Barry Cheevers
Google
I took my veggie boyfriend out to OAK for a special meal, and while the concept of a vegetarian-only restaurant is fantastic, there were a few things that didn’t quite meet expectations.
We opted for the tasting menu, which promised an exciting variety of flavors, but I feel that OAK doesn’t quite live up to its premium pricing. The space is very intimate, with only 10 tables spread across two small floors. For some, the coziness might be appealing, but we found it a bit cramped. Our table had a severe wobble, which was more than just a small inconvenience, and I would strongly recommend that they inspect all tables for stability. Considering OAK charges premium prices for its dishes, it’s disappointing to encounter such basic issues like uncomfortable chairs and a table that detracted from the overall experience.
As for the food, the tasting menu started with spiced nuts that were pleasant, with a honeyed quality that was quite nice. However, the fermented vegetables that followed were tough to cut and had a very sour flavor that didn’t quite hit the mark for us.
The soup was next, and it had a lovely nutty base with sweet red onion on top, which added a nice contrast to the richness. The hummus had oil on top and tasted quite fatty—perhaps too much so—and I thought a touch of honey could have really balanced it out. The focaccia, however, was a highlight – it was fresh, flavorful, and comforting, a perfect bread to accompany the meal.
The fried sprouting broccoli was pleasant but could have used more seasoning. While it was well-cooked, the lack of salt made it feel a bit underwhelming compared to the other dishes. The Jerusalem artichoke in white sauce was decent but served too cold for my liking, which somewhat dampened the overall experience.
The ravioli was one of the standout dishes – the cheese and smoky flavors were perfectly balanced, and it was absolutely delicious. If there had been more of it, I would have been thrilled. The portion size was just right for the tasting menu, but I couldn’t help but wish for a bit more of that flavor-packed ravioli.
For dessert, we had the dark chocolate tart, which was rich and indulgent but also quite salty—so much so that it became a bit overwhelming for me. I understand that some might enjoy the contrast, but it was a bit too much on the salt side for my personal taste. The sourdough ice cream that accompanied it was an interesting, experimental choice, but for me, it didn’t quite hit the mark. It tasted more like rice pudding than ice cream, and the texture, with the breadcrumbs, was not something I was fond of. It’s a unique idea, but it didn’t quite come together in a way that was pleasant for me.
My boyfriend had the wine pairing to accompany the tasting menu, and I have to say the waiter was incredibly knowledgeable about the wines. He was able to provide great insights into each selection, which really enhanced the overall experience.