Ooka Sushi & hibachi steak House

We had a family holiday party of which we enjoyed very much. The Hibachi server Leilani was fantastic, professional, and serviced us with a huge smile. She also took other tables and we didn't feel neglected at all. The food and Chef entertained us completely and we walked out full and stoked to return considering our great experience. Our family loves this place and the quality they perform in food and service. Thank you for having us. See you soon!

Visited 5 months ago

We had a really great time here. We have been here many times for the hibachi Dinner cooked right in front of you.. And every time we come, it's great, lots of food comes with the deal. Great little show, awesome cocktails. You can even get sushi or whatever you want. entertaining Way to have dinner as a group. We always have a great time here.Great people great location, Right near the movie theater and lots of fun shopping for after dinner activity to walk it off. We give this place an a plus also.The sushi is especially good if you come just for a sushiWe give this place an A plus, also The sushi is especially good if you come just for a sushi.

Visited 8 months ago

I have yet to have a bad experience at Ooka. This was my 4th time going and I have to say....it is better than shogun!! Their noodles are so good they're addicting!

When I visit, I always order the deluxe (filet, shrimp, scallions). Not pictured is the salad and clear soup. The salad dressing is so tasty and the mushroom soup is a great starter.

I love the teppanyaki because you get SO MUCH FOOD! I easily get two meals from this one trip because of how filling the meal is.

This place is amazing to go to for celebrations or just on days you're very hungry. Ambiance and service are both great.

My only complaint is if you do not have a big party with you, you get crammed in with strangers and don't have much personal space to yourself. Other than that, this is a must visit!!

Visited 9 months ago

The food does not match its Nice ambiance and comfortable space : below average. Unusually thin sliced sashimi and not fresh. When fresh sashimi melts in your mouth, this sushi tastes rubbery. And the decorative pieces on the plate seemed reused, wilted and old. Small Portion . Salad dressing was good but the greens look old and unwashed. Server seemed to be unhappy to be there. Maybe she has a bad day, hope it gets better for her. Mandatory 18% gratuity no matter what service you get. Will not recommend to anyone who is a sushi connoisseur or high expectation of fresh seafood. After all who would want to chew on rubbery fresh fish meat?

Visited 9 months ago

The food was fine and I did appreciate the variety they offered. The service was fine, not exceptional by any means. My overall rating of 2 stars is based solely on their tipping policy.
As many others have stated in the review, there is an automatic 18% gratuity added. Regardless of service quality or size of party.
I asked the waiter about it and he said it is on the bottom of the menu. He also indicated there was a sign as you check in. He apologized and said he “would get in trouble” if he didn’t add it to the bill!
I looked for the “sign” when we left the restaurant. There was a small, not very obvious piece of paper placed at the front station that explained their policy. Basically, they started the policy back in 2023 and it states because their “hard working staff” deserves the money, they automatically add in an 18% gratuity. Maybe the restaurant should pay a decent wage so they don’t have to tell patrons how much to tip.
Tips should be for good service, not based on total of the bill (including tax) and should never be expected at a certain rate. I tip well when it is deserved, I do not like to be told what I have to tip. The food prices are more than most sushi restaurants in the area, the additional expected cost on top is unreasonable.
I will not go back again; there are better sushi restaurants in Riverside. Don’t get sucked in based on location as the trendy place to go.

Visited 5 months ago

Wow, I have no bad words to say about OOKA. This place is delicious. My friend and I came here for the lunch specials (ends at 2:30) and the food was delicious. I got the bento box, the thin steak option, and my friend got the maki rolls. I also ordered the fried rice ($17). All of the little dishes in the bento box were great tasting. The service was great; our waiter was friendly and attentive. The atmosphere is my favorite, I love a dimly lit restaurant, definitely want to come back for dinner.

Visited 8 months ago

This was my first visit to Ooka and I was impressed with the beautiful interior as well as the friendly staff. Everyone greeted us with a smile, including those who were not directly involved in our service. We ordered the California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, and the Signature 951 Roll. Later, another friend joined us and I was able to sample the Stinky Roll as well. All I can say is that everything was fresh and delectable! It would be very difficult to choose a favorite--and I think that's a good thing!

Visited 10 months ago

Came in to celebrate a birthday the place looks nice. Everything was okay at the beginning till they started sitting us. The cook was pleasant but the grill was so dirty and black, rice and noodles were in the corners that was not wiped down from the past cook. Food was also on the floors , and chairs were sticky. Didn’t feel it was sanitary even though the grill is hot. This was my first time at this establishment and will be the last. Seems like they just want to sit you down and out the door. Have gone to other places that are up to standard. Also they charge gratuity , we were only 2 people.

