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Taraval Okazu Ya Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Taraval Okazu Ya Restaurant
8.1
Long-running Parkside standby with a full sushi bar, broad sake-friendly menu, and steady execution that works for a low-key date. Nigiri and classic rolls are consistent, while grilled hamachi kama and combo platters make sharing easy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hamachi Kama, Chirashi Bowl, Dragon Roll
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Classic Sunset-district sushi bar with shareable combos and reliable fish.
Who should go: Couples wanting classic sushi without downtown fuss
When to visit: Weeknights 6–8pm for steady pace and shorter waits
What to order: Hamachi kama; chirashi; dragon roll
Insider tip: Ask for daily nigiri specials and split a combo to sample more.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Taraval is usually available within a block or two, though it can tighten after 6:30pm. No dedicated lot or valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and a nice shirt are fine. Slightly elevated over takeout sushi spots fits the vibe.
Noise level: Moderate — conversations are easy across the table, though it can hum a bit during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Expect a 30–45 minute wait without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: No wait; walk-ins seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetable rolls, agedashi tofu, and udon bowls available.
Vegan options: Limited — a few veggie rolls and miso soup without fish broth upon request.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free soy sauce available on request; most sashimi and rice dishes are safe options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the lighting is warm, the pace relaxed, and the staff friendly without hovering. It’s ideal for conversation over shared plates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weeknights, but call ahead on weekends — it’s a neighborhood favorite and fills up fast after 6:30pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Accepts families early in the evening, though ambiance leans more adult-friendly. No dedicated kids’ menu or booster seats.
Best For
Better for: A relaxed, classic sushi dinner with consistent quality and fair prices in a calm setting.
Skip if: You’re looking for trendier omakase-style presentation or late-night service — this spot closes early and keeps things traditional.
Taraval Okazu Ya Restaurant
7.8
Long-running Sunset standby pairing a full sushi bar with teishoku combos and comfort classics. Solid fish quality and value pricing make it a dependable everyday option.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chirashi Bowl, Salmon Skin Hand Roll, Hamachi Kama
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Teishoku comfort plates alongside a capable sushi bar at wallet-friendly prices.
Who should go: Families and everyday sushi regulars
When to visit: Late lunch or early evening for easiest seating
What to order: Chirashi bowl, salmon skin hand roll, hamachi kama
Insider tip: Ask for the combo set to sample sushi with hot entrées.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Taraval Street; spots open up between meal rushes but can be tight after 6pm. No private lot.
Dress code: Casual; most guests wear jeans or everyday wear. No need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate – conversational during lunch, livelier at dinner with families and groups.
Weekend wait: 25–40 minutes during peak dinner hours; faster turnaround after 8pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk-ins seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – avocado rolls, vegetable tempura, and tofu teishoku available.
Vegan options: Limited – a few rolls and salads without sauce modifications.
Gluten-free options: Partially – sushi rice and sashimi fine; soy sauce contains gluten unless you bring your own.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual outings or second dates. The setting is relaxed and welcoming but not particularly intimate or upscale.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – they operate on a first-come basis. Arrive before 6:30pm on weekends to avoid waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Very – family-friendly with high chairs, quick service, and menu items like teriyaki and udon for younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Everyday sushi and Japanese comfort plates at solid prices; ideal for families or neighborhood regulars.
Skip if: You’re seeking a romantic omakase or high-end sushi experience—try Yoji Sushi House or Ebisu instead.
Taraval Okazu Ya Restaurant
7.9
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Quick Bites Champions
Long-running Sunset standby pairing a full sushi bar with teishoku combos and comfort classics. Solid fish quality and wallet-friendly pricing make it a dependable everyday option for Parkside locals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chirashi bowl, Salmon skin hand roll, Hamachi kama
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Teishoku comfort plates alongside a capable sushi bar at friendly prices.
