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Vanessa Changvia Google

about 1 month ago

This is one of my favorite Japanese restaurants in Vancouver. Their sushi is exceptionally well done — the quality of the fish is excellent, and each slice is thick, fresh, and generous. Every bite is incredibly satisfying and full of flavor. What impressed me the most was the beef tongue. It was slightly crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy inside. Easily one of the top three thick-cut beef tongue dishes I’ve ever had. The atmosphere is wonderful, and the staff are all very friendly and welcoming. It’s a great place for a date or for a relaxed gathering with friends.

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Desy Chengvia Google

about 1 month ago

🍣 OKU IZAKAYA - Gastown 🍱 4.8 Stars on Google? Had to give it a try! And it did not disappoint! Overall I was very impressed and I would definitely come back here. Unfortunately it’s only open in the evenings from 5pm onwards. What did we get? 🖤 Nagoya Style Spiced Chicken Karaage $16.90 amadare glaze, yamitsuki spice, ponzu onion, sesame. Hands down these were the best Chicken Karaage I have ever had in my entire life! 10/10 🖤 Yellowtail Hamachi with Wa-Chimichurri Sauce $18.90 Excellent quality Hamachin Sashimi, and I was shocked about how thick and big the slices were! Great value, excellent taste! 9.8/10 🖤 Aburi Black Cod Miso Sansho Temaki Sushi $6.90 I have never seen Black Cod Miso Sablefish in a Temaki. It was DELICIOUS! 10/10 🖤 Poached Black Cod with Ponzu Grated Daikon $16.90 sesame sauce, momiji, oba. Melt in your mouth goodness! 8.7/10 🖤 Tempura Shrimp w/ Eel, Avocado Temaki Sushi $6.90 What a perfect and tasty combo! Crunchy from the Tempura, but wonderful umami punch from the Unagi! $9.5/10 🖤 Soy Marinated Yellowfin Tuna Oba $5.90 This was good, but nothing special! 7.8/10 🖤 Spicy Root Vegetable Kimpira Stir-fry with Chili Oil and Sesame $6.90 lotus roots / bamboo shoots / daikon radish. This was good, but nothing amazing. I would not get this again. I would try other items! 6.8/10 Would I come back? DEFINITELY! Many wonderful delicious items that won’t break the bank! I would highly recommend this place!

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Celine Parkvia Google

about 2 months ago

Visited Oku twice so far, it’s overall a great restaurant I’ll revisit. Highly recommend their “rolls” which are sushi tacos that are two-bite sizes. Beef tongue steak is a must to order. Reason for a star deduction: -Chicken karage was too salty and not crispy -their floor was stinky the second time visited, smelling like dirty rag + piss -they should have some ramen or soupy dish to finish off the course meal (my personal opinion) I’m happy with the restaurant overall, I’ll probably go back some time in the near future!!!

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Nicolas Gvia Google

3 months ago

Oku Izakaya, favorite restaurant in Vancouver. If there was a 6th star, I would give it. We had the most wonderful dining experience here. Perfection, passion, and pride in their food, impressive. We discovered it wandering the streets of Vancouver and were amazed by this place. Everything is delightful, tasty, full of flavours, colours. They give great tips and we had the best hand rolled sushis, sake and chicken karage ever. The team is awesome. We went back the next day, and the week after, coming back from Vancouver island. Thank you and looking forward to coming back again.

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Markvia Google

4 months ago

Oku Izakaya in Gastown feels like stepping into a little corner of Japan. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted warmly in true traditional style, which sets the tone right away. The menu sticks to authentic Japanese dishes, no Philadelphia rolls or Westernized fillers, which is honestly refreshing. The sashimi was the star: fresh, thick cuts, beautifully presented, and full of flavor. The whole experience felt genuine and well executed. I’d absolutely go back.