Visited 5 months ago

Went in with my girlfriend and her niece and nephew. Service was slow which is fine if you have a lunch rush, but when the bill comes, Jonathan the server, has added 20 percent automatically for a party of 4. He sets the bill down and bolts, nowhere to be seen. I always tip. This made me want to find a manager and not tip. I tipped, but not coming back.
Food is basic and overpriced if you aren't getting a hibachi show.

Visited 4 months ago

Visited 4 months ago

We had a family holiday party of which we enjoyed very much. The Hibachi server Leilani was fantastic, professional, and serviced us with a huge smile. She also took other tables and we didn't feel neglected at all. The food and Chef entertained us completely and we walked out full and stoked to return considering our great experience. Our family loves this place and the quality they perform in food and service. Thank you for having us. See you soon!

Visited 5 months ago

We come every year for our Christmas luncheon. Great food and entertainment.

Visited 5 months ago

Choice of quiet dining area or exciting hibachi sections with yumminess & friendly service.

Visited 5 months ago

Morning After Roll is my favorite.

Visited 5 months ago

Came in to celebrate a birthday the place looks nice. Everything was okay at the beginning till they started sitting us. The cook was pleasant but the grill was so dirty and black, rice and noodles were in the corners that was not wiped down from the past cook. Food was also on the floors , and chairs were sticky. Didn’t feel it was sanitary even though the grill is hot. This was my first time at this establishment and will be the last. Seems like they just want to sit you down and out the door. Have gone to other places that are up to standard. Also they charge gratuity , we were only 2 people.

Visited 5 months ago

Found hair in food, dirty floors, rude service

Visited 5 months ago

1 star cause they fired our favorite chef on my birthday for taking to long when we genuinely did not care but the manager is just rude

Visited 5 months ago

We have been coming here for years and this is always been a special place iand time for us. This year we had the most amazing chef named Victor, who catered to our specific request and even multiple food allergies. He took a little bit longer with us because he had to cook so much of the food separate and when we were done he came out with his last paycheck he literally got fired for taking too long with us. We tried to explain to the owner that he had multiple food allergies that he had to address. The owner then called police to have some people at our table removed for advocating for the chef. It became a very uncomfortable atmosphere and I'm very sad as I may not continue to support a business and fired an employed for doing the right thing and making sure nobody had an anaphylactic episode from a food allergy..

Visited 5 months ago

The portion size was good but the food was extremely salty. The “clear soup” was salty, the creamy dipping sauce was salty, noodles, and fried rice. All the adults in our party thought so. We still had a good time celebrating our daughter’s bday and the chef was very nice.

Visited 5 months ago

Visited 5 months ago

The food was fine and I did appreciate the variety they offered. The service was fine, not exceptional by any means. My overall rating of 2 stars is based solely on their tipping policy.
As many others have stated in the review, there is an automatic 18% gratuity added. Regardless of service quality or size of party.
I asked the waiter about it and he said it is on the bottom of the menu. He also indicated there was a sign as you check in. He apologized and said he “would get in trouble” if he didn’t add it to the bill!
I looked for the “sign” when we left the restaurant. There was a small, not very obvious piece of paper placed at the front station that explained their policy. Basically, they started the policy back in 2023 and it states because their “hard working staff” deserves the money, they automatically add in an 18% gratuity. Maybe the restaurant should pay a decent wage so they don’t have to tell patrons how much to tip.
Tips should be for good service, not based on total of the bill (including tax) and should never be expected at a certain rate. I tip well when it is deserved, I do not like to be told what I have to tip. The food prices are more than most sushi restaurants in the area, the additional expected cost on top is unreasonable.
I will not go back again; there are better sushi restaurants in Riverside. Don’t get sucked in based on location as the trendy place to go.

Visited 5 months ago

Fish was pretty descent.

Visited 5 months ago

Visited 6 months ago

Food was good. The restaurant lamps are full of dust and need a thorough cleaning.

Visited 6 months ago

Our waiter was a young nice guy but idk if he or the kitchen forgot to bring an appetizer, when trying to order additional drinks we repeatedly called a woman that was just standing observing and she would look away and when she finally decided to come over she looked confused to why we were asking her for drinks and said “mm let me look for your waiter” instead of just helping us out. Food was ok but we got food poisoning. Will not return.