Who should go: Families and everyday sushi regulars
When to visit: Late lunch or early evening for easiest seating
What to order: Chirashi; salmon skin roll; hamachi kama
Insider tip: Ask for the combo set to sample sushi with hot entrées.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly free street parking along Taraval and side streets; can fill up during peak dinner hours but turnover is steady.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; neighborhood vibe means jeans and T-shirts are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate – you can chat easily at your table, though peak weekend dinners get a little lively.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes depending on party size; walk-ins welcome but small groups seat faster.
Weekday lunch: No wait or very short wait; plenty of tables available.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several rolls, vegetable tempura, and tofu teishoku sets are available.
Vegan options: Limited – miso soup and vegetable rolls can be adapted, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Partial – sashimi and certain grilled items are safe; soy sauce substitutions not guaranteed.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for a casual outing or low-key second date; relaxed service and cozy booths create a comfortable atmosphere but it’s not particularly romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – they don’t take reservations; arrive early on weekends or expect a short wait around 7pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – staff are welcoming to families, and bento and noodle dishes work well for kids; high chairs available.
Best For
Better for: Casual sushi meals, combo plates, and quick teishoku dinners at prices below most nearby Japanese spots.
Skip if: You’re seeking premium omakase, specialty rolls, or an upscale dining environment – look to Yoji Sushi House or Ebisu instead.
Taraval Okazu Ya Restaurant
7.9
Long-running Parkside Japanese spot known for sushi combos and a surprisingly robust ramen section. The clam ramen and short rib ramen are local favorites, with generous portions and everyday-friendly pricing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Clam Ramen, Short Rib Ramen, Tonkotsu Ramen
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Neighborhood Japanese staple with multiple ramen styles including clam ramen.
Who should go: Families and classic-Japanese regulars
When to visit: Early dinner on weekends for easy seating
What to order: Clam ramen, short rib ramen, tonkotsu
Insider tip: Call-ahead orders help during peak Taraval dinner rush.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Taraval is generally available but fills up quickly after 6pm; nearby side streets offer easier spots within a short walk.
Dress code: Casual; neighborhood-friendly attire like jeans and sweaters is perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate – comfortable for conversation, though the small dining room can get lively during dinner rush.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes during peak hours, especially after 6:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; plenty of open tables.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several vegetable rolls and a miso-vegetable ramen available.
Vegan options: Limited – a few options like vegetable ramen without egg or broth customization on request.
Gluten-free options: Partial – some rice-based dishes and sashimi are safe, but ramen noodles contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Decent for a casual first date if you value comfort and conversation over ambience. It’s warm, low-pressure, and locally loved, but not particularly romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – it’s walk-in friendly. Call ahead for groups over four, but solo diners and pairs are usually seated quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. Families are common here, and staff are accommodating with child portions and booster seats.
Best For
Better for: Variety – few neighborhood spots match its combo of sushi, ramen, and donburi under one roof with consistent quality.
Skip if: You’re seeking a trendier or minimalist ramen experience; this is more about comfort and heart than presentation.
Taraval Okazu Ya Restaurant
7.8
Old-school Japanese spot with a long roll list alongside teishoku plates. Good value combos and familiar maki make it a practical neighborhood standby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dragon Roll, Rainbow Roll, California Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A broad, affordable roll menu with nostalgic neighborhood appeal.
Who should go: Value hunters and families sharing rolls
When to visit: Weeknights before 7pm for fastest seating
What to order: Dragon, Rainbow, California
Insider tip: The maki combo is the best price-to-variety play for two.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Taraval is usually available, but it can get competitive during dinner rush hours—look for side streets between 22nd and 24th Ave.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; neighborhood diners and families often come in everyday wear.
Noise level: Moderate—steady chatter and clinking dishes, but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours, especially for larger parties.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; quick seating and faster service for lunch sets.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several veggie rolls and tofu options are available.
Vegan options: Limited—maki like cucumber or avocado rolls can work, but sauces may contain fish elements.
