Todd C.
Yelp
My partner and I make this dining experience part of our weekend at least once a month, and sometimes it is a bi-weekly treat. I look so forward to these special Friday evenings because I know I am going to be dining on some of the most delectable foods that have crossed my palate, met by some of the finest and most friendly staff, and treated to exquisite ambiance and the beautiful back-drop of a downtown Raleigh street. I love this restaurant so much! A special shout out to our requested server, Ginah who provides service beyond expectation, is the most friendly server I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, and is certainly deserving of this special shout out, and many, many other accolades.
I am a creature of habit, but my partner is not, and I have experienced many enjoyable menu items thanks to his progressive palate and foodie spirit. I am grateful for that. As a result of this, I must make recommendations for food.
We start each dinner with a drink, the Zone 2983 (Suntory Whiskey, scotch, plum wine, peychaud bitters), 2 orders of the dumplings, the O-ku Shrimp, and Edamame. The dumplings are some of the most rich flavored I have had, so tender and just so very tasty tantalizing, the O-Ku Shrimp are always spot on delicious in the O-Ku sauce, and the Edamame comes in different flavors, with every single flavor being worth a try, but I personally recommend the Pink Himalayan Salt & Truffle Oil. Recently, we were treated to the Scallops and they were mouth watering, tender, bright flavored and fresh. We will be adding these to our Friday's evenings going forward.
For dinner, my partner and I share the best of our meals now. He enjoys the sushi, and I mean all of them. The Dillon, and the O-Baby seems to be his go to though. There is none that are single standouts to me because they all are just a standout, period, end of story. They are amazing, they are fresh, appetizing and deliver what the stomach ordered. Every bite is a flavorsome, appetizing, little bite of heaven. The fresh ginger is also stellar.
I, however, ALWAYS, and I MEAN ALWAYS get the Curry Noodles/w Chicken. The light spicy coconut curry over the ramen, cabbage, mushroom and red pepper is TO DIE FOR, AMAZING! LITERALLY, tongue smacking brain delicious! There is also enough food in that bowl to enjoy at home, and I do, willingly. The only thing I dislike about this dish is that eventually it runs out and I have to wait another two weeks, to one month, before I have it again. This dish cannot be beat!
Last, and just when you think, how do they eat more than what he has already shared, we have tried, and continue to try several of the desserts. The Sara Andagi (donut holes , sesame sugar, miso caramel) and Mont Blanc Cake (dark chocolate mousse, chestnut cream, yuzu raspberry oculis, raspberry) are delightfully delicious, delectable, a true finale to a wonderfully delicious experience.
The ambiance (a little loud sometimes but worth it as it is always a packed house), is also notable and to be mentioned because I love the city vibe, the candles, and the trendy little atmosphere, and most of all, to be seated at the hightop looking out at the city street. When dusk starts calling, the flicker of the table candles and the dark, mysteriously intriguing atmosphere inside, with the roar of the outdoor patio flames in the window, all adds to the experience.
I will end this by stating again, the service is impeccable. Ginah is our first request, but I must also admit that I have not had one bad service experience at all from any server. The manager always makes rounds whether helping his staff, or just making acquaintance, and is such an outgoing and pleasant guy, and even when we have been tended to by the bartender herself, she was beyond stellar....and let me tell you, she was hustling and had her hands FULL.
Overall 10 out of 10, 100 out of 100, an A+ on the report card, and a big ol' MS for More than Satisfactory. Go downtown Raleigh and dine at O-Ku...Okay!