Visited 6 months ago

The food taste isn’t bad at all and I’ve only ordered the sushi salad and some other rolls and sushi items. In my opinion This place is ridiculously overpriced for what you get! I was disappointed. I thought maybe their fish is wild caught…? so I asked and The only fish that’s wild caught is their Tuna ‘supposedly’ every thing else is farm raised.
It’s not like the salad / veggies are organic or anything.. the portions are small and weak.
I ordered a sashimi salad and I was shocked at the portion size for $24
I’m sorry but In my experience it just doesn’t make sense and in my opinion, which is what these reviews are for, I’d say save your money and go some where more reasonably priced.

Visited 6 months ago

Great for celebrations. We've had some hit or miss experiences but overall the flavor and quality is good. Plus they offer more food for less money than some of the main competition. I'm just not a fan of their mandatory 18% tip, because they take it on the total after tax which really equates to a 21% tip.

Visited 6 months ago

We came in at 8pm, and they said we can only “eat hibachi” but we wanted Sushi only. The manager said we can only be seated for Hibachi Only. “There just trying to Up CHARGE PEOPLE who just want to have Sushi at a Sushi Restaurant.
VERY DISAPPOINTING! That should not be a requirement!

Visited 6 months ago

My husband and I came to watch a movie next door to this place & decided to come in before our movie to see if we can make it to eat here. The lady said they closed at 930. We came in at 8pm, and they said we can only “eat hibachi” but we wanted Sushi only. The manager said we can only be seated for Hibachi Only. “There just trying to Up CHARGE PEOPLE who just want to have Sushi at a Sushi Restaurant.
VERY DISAPPOINTING! That should not be a requirement!

Visited 6 months ago

Visited 6 months ago

Visited 6 months ago

Always excellent food..😋

Visited 6 months ago

The sushi is pretty pricey for the portion size, and the quality is just okay. I’ve had amazing sushi and sashimi before, but this felt average, feel like they got the sashimi from Vons across the street. The lobster roll, however, was enjoyable, and I recommend it for its nice flavors. I originally ordered here because it was the easiest place to order from online, and other sushi spots nearby don’t have many options. The service was great my full order was prepared correctly and on time, which I appreciated. However, it still felt like the chefs weren’t particularly passionate about their work, as the sushi didn’t have the fresh, vibrant flavors I’ve enjoyed at other places.

Visited 6 months ago

Our hibachi chef, Victor, was both very entertaining and made excellent food! We were there during lunch hours, had the lunch combos of shrimp/filet mignon and scallops/NY steak all cooked to perfection! Thank you Victor!

Visited 7 months ago

Horrible place for sushi. I found bones in the sushi left them on the plate to see they refused to slice me another slice of tuna said sometimes sushi has bones they don’t have a chef capable of making sushi properly and it’s very sad to see such a nice establishment fail due to the quality of its under performing chefs. After my meal they tried to charge me gratuity for what had to be the worst possible service from one human to another.

Visited 7 months ago

Visited 7 months ago

Visited 7 months ago

Visited 7 months ago

I have been coming to Ooka for years for different celebrations and never had I experienced such a bad night. I made a reservation for 6:30 and was given a 10 minute grace period per the restaurant policy my entire party arrived at 6:36, and we were not seated until 7:40 on top of being seated over an hour late another family arrived about 20 minutes after we were seated and their chef arrived to their table first and began cooking, they were almost done with their food before our miso soup and salads had even been brought out. Our chef finally arrived to begin cooking a little after 8 and after we had asked our host several times that we were there first and have been waiting for over 2 hours at this point to eat, but we were continuously given the excuse that the chef was coming and that due to the fact that we ordered appetizers (edamame) that was the reason for the delay and why the table across from us had already gotten their food and dining experience. After finally having all of our food cooked at 8:50 we began eating and shortly after at 9:15 we were kicked out with a host saying, “we are closed you guys need to leave”. While I understand the restaurant closed at 8:30 my reservation was at 6:30 and they failed to accommodate us properly and still rushed us to finish due to their lack of preparation. Our chef was amazing but the hosts and management was absolutely terrible and ruined my special day. I continuously rave about how much I love Ooka and after yesterday my opinion has changed greatly.

Visited 7 months ago

Food was delicious and the chef was awesome.

Visited 7 months ago

The food does not match its Nice ambiance and comfortable space : below average. Unusually thin sliced sashimi and not fresh. When fresh sashimi melts in your mouth, this sushi tastes rubbery. And the decorative pieces on the plate seemed reused, wilted and old. Small Portion . Salad dressing was good but the greens look old and unwashed. Server seemed to be unhappy to be there. Maybe she has a bad day, hope it gets better for her. Mandatory 18% gratuity no matter what service you get. Will not recommend to anyone who is a sushi connoisseur or high expectation of fresh seafood. After all who would want to chew on rubbery fresh fish meat?

