O-Ku - Raleigh

Review summary

1. b

   becca

   New York City

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Always a fabulous experience! Food, service, and ambiance 10/10!!!
   

   Is this helpful?

   Report
2. K

   Katie

   VIP

   Western NC

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 1

   Arrived at 7:30 for our reservation and they made us wait 15 min, then took us to a table vs counter (which we’d booked) which was right by an exterior door that kept sending a huge cold draft from directly on us. Asked for a different table and they accommodate but clearly were annoyed by the request. Ordered drinks and an app, said we’d be ready to place the rest in a minute and then it took 30min for our drinks to arrive, no appetizer and no return for the rest of the order to be placed. At the hour mark after arriving with no appetizer or order placed we wanted to leave. They came to our table with the bill for the two drinks and told us they’d take the appetizer off. When we told them it hadn’t arrived they clearly had not realized this. Eventually they docked the drinks and we left. Seemed like they were a little greedy with how many tables they booked without staff to support it. Other tables around us had many courses served before we even had drinks so maybe we just got forgotten.
   

   Is this helpful?

   Report
3. m

   mike

   Raleigh

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This was our 5th time at O-Ku. Love this place! IMO best vibes and sushi in Raleigh area. So many great sushi/sashimi/nigiri choices, the best service, fantastic music and atmosphere! Will come back again and highly recommend!! Little pricey but worth it! Always a treat!!
   

   Is this helpful?

   Report
4. K

   Kevin

   New York City

   8 reviews

   3.0

   8 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Fish quality was lacking and not as fresh. Otoro spoons the fish was drowning in sauce that there was no flavor to the fish. All of the nigiri the rice was under seasoned with no acidity. This is where we really could tell the fish wasn’t as fresh. Disappointing as the ambiance is really nice, but for the most expensive sushi in the triangle — there are better places to go.
   

   Is this helpful?

   Report
5. J

   Judith

   Philadelphia

   5 reviews

   5.0

   5 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Nestled in the heart of downtown Raleigh, O-Ku offers an exceptional dining experience that blends modern sophistication with authentic Japanese flavors. From the moment you walk in, the ambiance sets the tone: warm lighting, sleek décor, and an inviting atmosphere perfect for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings. The menu is a standout, with a wide range of dishes that cater to both sushi aficionados and those new to Japanese cuisine. Our favorite go-to appetizer is the O-ku rock shrimp. The hot dish entrees are just as delicious as the sushi. This time around I had the pan seared salmon and my husband enjoyed the hanger steak. The drink menu is equally impressive, with an extensive selection of sake, craft cocktails, and wines. Loved the seasonal cocktail, Sugar & Spice and I also had a cucumber gimlet with gin. Service at O-Ku was impeccable. The staff was knowledgeable about the menu and eager to offer thoughtful recommendations. Zach was spot on with recommending the dumplings! The pacing of the meal was perfect, allowing us to savor each course without feeling rushed. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a refined dining experience, O-Ku Raleigh delivers on all fronts. We're quite pleased with the value of the experience. Thank you, Emily and everyone!
   

   Is this helpful?

   Report
6. M

   Marie-Paule

   VIP

   San Francisco

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Wonderful dining experience. Service and meal were 10/10.
   

   Is this helpful?

   Report
7. H

   Heidi

   Raleigh

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Great experience! Food was exceptional. Service was stellar! Ambience was lovely! Only outlier is cold draft coming from outside seating area hitting within restaurant.
   

   Is this helpful?

   Report
8. m

   mitch

   VIP

   Raleigh

   25 reviews

   5.0

   25 reviews

   Dined 7 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great location, awesome service, waitstaff was incredible, I’m a vegetarian and was able to around my food needs with our wonderful servicer. Felt like 5 star restaurant.
   

   Is this helpful?

   Report
9. R

   Regina

   VIP

   New York City

   5 reviews

   3.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on 24 December 2024

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   The food and server were excellent however it took FOREVER for our food to arrive. The appetizers came rather quick but the main was was about a 45 min wait. Way too long for sushi.
   

   Is this helpful?

   Report
10. R

    Rick

    VIP

    Raleigh

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on 24 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Christmas Eve at O-Ku was perfect. Austin was the best and all around top service in Raleigh.
    

    Is this helpful?

    Report