0 Followers
Okane
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Okane
8.0
Neighborhood izakaya and sushi bar from the Omakase Group delivering clean fish, shareable plates, and a lively room at more accessible prices. Ideal for pre-show dinners or low-key dates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salmon belly aburi, Hamachi kama, Spicy tuna crispy rice
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Refined izakaya standards and sushi with fair pricing and pace.
Who should go: Casual sushi-and-sake nights
When to visit: Early evening to avoid peak waits
What to order: Chef’s nigiri set; hamachi kama; crispy rice
Insider tip: Bar seats move fastest for à la carte nigiri orders.
Okane
8.3
Vibes:
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Business Lunch Power Players
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Casual izakaya with a focused sushi bar, known for balanced nigiri and shareable plates at approachable prices. Warm wood tones and a lively room make it easy to capture clean, appetizing shots.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chirashi don, Hamachi kama, Chef’s nigiri set
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Izakaya comfort with a credible sushi program at fair prices.
Who should go: Casual sushi fans and small groups
When to visit: Early dinner to avoid peak waits
What to order: Chirashi, hamachi kama, nigiri set
Insider tip: At lunch, sit at the bar for faster nigiri turns and better photos.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking around Showplace Square; garage parking available within a 5-minute walk on 8th Street.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and casual tops are fine, but many guests lean slightly polished for the sushi bar.
Noise level: Moderate—lively conversation and background music, but you can still carry on a meal with friends or colleagues.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; prime hours fill quickly.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though bar seating moves fastest.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—rolls, tempura, and small plates available.
Vegan options: Limited—can request vegetable rolls and edamame, but options are sparse.
Gluten-free options: Yes—tamari is available on request and some rolls can be adjusted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—casual yet stylish atmosphere makes it comfortable and approachable, with enough energy to avoid awkward silences.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible at off-peak hours, but expect waits at dinner. The sushi bar is often easier to secure for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially geared toward kids—better for adults and groups. Older children who enjoy sushi will be fine, but no dedicated kid’s menu.
Best For
Better for: Balanced value and quality in a lively setting; more approachable than fine-dining omakase spots while still credible.
Skip if: If you want ultra-quiet, high-end omakase service or extensive vegan choices—choose a more specialized sushi counter instead.
Okane
8.4
Neighborhood izakaya from the Omakase Restaurant Group serving sushi, donburi, and shareable plates with weekday lunch service. Fish is sourced via Toyosu connections overseen by chef Jackson Yu, making it a reliable executive lunch near Showplace Square.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lunch Chirashi, Chicken Karaage Don, Salmon Teriyaki Bento
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Toyosu-driven sushi and weekday lunch in a polished izakaya.
Who should go: Teams needing reliable, professional Japanese lunch
When to visit: 11:30am–1pm for fastest pacing and best selection
What to order: Chirashi; karaage don; salmon teriyaki bento
Insider tip: Ask for bar seats if you want quicker turns and sushi chef interaction.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking in Showplace Square; paid lots available within 2–3 blocks.
Dress code: Smart casual—button-downs or blouses fit the business crowd; jeans acceptable if neat.
Noise level: Moderate—conversations remain clear, though lunch rush adds background energy.
Weekend wait: Closed for dinner on weekends—no wait times.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait with a reservation; walk-ins may wait 10–15 minutes at peak.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable sushi, agedashi tofu, and donburi options.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 items such as edamame, seaweed salad, and select veggie rolls.
Gluten-free options: Yes—sashimi, donburi (with plain rice), and some grilled fish options; ask staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for business or team lunches than romance; atmosphere is polished but practical.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes during weekdays, though prime lunch hours fill quickly—reserve for groups of 4 or more.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—geared toward professionals; limited high chairs and kid-friendly menu items.
Best For
Better for: Efficient weekday sushi lunches with Toyosu-quality fish near the Design District.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic dinner or extensive vegan/plant-based options.
Okane
8.5
Izakaya and sushi sibling to Michelin-starred Omakase, honored with Bib Gourmand for value. Balanced menu of classic maki and modern rolls alongside sashimi and small plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Negitoro Roll, Rainbow Roll, Townsend Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Bib Gourmand-caliber sushi bar with standout maki and izakaya plates.