Visited 7 months ago

Went for my birthday fun experience.and good food

Visited 7 months ago

Food was super good we got to sit with a fun table chefs are very interactive and fun. They had a very good drink menu my wife and I both enjoyed a few cocktails. The place could use some cleaning but with the amount of food that flies around that place I guess it's kind of hard to keep up with

Visited 7 months ago

Visited 7 months ago

This place adds on your tip and tells you what you’re going to tip them. They aren’t even telling you this then you end up tipping on top of a tip! Place was regular nothing special but manager Asian lady was very rude about their tip policy! I’ll never go back there again they are ripping off the public. This tipping game is going on at sushi houses in Riverside

Visited 8 months ago

The miso soup is not good (strong seaweed taste) but the dinner was fantastic and pretty nice service.

Visited 8 months ago

Visited 8 months ago

We had a really great time here. We have been here many times for the hibachi Dinner cooked right in front of you.. And every time we come, it's great, lots of food comes with the deal. Great little show, awesome cocktails. You can even get sushi or whatever you want. entertaining Way to have dinner as a group. We always have a great time here.Great people great location, Right near the movie theater and lots of fun shopping for after dinner activity to walk it off. We give this place an a plus also.The sushi is especially good if you come just for a sushiWe give this place an A plus, also The sushi is especially good if you come just for a sushi.

Visited 8 months ago

I visited this place for the first time with my wife last Friday. The service was excellent, but the food quality was terrible and very expensive. We spent $150 for dinner for two and a side of chicken hibachi to go.

Visited 8 months ago

The food was great, and the chef was highly entertaining . The staff was exceptionally good.

Visited 8 months ago

Wooow!!! Nuf Said

Visited 8 months ago

Wow, I have no bad words to say about OOKA. This place is delicious. My friend and I came here for the lunch specials (ends at 2:30) and the food was delicious. I got the bento box, the thin steak option, and my friend got the maki rolls. I also ordered the fried rice ($17). All of the little dishes in the bento box were great tasting. The service was great; our waiter was friendly and attentive. The atmosphere is my favorite, I love a dimly lit restaurant, definitely want to come back for dinner.

Visited 8 months ago

They were once my favorite hibachi spot. Food was good not gonna lie about that. Vibe isn’t the same. Overall if I’m in the area and I want hibachi I would go back lol

Visited 8 months ago

Great food. Like always

Visited 8 months ago

I had bad experience today ! My daughter birthday and we went there at 2:30. The waiter Alex suddenly stood next to me to serve. She didn't smile, and looked at us with strange eyes. My daughter also felt her unfriendly attitude. I was spending money to buy my own happiness and for my stomach . I didn't want to see her unfriendly attitude. She also felt it, and I also felt the invisible pressure she brought to me. She looks very mean and rude and bad customer experience!

Also she wrote the tips amount on my recipe! I hope the manager must stop this! Tipping is a way for customers to pay for good service. I don't like that you can give less or no. Alex can't fill it out with her own hand. Now I am worried that if I sign it, she will add any number to the tip!! I think this is a very rude way!!!
The atmosphere of this place is depressing. I won’t go there anymore and not recommended this place !!!

Visited 8 months ago

Excellent experience

Visited 8 months ago

This place was delicious it is a great place for a family gatherings birthday parties or just get togethers God bless and have a great week

Visited 8 months ago

Ooka is delicious! Personally, I love the calamari steak but the fried rice, soup, salad, shrimp and everything else is so good too. I’ve been here twice and both times I’ve had the hibachi. The only improvement I’d like to see is new jokes at the Hibachi tables!

Visited 9 months ago

I have yet to have a bad experience at Ooka. This was my 4th time going and I have to say....it is better than shogun!! Their noodles are so good they're addicting!

When I visit, I always order the deluxe (filet, shrimp, scallions). Not pictured is the salad and clear soup. The salad dressing is so tasty and the mushroom soup is a great starter.

I love the teppanyaki because you get SO MUCH FOOD! I easily get two meals from this one trip because of how filling the meal is.

This place is amazing to go to for celebrations or just on days you're very hungry. Ambiance and service are both great.

My only complaint is if you do not have a big party with you, you get crammed in with strangers and don't have much personal space to yourself. Other than that, this is a must visit!!

