Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards judge Mala Morrison reviews Sora Japanese Sky Cuisine

One of the things I love most about Sora is the ambiance. The rooftop setting creates a relaxed but upscale vibe, an atmosphere that works just as well for a casual dinner as it does for a special night out. It’s a great place to unwind and catch up with friends over good food.

I started with the Smirnoff Sensation cocktail, a refreshing blend of elderflower purée, Smirnoff vodka, white cranberry juice, lime juice, clear syrup, and kiwi. It was light, crisp, and fruity without being overly sweet. The elderflower and kiwi worked especially well together.

For my appetiser, I tried the Octopus Karaage, one of Sora’s newer menu additions. The octopus was seasoned beautifully and fried to perfection, giving it a crispy exterior while remaining tender inside. Paired with the spicy mayo, it delivered just the right amount of heat and richness. It’s not something you see on every menu, and I’d most likely order again.

The Fyah Turner Roll is one that I have quite often, it is so flavourful, with fried shrimp on the inside and creamy torched salmon on top. The contrast between the crispy texture and smokey flavours is perfectly balanced to me; I always add extra ginger on top.

I also had the Citrus Pepper Hamachi Roll, another of Sora’s newer menu offerings. This roll was a standout for me. The hamachi was fresh and delicate, while the avocado and scallion added creaminess and balance. The citrus pepper masago brought a bright, slightly tangy finish that elevated the entire roll. It felt fresh, vibrant, and thoughtfully composed, making it one of my new favourites.

For the mains, I ordered the Pork Teriyaki Hot Plate, which arrived sizzling and full of aroma. The thinly sliced grilled pork was tender and flavourful, coated in a glossy teriyaki sauce that had a nice balance between sweet and savoury. The presentation on the hot plate kept everything warm and added a bit of excitement to the table.

I am a noodle lover so I had to taste the Original Yaki Udon with vegetables and shrimp and pack the rest to go. The noodles were excellent, with a great texture and bite to them that made the dish especially filling. They held the stir-fry sauce without becoming soft or heavy. Combined with the vegetables and shrimp, it was a comforting, simple, satisfying dish.

From start to finish, everything was fresh, well-prepared, and beautifully presented. Combined with the ambiance and attentive service, Sora continues to be one of my favourite spots for Japanese cuisine.

Pork Teriyaki Hot Plate (Photo: Mala Morrison)

Octopus Karaage paired with spicy mayo (Photo: Mala Morrison)

The Fyah Turner Roll (left) and Citrus Pepper Hamachi Roll (Photo: Mala Morrison)

Fyah Turner Roll (Photo: Mala Morrison)

Smirnoff Sensation cocktail (Photo: Mala Morrison)