Gluten-free options: Partially—sashimi and some teishoku plates are fine, but soy sauce and tempura batter contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual, low-pressure dates—comfortable seating and familiar fare, but not a high-ambience spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t required. Walk-ins are common, but arrive before 6:30pm to avoid waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—staff are used to families, and the menu includes mild rolls and teriyaki plates that work well for kids.
Best For
Better for: Large groups or families looking for variety and value across rolls and set plates.
Skip if: You’re after premium sushi cuts, omakase-style dining, or upscale ambience—this is a casual classic, not a destination experience.
Taraval Okazu Ya Restaurant
8.1
Long-running Sunset standby offering a broad sushi-plus menu—teriyaki, tempura, rolls—served at a brisk clip. Good for mixed groups where colleagues want options beyond raw fish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salmon Teriyaki Bento, Tempura Udon, Dragon Roll
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Wide Japanese menu suits varied tastes and time-boxed lunches.
Who should go: Teams needing variety and speedy service
When to visit: Noon–1pm for fastest kitchen turns
What to order: Teriyaki bento, tempura udon, dragon roll
Insider tip: Ask for check drop with entrées to keep meetings on schedule.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered and residential street parking along Taraval and side streets; easiest before noon or after 2pm.
Dress code: Casual business attire—button-downs or neat polos are common; jeans acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation is easy across tables, though lunch rush adds steady chatter.
Weekend wait: Typically 20–30 minutes for walk-ins; larger parties may wait longer.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately before 12pm; brief wait around peak noon hour.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable rolls, tofu dishes, and tempura options available.
Vegan options: Limited—miso soup and some vegetable sides qualify, but sauces may contain fish stock.
Gluten-free options: Partial—sushi and grilled items can be adapted; soy sauce contains gluten unless requested otherwise.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for colleagues than romance—efficient service and shared platters suit group lunches, not long conversations.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations are uncommon at lunch; walk-ins fine except for large office groups or weekend dinners.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—plenty of cooked options and quick service, but no dedicated kids’ menu or play area.
Best For
Better for: Ideal when you need quick, consistent Japanese fare for teams or mixed tastes—more variety and speed than nearby sushi-only spots.
Skip if: You’re seeking omakase finesse or romantic atmosphere—choose Sushi Zen or Yoji Sushi instead.
Taraval Okazu Ya Restaurant
7.9
Old-school Japanese spot with a full sushi bar turning out bright sashimi combos, chirashi, and value teishoku sets. The plates are tidy and colorful enough for the feed while staying wallet-friendly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chirashi, Moriawase (Chef’s Choice Nigiri), Hamachi Sashimi
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Clean, color-forward sashimi and nigiri sets at approachable prices.
Who should go: Budget-minded sushi eaters and families
When to visit: Early evening to avoid peak waits
What to order: Chirashi, Moriawase nigiri, hamachi sashimi
Insider tip: Order chirashi for the most visually striking plate-to-value ratio.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking along Taraval and side streets; can fill quickly after 6pm but turnover is steady.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—most diners wear jeans or casual date-night attire.
Noise level: Moderate—quiet enough for conversation but with typical sushi-bar chatter.
Weekend wait: 25–40 minutes without a reservation during peak 6–8pm window.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; steady but quick turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several rolls and vegetable tempura options available.
Vegan options: Limited—avocado rolls and cucumber rolls only.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many sashimi and rice dishes are naturally gluten-free; bring your own tamari for full control.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's a cozy, low-pressure setting with artful presentation that feels special without being pretentious.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes for small groups; arrive early for dinner or expect a short wait during peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—staff are accommodating, and there are bento and noodle options suitable for kids around 6 and up.
Best For
Better for: More affordable and homey than trendier sushi bars; strong value for chirashi and combination sets.
Skip if: You're seeking omakase-level creativity or upscale ambiance—this is more classic neighborhood Japanese dining.