Visited 9 months ago

I don't remember them cooking with so much butter. Our hibachi chef literally used at least 2lbs of butter for a party of 6. This was our 2nd time to Ookas since they open. Never going back

Visited 9 months ago

Great service and good food

Visited 9 months ago

Visited 9 months ago

Great food, good service. Will be back!

Visited 10 months ago

Enjoyed the sushi

Visited 10 months ago

Giving this place a solid 2. Came when it first opened and food was just ok. Got the steak and shrimp lunch special. My salad was wilted like soggy. Inedible. How is that possible when you guys just opened and there were only 2 tables occupied.
As a Riverside native been wanting to come here for years and was pretty disappointed.

Visited 10 months ago

Service is very good and I have visited Ooka many times and have never been dissatisfied with the service or the meals. Pricing is as it should be, equal to level of service and meal quality. 👍👍lunch/dinner date or whole family time !

Visited 10 months ago

This was my first visit to Ooka and I was impressed with the beautiful interior as well as the friendly staff. Everyone greeted us with a smile, including those who were not directly involved in our service. We ordered the California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, and the Signature 951 Roll. Later, another friend joined us and I was able to sample the Stinky Roll as well. All I can say is that everything was fresh and delectable! It would be very difficult to choose a favorite--and I think that's a good thing!

Visited 10 months ago

Visited 10 months ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

I feel so bad leaving this review because it's gonna be negative. My family and I love coming to this restaurant and having dinner here. But today on June 25 we ordered a Crunchyroll and it was stale. I didn't think much of it when it came out literally 5 minutes after we placed the order. So a family of 4 we all grabbed a piece and ate it. The texture of the roll was like it was sitting in the fridge for a while, like the roll was already made. And the griddle was really dirty and I've never seen any left over/ crumbs from the last meal the made. And the salad was brown and stale. We pointed out to Michael and he assured us that the salad was fresh. I'm Honestly upset that I didn't dispute the 18% gratuity because our server Michael was not attentive. Only got one refill on our waters and we had ask our chef to flag him down for refills and Sriracha sauce. If we ever vfind ourselves wanting to come back I hope we have a better experience and service.

Visited a year ago

Been going for years and although the food is still decent it has gone a bit down hill. The spicy garlic edamame sauce tasted watered down not as garlicky. The sushi roll didn’t taste fresh. The dinner for 2 is still good and the show is entertaining. Also for a place to have these prices and have dirty menu. Idk maybe laminate?

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Not often we

Visited a year ago

Always great food here..
The chefs are awesome and can't wait to go back

Visited a year ago

I enjoyed everything about the place

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Food was ok, not as good as I was expecting. Food presentation was beautiful. Service was good and friendly. As some have mentioned this place desperately needs a deep cleaning. The light fixtures above our table were dusty, the walls also covered in dust and specks of food. The menus were probably the worst. Felt very grimey and really needed an update, pictures would be helpful. I wouldn't go back.

Visited a year ago

Everything was exceptional!!

Visited a year ago

Dine in with a group of 6. Place looks nice. Service was ok. Didn't really check up on us very often. The food was not that great and expensive. 18% gratuity was added to my bill. Payed close to 300 and left there, disappointed and not even satisfied. I kept on thinking dam we should of just went to an all you can eat sushi for this price and the japanese food is better, or even an AYCE Korean BBQ and have a great time. Oh well you live and learn.

Visited a year ago

Nice place, nice experience!
Buen lugar, gran experiencia!

Visited a year ago

Enjoyed dinner with friends and family! Had a great time and a delicious meal 😋🩷🍴

Visited a year ago

Best of the Best for delicious and authentic hibachi cooking at it's best. Linda is amazing!

Visited a year ago

Tasty food ok service cool place but needs cleaning the bathroom was filthy and the general atmosphere is a bit dingy

Visited a year ago

It’s a fun place to eat

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

We went here for a birthday dinner and enjoyed our time.

Visited a year ago

Great hibachi and sushi restaurant

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Great chef, good food, and fair prices.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Went for lunch and has the teppenyaki steak and lobster.
Was great! Always a good time with the show and culinary artist! I think better than Benihana! Will Vista when we're in the area again..

Visited a year ago

Always a great time and good food b

Visited a year ago

This is the second time we've been here and it seemed to have been an overall worse experience. I'm not sure if this was because we ate in the dining room this time rather than one of the hibachi tables.

