of that, it's enjoyable to revisit some preparations and ingredients of yesteryear, especially from a restaurant that maintained such a stellar reputation for the better part of two decades. 858.551.5252, roppongiusa.net OPPOSITE LEFT The Roppongi Roll features tempura shrimp, unagi, cucumber, spicy toro, and tobiko CENTER To update Roppongi's aesthetic, Ladeki partnered with interior designer Stephanie Parisi to create a softer, zen vibe with an aura akin to an art museum LEFT Signature cocktails including the "Ume Old Fashioned" are lent flair care of Asian spirits BOTTOM Ladeki Restaurant Group Executive Chef Alfie Szeprethy Golden Forks Service: Timeliness: Ambience: Culinary Innovation: Food Quality: Cocktail Program: Wine List: Value: @ranchandcoast RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2026 45