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Koo Japanese Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Koo Japanese Restaurant
8.4
Long-running Inner Sunset sushi spot with traditionally trained chefs, seasonal nigiri omakase, and signature small plates. Reservations are recommended for the compact dining room, which suits refined date nights without downtown formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spoonfuls of Happiness (uni + ankimo), Hamachi Carpaccio, Nigiri Omakase
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Chef-driven omakase with distinctive small plates like Spoonfuls of Happiness.
Who should go: Sushi traditionalists and serious nigiri fans
When to visit: Weeknights at opening or late evening
What to order: Nigiri omakase, Hamachi carpaccio, ankimo
Insider tip: Ask for counter seats to interact with the itamae.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Irving and 9th Avenue; metered until 6pm and competitive during dinner hours. No valet or private lot available.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans acceptable with a button-down or blouse. Subtle upscale touches fit the omakase setting.
Noise level: Moderate—quiet enough for easy conversation at counter or tables, though peak dinner hours can bring gentle buzz.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seats sometimes open up for walk-ins late evening.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; limited lunch hours on select days only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited; a few vegetable rolls and side dishes available upon request.
Vegan options: Minimal options—best to call ahead for possible accommodations.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many nigiri and sashimi are naturally gluten-free; soy sauce substitution available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—intimate lighting, attentive service, and sushi counter interaction make it ideal for a refined first date without pretense.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are occasionally possible before 6pm or after 8:30pm, but reservations are strongly recommended for weekends and omakase seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—best suited for adults or older teens who appreciate quiet dining. No kids’ menu or booster seating.
Best For
Better for: Serious sushi enthusiasts seeking traditional craftsmanship and a calm, date-friendly ambiance.
Skip if: You’re after quick rolls, loud group dining, or all-you-can-eat-style variety.
Koo Japanese Restaurant
8.6
Intimate sushi bar (opened 2004) known for nigiri-first omakase and a tight seasonal specials board. Precision cuts, respectful sake pairings, and an unrushed dinner rhythm make it a reliable Inner Sunset choice for focused sushi nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nigiri Omakase, Spoonfuls of Happiness, Hamachi Carpaccio
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Omakase-first program with seasonal market cuts in a small room.
Who should go: Serious nigiri fans and sake seekers
When to visit: Mon–Thu early evening for easiest walk-ins
What to order: Nigiri omakase, Spoonfuls of Happiness, nightly special sashimi
Insider tip: Ask for the day’s off-menu cuts—availability changes nightly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Irving can be challenging after 6pm; nearby residential blocks often open up by 8pm. No valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans fine but most guests lean neat—avoid overly casual gym wear for evening omakase.
Noise level: Low to moderate—conversation friendly, ideal for quiet dates or small groups.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch—dinner service only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some vegetable rolls and appetizers, but menu built around raw fish.
Vegan options: Minimal—can accommodate simple avocado or cucumber rolls upon request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—tamari available on request; alert staff for cross-contact precautions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its intimate layout, dim lighting, and focused service create a polished yet relaxed setting that feels personal without pretense.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly on weeknights before 6:30pm; weekends usually require advance booking or a short wait at the bar.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—quiet, adult-focused atmosphere suits couples or small adult groups more than families.
Best For
Better for: Higher precision nigiri and seasonal omakase than most Inner Sunset spots; excellent sake curation and chef attention.
Skip if: You’re seeking volume-focused rolls, AYCE menus, or a casual family dinner—try Sushi Uma or Ebisu instead.
Koo Japanese Restaurant
8.6
Inner Sunset stalwart (opened 2004) known for nigiri-focused omakase and a tight specials board that leans seasonal. Guests come for precise cuts, a respectful sake list, and an intimate, dinner-only rhythm.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nigiri Omakase (10 pc), Spoonfuls of Happiness (uni + ankimo), Hamachi Carpaccio
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Omakase-first sushi bar with seasonally driven specials since 2004.
Who should go: Serious nigiri fans and sake seekers
When to visit: Mon–Thu early evening for easier walk-ins
What to order: Nigiri omakase, Spoonfuls of Happiness, hamachi carpaccio
Insider tip: Ask about Catch-of-the-Day cuts; the board changes nightly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking; metered spots along Irving fill quickly after 6pm, with better luck a block or two inland.
Dress code: Smart casual; many guests come dressed for date night—neat jeans and a collared shirt or dress are perfect.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet enough for conversation, though the sushi counter can hum with soft chatter.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; small dining room fills early.
Weekday lunch: Closed at lunch—dinner-only service starting at 5:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but thoughtful—vegetable rolls, egg custard, and seasonal appetizers available.
Vegan options: Very limited—few options beyond cucumber or avocado rolls; best to call ahead.
Gluten-free options: Good awareness—tamari available upon request and many nigiri options are naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—intimate lighting, calm pacing, and elegant omakase service make it ideal for a romantic first date without pretense.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible early in the week before 6:30pm, but reservations are strongly advised Friday–Sunday due to limited seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—best suited for adults or older teens who appreciate sushi; no kids’ menu or booster seats.
Best For
Better for: Koo excels in precise nigiri craftsmanship and omakase intimacy—stronger for serious sushi dining than trend-driven spots like Ebisu.
Skip if: Skip if you’re seeking loud group energy or rolls-heavy menus—this is a quieter, omakase-oriented experience.