Last night, my friend and I visited Noka, a new Japanese farmhouse-inspired restaurant in Martini Corner, located in midtown Kansas City. The establishment takes pride in offering small plates with an Asian flair.
Noka's interior is sleek and minimalist, featuring ivory and grey tones. Guests can choose from bar seating, chef counter seating, or two large communal tables. We opted for the chef counter and had the pleasure of watching the kitchen in action.
Our service was attentive, making for a delightful evening. We began with kanpachi sashimi topped with a popcorn crust, shiso oil, and roe, which was refreshing. The chicken wings, prepared two ways - dry rub and sweet glazed - were well-cooked and tasty. Additionally, we tried the pate, served in a bone marrow and accompanied by pickled onion. The generous portion paired nicely with the kimchi sourdough.
Another dish we enjoyed was the beggar's duck, inspired by the classic Chinese dish, Beggar's chicken. It was delicate. Chef and owner Amante Domingo was present, and we had a great time chatting and hearing about his new concepts. He graciously sent out an A-5 Ribeye, served on a hot stone with Asian black truffle and grill sauce. The steak was delicious, especially with the sauce, which Amante described as his take on wonton dipping sauce.
To finish, we savored toasted rice ice cream from High Hope Ice Cream, drizzled with sassafras root syrup. It was divine. Overall, Noka is a beautifully designed restaurant with impressive plating, and we enjoyed our night!