Okoze Sushi

"In the mood for sushi rolls finished with decorative flower-shaped beets? Or maybe you’re with a friend who wants salmon teriyaki and vegetables off the robata grill, before getting into a 9- or 12-piece omakase. Whatever you want, this lowkey sushi spot has something for everyone. You'll want to keep an eye on the specials menu highlighting more unique dishes, like negi toro gungan (nigiri filled with chopped toro, and topped with unagi sauce and rice crackers), and head here on nights when you don't feel like making a reservation—you can walk-up and usually get a table, or, at least, a seat at the bar." - will kamensky, julia chen 1, ricky rodriguez

"One mainstay in our rotating roster of casual sushi places is Okoze, a Russian Hill spot with something for everyone. You can get a bunch of their excellent specialty rolls for the table to share, go with the 9- or 12-piece nigiri omakase, or turn to the robata grill for salmon teriyaki and vegetables. Keep an eye on the chef’s specials section of the menu, which has things like fantastic negi toro gungan (two nigiri filled with chopped toro, sweet unagi sauce, and topped with crispy rice crackers). What we also love are the thoughtful touches, like flower-shaped beets and actual flower petals to dress up the plates. Have this quiet spot in your back pocket for nights when you forgot to make a reservation—it’s easy to walk up and get a table, or, at the very least, a seat at the bar." - julia chen 1, lani conway

"Dinner at a quick, casual sushi spot is one foolproof way to spend time with a third-tier friend. Even better when that time is spent at Okoze. It’s one of our favorite spots in Russian Hill for excellent nigiri and special rolls, and is also pretty easy to get a table last-minute. We also love the decorative little touches on each dish, like flower-shaped beets and actual flower petals. Comment on how adorable the beets are while you rack your brain to remember what this friend’s nebulous “I work in tech” job really entails. " - julia chen 1

"One mainstay in our rotating roster of casual sushi places is Okoze Sushi, a Russian Hill spot with something for everyone. You can get a bunch of excellent specialty rolls for the table to share, go with the 9- or 12-piece nigiri omakase, or turn to the robata grill section for salmon teriyaki and vegetables. Keep an eye on the chef’s specials, which has things like the fantastic negi toro gungan (two nigiri filled with chopped toro and sweet unagi sauce, and topped with crispy rice crackers). What we also love here are the thoughtful decorative touches, like flower-shaped beets and actual flower petals that dress up the plates. Have this quiet spot in your back pocket for nights when you forgot to make a reservation—it’s easy to walk up and get a table, or, at the very least, a seat at the bar. Food Rundown Negi Toro Gungan This two-piece nigiri is found in the chef’s special section of the menu, and it’s one of our favorite things to order. Chopped toro gets a touch of sweetness from unagi sauce, and is topped with rice crackers for added crunch. Omakase If you want to try a range of nigiri without having to make actual decisions, go for the 9- or 12-piece nigiri omakase. You’ll get a sampler of pieces with a range of preparations, from seared toro to yellowtail with just a bit of ginger and onion, all of which are excellent. Typhoon Roll There are quite a few specialty rolls on the menu, and it’s really about personal preference here—it’s hard to go wrong. But the Typhoon, filled with unagi and avocado and topped with salmon and a thin slice of jalapeño, packs the perfect amount of sweet and spicy flavor." - Julia Chen

"Get your nigiri and sashimi fill at the tiny Okoze, where it's highly recommended you make a reservation. P.S. If it's more creative rolls or cooked Japanese plates you crave, head around the corner to Elephant Sushi at 1916 Hyde St." - Eater Staff