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Ooi Sushi and Bar
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Ooi Sushi and Bar
8.4
A high-volume LIC sushi bar that wins on clean, fresh fish and a menu that works equally well for rolls, sashimi, and a casual sit-down with drinks. It’s most reliable when you lean into their core sushi execution and keep the order balanced between nigiri and one signature roll.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ooi Roll, Volcano Roll, Omakase
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: High-volume proof with consistently clean rolls and nigiri in central LIC.
Who should go: Groups and dates wanting dependable sushi
When to visit: Weeknight dinner or early weekend seating
What to order: Omakase, Ooi Roll, Volcano Roll
Insider tip: Split one signature roll plus a nigiri mix for better balance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking nearby; garages available within a few blocks. Street spots get tight after 6pm on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but a polished top or jacket fits the room better.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — you can hold a conversation, but it’s energetic during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or under 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetable rolls, avocado-focused options, and cucumber-based maki are available.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable rolls work, but it’s not a vegan-forward menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes — sashimi and nigiri work well; gluten-free soy sauce available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it has a lively but comfortable vibe, polished service, and familiar sushi options that don’t feel risky or intimidating.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or earlier evenings, but expect a wait during weekend dinner rushes. Sitting at the bar can be faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably so for older kids who enjoy sushi or simple rolls; it’s best earlier in the evening rather than late-night peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Reliable, crowd-pleasing sushi with a social atmosphere that works for groups and casual dates.
Skip if: You’re looking for an ultra-intimate omakase experience or a quiet, minimalist sushi counter.
Ooi Sushi and Bar
8.4
A high-volume LIC sushi bar that stays dependable when you keep the order anchored in clean nigiri and a balanced roll or two. The room is lively, the menu is broad, and it works best as an easy, repeatable sit-down for groups or a weeknight date with drinks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef's choice omakase, Nigiri assortment, Signature house roll
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Reliable, clean sushi at scale with a menu that fits groups and dates.
Who should go: Groups and dates who want dependable sushi
When to visit: Weeknight dinner or early weekend seating
What to order: Omakase, nigiri mix, one signature roll
Insider tip: Split nigiri first, then choose one roll for contrast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but competitive in the evenings; metered spots nearby and paid garages within a few blocks. Subway access (Court Square) is the easiest move.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and sneakers are common, but a clean, put-together look fits the room.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — you can hold a conversation, but it gets louder during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetable rolls, avocado-based options, salads, and sides make it workable.
Vegan options: Limited — a few rolls and sides, but not a deep bench.
Gluten-free options: Some options available — sashimi and select nigiri work best; ask the server about soy sauce alternatives.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s lively but not chaotic, with familiar sushi that keeps things low-pressure and easy to share.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or earlier in the evening; weekends fill up fast, so expect a wait or aim for off-peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids who like sushi or simple rolls, though the energetic atmosphere skews more adult in the evenings.
Best For
Better for: Reliable, crowd-pleasing sushi with a broad menu that works for groups, casual dates, and repeat visits.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet omakase experience, ultra-premium fish, or a chef-driven tasting counter.
Ooi Sushi and Bar
8.6
A high-confidence neighborhood sushi bar where rolls and classic nigiri land clean, fresh, and repeatable—backed by serious local volume. Best when you order a focused mix of one signature roll, one simple roll, and a few pristine nigiri so the meal stays about fish quality, not sauce overload.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yellowtail jalapeño roll, Spicy tuna roll, Salmon avocado roll
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: High-volume local favorite where fish-forward rolls stay reliably fresh and balanced.
Who should go: Sushi regulars who want dependable rolls
When to visit: Early dinner to avoid the rush
What to order: Yellowtail jalapeño, spicy tuna roll, salmon avocado
Insider tip: Order one “simple” roll plus one dressed roll for balance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking nearby but limited; garage parking available around Court Square with short walks required.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but the room leans polished enough for a casual date or work lunch.
Noise level: Moderate – lively but controlled, easy to hold a conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short 5–10 minute wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – vegetable rolls, avocado cucumber rolls, and basic sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited – a few vegetable rolls work, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Partial – sashimi and simple nigiri work, but soy sauce substitutions may need to be requested.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's polished but not intimidating, with a calm-enough energy that lets conversation flow while still feeling like a proper night out.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially early evening or weekdays, but weekends fill quickly so a short wait is common.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than young kids—there’s no kids menu, but simple rolls make it workable for sushi-curious older children.
Best For
Better for: Reliable, fish-forward rolls with strong consistency—ideal if you want clean flavors over experimental or sauce-heavy sushi.
Skip if: If you’re looking for omakase, rare fish, or a quiet, intimate sushi counter experience.
Ooi Sushi and Bar
8.6
A polished LIC sushi bar with a broad menu that holds up beyond the usual rolls—think clean cuts of sashimi, well-seasoned rice, and composed appetizers that feel dinner-first. The room is comfortable and date-friendly without going formal, making it an easy pick when you want quality with options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef's sashimi assortment, Toro tartar, Uni (when available)
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: High-volume local favorite that delivers reliable sushi with a polished bar vibe.
Who should go: Couples who want sushi plus options
When to visit: Weeknights for easier seating
What to order: Sashimi, toro tartar, uni if available
Insider tip: Ask what’s best today—fish quality varies by delivery.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited around Queens Plaza and can be difficult after 6pm; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual to trendy casual — jeans are fine, but many guests lean a bit dressier for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate — lively but still comfortable for conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable rolls, salads, and cooked appetizers are available.
Vegan options: Limited — vegetable rolls and a few appetizers can be adapted, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Yes — sashimi and select rolls are naturally gluten-free; ask staff to avoid soy sauce and confirm preparation.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the polished but relaxed vibe, shareable menu, and approachable price point make it an easy, low-pressure choice for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or earlier evenings; weekends are busier, so arriving before peak dinner hours improves your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — kids are welcome, especially earlier in the evening, but the atmosphere is geared more toward couples and adult dining.
Best For
Better for: Reliable sushi quality with a broad menu in a stylish, date-friendly setting at a more accessible price than omakase-focused spots.
Skip if: You’re looking for a formal omakase experience or ultra-quiet, intimate dining — there are more specialized or upscale options nearby.