This is the only hibachi restaurant we've been to which didn't offer some sort of hibachi combo (e.g., chicken & steak.) The food which was served was good, but it seemed like there wasn't enough of it. The service was also a little slower than we would have liked in terms of refilling drinks, but he did a fine job overall.

Visited a year ago

I love coming here. My favorite drink is the blueberry lemon drop. Yum! I really enjoy the food and service.

Visited a year ago

Great food as always

Visited a year ago

Celebrated 2 birthdays on Saturday and everyone had a great time.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Great place

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

I normally prefer here over Benihana‘s
Yesterday I went and I always get the same thing, filet mignon chicken and chicken fried rice.
Well, long story short, the chicken was not done inside my fried rice. It was wiggly and chewy. I didn’t wanna say it at the table in front of everybody and that was my first item that was on my plate so I got up and went and got the manager and ask for another rice to be made. They brought me out another rice, and the chicken still wasn’t done 😳 I get the chicken fried rice all the time I’ve never had this problem. So my meal was incomplete because I had to eat my food with no rice. Like everybody gets charged an automatic 18% gratuity. We were only a party of two. And that’s fine I don’t mind giving 18% but let’s make sure drinks are being refilled and food has been cooked right…. My chicken and steak for my meal were delicious. But the chicken fried rice horrible. The meats were the last part cooked so that’s why my chicken that was part of my meal was all the way cooked. The rice was made first then the noodles, then the vegetables than the meats…. But the meats were put on the grill off to the side ahead of time, so we’re cooking slowly the entire time.
I was the only one out of the group in the table that got chicken fried rice, and that was the first thing he made was everybody’s fried rice. He was too quick to try to move onto the next item to make sure that my chicken was done. So you would’ve thought that Manager would’ve made sure he told the people in the back make sure this chicken. Grilled and completely cooked For the rice so I gave them back to full bowls of chicken fried rice… HORRIBLE you can’t automatically charge everybody almost 20% gratuity and operate like that. Let’s do better have the food cooked properly and the drinks refilled promptly.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Been here for dinner and a few times for their lunch specials. Their sushi is good and love their sea bass lunch special. Atmosphere is very nice and not too loud in the dining area away from the teppanyaki. The teppanyaki is very entertaining and also good. Also love sitting at the sushi bar. It’s a relaxing atmosphere with good food. Wish I had pictures but posting this review a few months after our visits.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

I've only gone to the restaurant side, not the hibachi, and the food is always delicious. I get the sashimi combo every time, and the fish is really fresh. They give you fresh fried rice and so many extras with it.

Visited a year ago

Service was excellent, food was good. They have dining area, sushi bar and a lot of hibachi grills where groups gather. Restroom needs brighter lights.

Visited a year ago

Friendly staff

Visited a year ago

We had reservations and we were able to be seated within moments of arriving at the restaurant which was nice. Our chef was fantastic although he was a bit heavy-handed with the soy sauce. We ordered our drinks and our food, and the chef came out very quickly to prepare everything. Nice atmosphere, just need to tone down the salt and let the grill do the heavy lifting.

Visited a year ago

I had shusi there and is good service is good also.

Visited a year ago

I ordered food to go. Unfortunately, what I received left a so much to be desired. The dish was poorly presented and overcooked. The eggs and vegetables were actually burnt. The shrimps were not fresh and several still had dirt along the back. However, this experience was extremely disappointing. I was already planning a revisit for a sit-down dinner. The restaurant's interior appeared clean, high-end,
and the servers were quite professional. I phoned to make them aware, and of course I received the obligatory apology, but no offer to render a solution. Maybe dining-in makes a difference. Just sad.

Visited a year ago

Unbelievable that Ooka charges an 18% gratuity for a party of 1. Gone are the days of tipping for good service. We're now entering the days of forced tipping to cover the employers' payroll to cover the exorbitant hourly wage of employees. SMH. We do not recommend Ooka Sushi & Hibachi restaurant in Riverside, CA..

Visited a year ago

Well where to start. Understandably that since we had the tepan experience that they needed all persons in the party to be present prior to being seated. But after that it wasn’t smooth sailing whatsoever. The drink order was slow in arriving, the beer was not cold, the sake we ordered wasn’t very good. When the chef arrived he wasn’t prepared. The griddle was way too hot, so therefore ruining the scallops we ordered. Never mind the burnt egg in the fried rice. On top of which; the sushi we ordered was probably the smallest flavorless sushi I’ve ever ate. This place has been in business for a very long time. They know what they’re serving. Love the atmosphere
and the energy of the place. Too bad it wasn’t the experience we had hoped for. An added note. I haven’t done the Tepan anywhere in over twenty years.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

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Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Delicious, small atmosphere so it is better for the experience. It is smaller than a benhai place but the food is amazing. Come hungry and leave full.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Really nice value for what you get.
Friendly service and big place - just be warned the last call for food and drinks was around 8pm on a Thursday night and the place was still pretty full … but maybe this is typical in this area. I definitely recommend it !