Who should go: Date nights and sushi traditionalists
When to visit: Weeknights before 6:30 pm or late after 8:30
What to order: Negitoro Roll, Rainbow Roll, karaage to start
Insider tip: Ask about seasonal fish upgrades for specialty rolls.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be challenging in Showplace Square during peak hours; nearest paid garage is at 135 Townsend St, about a 5-minute walk.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and nice tops are fine, but many guests lean dressy for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate—lively bar chatter but you can still hold a conversation across the table.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak 7–8 pm hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick seating is common.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple rolls, vegetable tempura, and small plates available.
Vegan options: Limited—about 2–3 dishes can be customized vegan, but no dedicated menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many sashimi and rolls can be prepared gluten-free; soy sauce substitute available on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The stylish room, attentive service, and shareable small plates create an intimate but not overly formal setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights or late evenings, but reservations are strongly recommended on weekends to avoid waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially. The vibe skews adult and date-night oriented, though older children could be fine at early seatings.
Best For
Better for: More affordable than its Michelin-starred sibling Omakase while still offering refined sushi and creative rolls.
Skip if: If you want the ultra-luxury omakase counter experience—go to Omakase next door instead.
Okane
8.1
Neighborhood izakaya and sushi bar from the Omakase Group with shareable plates and solid nigiri at friendlier prices. A dependable pre-show or casual date option near Showplace Square.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nigiri set, Chicken karaage, Hamachi collar
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Approachable izakaya fare with a focused sushi program.
Who should go: Casual sushi fans and small groups
When to visit: Early evening before peak dinner rush
What to order: Nigiri set, karaage, hamachi collar
Insider tip: Ask about fish cuts sourced for the neighboring fine-dining counter.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking in Showplace Square; metered spots fill quickly during dinner. No valet service provided.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—most guests wear jeans, button-downs, or simple dresses.
Noise level: Moderate—lively atmosphere but conversation is possible without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; reservations recommended.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though peak business lunch hours can be busier.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian sushi rolls, vegetable tempura, and select izakaya dishes.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 small plates like edamame or seaweed salad.
Gluten-free options: Some options—sashimi and certain grilled items; ask staff to avoid soy sauce marinades.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's casual yet polished, with shareable dishes and a lively but not overwhelming vibe that works well for a relaxed first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weekdays or early evenings, but weekends and show nights are crowded—book ahead to avoid waiting.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably—families do visit, but the menu leans toward sushi and izakaya rather than kid-specific meals. Best for older children or adventurous eaters.
Best For
Better for: More approachable and budget-friendly than its fine-dining sibling Omakase next door, while still delivering quality sushi and izakaya plates.
Skip if: If you’re seeking a quiet, high-end omakase or extensive vegan/gluten-free menus, consider alternatives.
Okane
8.2
Neighborhood izakaya and sushi bar from the Omakase team (opened 2016) with Toyosu-market sourcing and a lively room. It’s a relaxed, date-friendly alternative with high-quality nigiri, shareable plates, and a strong sake list.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chirashi don, Hamachi kama, Harajuku roll
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Top-tier fish in a casual izakaya setting next to Omakase.
Who should go: Couples wanting quality without the formality
When to visit: Weeknights 6–8pm for best energy
What to order: Nigiri set, chirashi, hamachi collar
Insider tip: Ask about market specials sourced alongside Omakase’s menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Showplace Square, especially after 6pm; nearby paid garages on 8th and Townsend are the best bet.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but many opt for dressier attire for date night.
Noise level: Moderate – lively room with music and chatter, but still possible to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; bar seats may open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though the dining room fills by 12:30.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple vegetable sushi and small plates available.
Vegan options: Limited – a few rolls and sides can be adapted, but no full vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes – many sushi and sashimi options are naturally gluten-free; staff can advise.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the relaxed but polished atmosphere balances quality food with an approachable vibe, making it less intimidating than Omakase.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are possible, especially on weeknights, but reservations are recommended on weekends for prime dining hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially – it’s more suited for adults; no children’s menu or high chairs, though older kids may enjoy the sushi.
Best For
Better for: High-quality sushi with a laid-back izakaya feel, ideal for casual dates and business dinners without the formality of Omakase.
Skip if: You want a hushed, luxury omakase counter experience; in that case, Omakase next door is the better choice.