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Delicious birthday dinner with the family.

Visited a year ago

Food was cooked too fast and most of it was burnt. The cook needs more and better training to prepare each dish properly. Gratuity should not be automatically added to your final cost of the bill. He did not deserve such a large tip.

Visited a year ago

They were great! Great service and food. I would of added another star if they waited between appetizers, salad and entree's. I will return;)

Visited a year ago

Staff is not very knowledgeable about allergies to the foods that they prepare, as a result, they're not helpful when you are trying to avoid having an allergic reaction

Visited a year ago

We had not gone here in a couple of years. We were pleasantly surprised by the quality and quantity of food on this visit. Service was excellent from the hostess, to the server and hibachi chef. Great place to eat for a couple or small group.

Visited a year ago

Went here for lunch service was good Lively atmosphere The Hibachi tables look like everyone was having a great time I sat in the regular section we ordered Sushi and some salad Sushi was just okay nothing spectacular or out of the ordinary the salad I got was the mushroom salad was very dry no flavor

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Great atmosphere 👌 food is always amazing 👏 I came during lunchtime, and the wait was 12 minutes.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Great food!!!

Visited a year ago

The food was good. Service was nice

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

The service and food was great. Brian was perfect as he was very attentive to our needs

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

The server was rude; however, the cook was excellent. There was a clear lack of communication because I had to remind the server I had brought a cake. The bill was nearly triple the original price, and when I asked for the automatic gratuity to be removed, they brought the bill back and blamed it on a system error. I still think that this experience could have been better considering this is supposed to be a 'nicer' establishment.

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Off the chain

Visited 2 years ago

The food was awesome the service was great the atmosphere was relaxing.
I love going there.

Visited 2 years ago

Hibachi chefs are talented and funny. Most servers are very kind and food is perfectly cooked and seasoned. 10/10.

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Great service, great food, the location was also good just had to find parking but the customer service was real good they were all on top of everything we wanted. I came here with a groupd of 6 for my mother birthday and we all had a great time.

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Food was Excellent!! Various plates,and Rolls & Sushi... Great Drinks!!_

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Good but expensive!

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

It is very hard to get a reservation. Person very rude once we got there not customer service friendly at all.

Visited 2 years ago

Dust EVERYWHERE. They need to clean. Service and chef not as willing to help me with dietary restriction as the last time I was here in 2022. They were closing up the place 20 minutes before closing (taking soy sauce away etc). Waiter disappeared and didn't even get us more water. Then they tack on an automatic gratuity to the bill.

Visited 2 years ago

Delicious & Chef or on a great show!

Visited 2 years ago

I have been going to Ooka Japanese Restaurant for special occasions since they have opened and my children were small. At that time it was a high end hibachi type Japanese restaurant and it was a great show and great food. The Japanese hibachi chefs were entertaining and authentic. But cue today, my husband and I came in for our anniversary dinner and I was quite disappointed. Our hibachi chef was 24 years old and not Japanese. And I remembered this because he said his age and he was younger than my youngest child. He did not know how to handle the grill and was not entertaining or talented which is part of the show. He made the always present onion volcano (which I look forward too each and every time) out of 3 little onion slices with no panache!! There was no show and the food was only mediocre. I paid 50.00 for the lobster and my husband ordered the filet mignon and salmon but the salmon turned out the size of a chicken strip. I paid a lot money for our anniversary dinner and I was expecting the service to reflect that price, which in the past they have always delivered. Needless to say I was completely disappointed and will probably will not eat there again. It's really sad because they were a great restaurant with great food and a great show!!

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Always have a great time and love eating with new people. Kids love watching our food prepared...and the chefs always make it fun!

Visited 2 years ago

If you are in riverside and you crave a quick hibachi grill then Ooka is your place to go, no reservation on a Saturday and it was a win, waited for 10 minutes, sushi is awesome specially volcano roll, portions are okay although other hibachi restaurants might give bigger portions but the taste is very authentic, ambiance is great, people are very welcoming and professional, highly recommended

Visited 2 years ago

ambience was really nice, restaurant was very busy but they were able to fit my party in (3 walk-ins) anyways. food was really good! highly recommend the garlic edamame, tortilla tuna bites, the lamb chops, their fried rice and calamari! for drinks, the piña colada and mango passion soda was super yummy. our server was super nice and everything was brought out super quick. food was fresh and delicious as always! will definitely be coming back!

Visited 2 years ago

Great place, tempora ,edamama, miso soup and fried rice all where superb. The lamchops with risotto where great, great is a understatement, would go here every day 😀

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

This place used to be so much better. The portions are so small now, and they really could dust the place better. And the 18% gratuity? On every check? Leaves a bad taste in your mouth…

Visited 2 years ago

My 77 yr old mom, son, and niece wanted TY go to Ooka for their birthdays. So, we made reservations at Ooka to celebrate 3 birthdays and my sister's 27th anniversary. We let them know when we made the reservation and when we sat down at the tables. At the table next to us, they sang the group happy birthday and brought out a dessert. They did NOTHING for my group. $480 DISAPPOINTMENT. My mom was deeply insulted. Don't waste your money here. They don't care about their customers.

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

I thought it was a lot yummier than Benihana

Visited 2 years ago

As soon the bill came it was 'pre-tipped' and we were super confused about why the check included a tip. Good food and service although obviously worthy of a good tip but it's just weird when it happens.

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Only time I am enjoying Japanese food. Still love the place.

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Great food and very hospitable. Cocktail served in a small martini glass is my only complaint.

Visited 2 years ago

We really enjoyed the food, the scallops were done quickly and to perfection, the ginger salad dressing was a vey good complement to all the other flavors.

Visited 2 years ago

Please charge fee be law.

Visited 2 years ago

Great place for dinner and Drinks are delicious one is good.

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

I've tried several times to give this place a chance. I just can't anymore and am forced to give them a below average review. I've dined there on four separate occasions.
Each time, the service has been mediocre at best. The hosts are barely civil. The wait staff are fine, but not exactly the most efficient. Don't try to call for a reservation, because they won't answer the phone. The food isn't anything to rave about. The hours of operation suck.

All in all...I'd go somewhere else if given the opportunity. Sorry Ooka...you should try to do better considering restaurants are closing left and right.

Visited 2 years ago

Was a great place to celebrate a birthday. Dinner was great and alot of fun

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Food was excellent. A bit pricey but the amount of food is just right. Only thing, the lamps are so dusty hovering over every table. Need to dust clean those ceiling lamps.

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Comida deliciosa,excelente servicio y muy comodo lugar, nos gusto mucho a toda la familia!

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Rude and rush. Then we had to share a table with another family. Not warmed or asked. $300 not worth it.

Visited 2 years ago

This restaurant has had no love since it opened. Everything is old, falling apart and dirty. You’ll notice the floors as soon as you walk in. Look at window seals, chairs and grills at hibachi. Clearly they don’t deep clean. It was extremely slow, took an hour from putting name in (told 10 minute wait) till we got soup and salad. They need to deep clean and remodel. With the prices you pay you expect a better atmosphere.

Visited 2 years ago

good food and service

Visited 2 years ago

Took my grandaughter there for her birthday five people over $250. The shrimp, chicken, and steak was cooked too long. The shrimp was rubbery, and the steak and chicken was hard. The crunch roll was really good. Next time I will only get the crunch roll. Any time the head and tail of the shrimp touches that means it was cooked too long. I knew the shrimp was being cooked too long, so I asked the guy to give me my shrimp now because it was on the grill too long and it was still rubbery. The only thing that was good was the scallop and crunch roll. Plus they had the nerve to charge 18% gratuity, which I would not have mind if the food was cooked properly. Also they put the nasty menu on top of the dinner plate. The menu that everyone touches after using the restroom and who knows if they wash their hands properly. That should be against any restaurant rules. Don’t waste your money going here.

Visited 2 years ago

Great service, we got our food really fast and it was delicious. Nice and clean inside

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

BE AWARE THAT THIS RESTAURANT ADDS 18% GRATIUITY TO EVERY CHECK AUTOMATICALLY!!!!
They claim it's to provide compensation to their staff..So why doesn't the restaurant just provides that compensation to their employees by giving them a raise.??
The food was Salty and very poor in quality.
A waiter took our drink order then a waitress took our drink order and we still ended up missing drinks (party of 3 adults)
If I could give this place Zero Stars I would.
Not cool how they impose that percentage of mandatory gratuity.

Visited 2 years ago

Great place to go to for any occasion. The food was DELICIOUS!!! The service was outstanding. Will definitely be coming back.

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago