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    Recommended Reviews - CharcoalNiku

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    Vivian N.

    Yesterday my husband and I went to Charcoal Niku for a birthday dinner. Our reservation was at 8:15 and when we got there, they knew our name and was expecting us. The atmosphere is romantic, elegant, and quiet. There were 3 other parties there when we got there. Currently it's BYOB with no corkage fee but they have their license all ready to go in the next week or two! The food was good. My favorite was the Wagyu tartar which comes from Japan! The meat is raw but well seasoned and flavored and just melts in your mouth. I would highly recommend this. The zucchini was well plated but was okay and I would prob go for the eggplant next time. The bone marrow bowl was good and definitely sharing portions. We even had some to take home! They mix it for you which is nice because it comes in a hot plate. However, I think next time I will opt to have the bone marrow separate as a personal preference so I can taste more of it. The short rib plate comes with broccolini and potato and I wanted the Shisho pepper but they ran out. We had the eggplant and that was good. However, the meat was a bit more salty. I will prob opt to order on their family sharing menu next time instead of their individual plate menu. The service was attentive and professional. I would recommend giving this restaurant a try if you're in the area!

    Bone marrow fried rice
    Greg G.

    First time visiting and had the tasting menu for $88 for an anniversary dinner. Everything was absolutely delicious and of the highest quality. Favorites from this menu were the truffle butter scallops, the skirt steak, the wagyu, and the marrow fried rice. The service was exceptional. The ambience was perfect. Would highly recommend and plan to return.

    Shrimp, bone marrow fried rice and short rib. All excellent

    Excellent restaurant. I needs more local support or they will be gone. My wife and I went last night. We always drove by and it looked dead. The shopping center has bad access. Food and service excellent. They need to do a better job marketing. Go, you will be glad you did. They are starting to get busier for good reason.

    Candi L.

    We did the tasting menu and were really impressed with the quality and taste! The staff were also really nice. The ambience is classy and cozy. Highly recommend!

    Wagyu Bone Marrow Kimchi Rice

    The place is so unassuming. It's in a plaza that shares a Subway so it's not your typical high end restaurant, BUT do NOT let that discourage you. The food is top tier and was amazing. My wife and I shared the tasting menu and we enjoyed every single dish! The place doesn't seem to be well known yet, so there was only one other party there with us for the entire hour. I'm hoping these guys get the recognition this place deserves soon. Very attentive servers and they all were very friendly and ensured our waters and meal was top notch. Thank you CharcoalNiku for a great anniversary dinner and for a great price!

    The Cloud Nine (left) and the Midnight (right) cocktails

    We ate dinner here for our 4 year anniversary, and it was one of the best meals I've ever had! I got the tasting menu with so many delicious and unique small dishes, and I highly recommend trying something off of their cocktail menu.

    Tomahawk steak
    Shadzi W.

    I was hesitant to go here because the location is nothing special or extravagant. The food is exceptional and very high standard quality! We had the crab cakes, brussels sprouts, shrimp fried rice and tomahawk steak. The food was mouthwatering! The only thing I didn't like was the ambiance. It was clear they are going for minimalistic theme, but for the price of entrees they are charging, the restaurant itself is too simple and boring. They either need to lower their prices or spend money on improving the ambiance. Service is great too!

    Short ribs over potatoes with blistered green beans, broccolini, and dipping sauce.
    Elaine P.

    We made a reservation and dined on a week night. We were the only guests the entire evening, which felt a little awkward at times. Edward was our server and is one of the owners. The decor is dramatic in a modern, stark way. The seating is comfortable and the lighting was subdued but not too dim. The tables were set up with higher-end flatware, along with chopsticks atop little ceramics risers. Edward described the choices of experiences they offered, and we opted to order in a more traditional format. We started with egg rolls, followed by duck breast for my H, and short ribs for me. All of the food was superbly prepared and artfully plated. My beef sat atop sliced potatoes, sautéed to slight crispness. On either side of it we're generous portions of broccoli and green beans. The beans were perfectly parboiled and blistered in oil. The seasonings of everything were perfect. I didn't need to ask for salt. On the side was a little dish of a dipping sauce. I think it was miso based. It was nestled atop a generous pile of micro greens. The whole thing was adorned by a small edible flower. My H's meal entree was the roasted duck breast with the same sides, only he ordered zucchini instead of beans. The zucchini was lightly caramelized and seasoned. His sauce on the side was soy based, slightly sweet, and enhanced the duck appropriately. There was a thoughtful artfulness to the food combining. It seemed as if the executive chef also was a dietician. Not to get into a TMI moment, but... when we laid down to sleep at home, we had ZERO indigestion, no reflux, no heartburn. We slept better than we had in ages. It might sound silly, but I must give credit to the dinner. The one thing that was significantly different from the way I cook at home, was the Yuzu pea flower aperitif. I want to make that at home, to see if it really was the magic bullet. I'm not upset that they don't have their liquor license; I love that we could pour our own wine in the absence of a corkage fee. I hope that, after their license is granted, they'll continue to honor the zero corkage. We like to imbibe in the newer "light" 8% ABV wines, which we have yet to see in any restaurants. Despite having a lovely evening, let's be real. This is a nice "date night" establishment. If it were practical to enjoy this restaurant frequently, we would. For now, though, we will save it for special occasions. If my reviews help you, please click a rating below. :-)

    Impeccable service, gorgeous presentation of food, and the flavors were to die for! I can't say enough about this restaurant. We tried the tasting menu and will definitely be back to experience even more of their dishes. I highly recommend this place, it's truly a hidden gem!

    Brussels are insanely good!  I could eat a whole bowl of them. Lamb cooked to perfection and a good amount of chops.
    Nikki I.

    OMG!!!! Service 5 star! Food 5 Star! Ambiance 5 Star! We love it. All the small things really add up to a perfect night. On our 3rd visit and taking friends with us next time.

    Wagyu

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Do not let this place not succeed based on the location Food is great and they really care.

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    2 years ago

    Fantastic! All of it! Food! Service! Ambiance! If you haven't tried this yet, you are in for a surprise ! Right in Oak Park!

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    2 years ago

    Excellent all around. Locals would do well to try this out and keep going back. Great addition to the area.

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Great food and service. Their green beans were surprisingly the star appetizer dish for us!

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    excellent ambiance, food & service. The hanger steak was delicious as were the appetizers.

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    3 years ago

    Amazing new restaurant in Oak Park. Unusual ambiance but it's relatively quiet where you can have a conversation and the food was fantastic

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    2 years ago

    Sooo good! We got the SRF shortrib, fried rice, chicken wings, Brussels, and it was all top notch! Thank you!

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    3 years ago

    My server Kelsey was great I had no complaints along with the food and environment. Would recommend for anyone if you haven't been before!

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    3 years ago

    Excellent food and service. Excellent cuts of beef cooked to perfection. Best I've had in Westlake. Can't wait to go back

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    Page 3 of 3

    Ask the Community - CharcoalNiku

    Do they have a good wine list? What is the corkage fee

    Hi Zean, Thank you for the question! Our wine list is small but you may BYOB and corkage fee is $25.… Read more

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    Cork Dork - Mushroom risotto

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    4.7(242 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$$

    Phenomenal food, an outstanding wine selection, and a fantastic atmosphere. This place is an…read moreabsolute must-visit if you haven't been yet. Anyone giving it less than five stars is seriously missing the mark. The quality of the food, service, and attention to detail rivals that of a Michelin-starred restaurant. Every dish is thoughtfully prepared, and the entire dining experience is exceptional.

    Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow! Cork Dork was a magical night out for my friends and I. I'm so happy we…read morefound it. It is a longstanding, hidden gem. The decor and ambience sets the tone when you walk in. Moody lighting, green velvet furniture and olive trees. I mean, come on. Then the staff blasts you off on a caring and magical ride for your tastebuds; through their farm to table ingredients, exquisite wine and utmost service. Rosie made us feel so welcomed. Her winning personality made it feel like we were old friends. Her attentiveness made us want for nothing. She went above and beyond to exceed every expectation, we didn't know we had. Thank you Rosie. You're an amazing human being! Now for the food. I love their use of technology with the tablets to read about their offerings and even see beautiful photos to help you make a decision. Thank you Rosie for the additional insight and recommendations too. With so many great options, it took me a little to decide. I'm glad I didn't rush and really allowed myself to take in the experience. The grand finale, the food's arrival. Every ingredient is intentionally plated with love and passion. Your eyes and nose are in for a treat the moment it hits the table in front of you. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu. My favorites were definitely the Short Rib Birria, Chocolatine, Gail Wines Cabernet, Cowdrey Bordeaux, and Daniele Barolo. My mouth still waters just thinking about them. I thoroughly enjoyed every sip, each bite and all the smiles at Cork Dork. I can't wait to come back and try your wine paired dinner.

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    Cork Dork - Sometimes you just let the chef create like the artist they are

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    RED O - You know it'll be a good time when you are greated by a tequila wall.

    RED O

    4.0(243 reviews)
    2.7 mi
    Happy hour specials
    Outdoor seating

    Items purchased: 4 Margaritas, 3 Burrito Bowls and 1 Tijuana Ceasar Classic. $155.00…read moreFood: A, Food was Fresh and nicely presented and came out of the kitchen in a timely manner. Service: A, Hostess and Waitress greeted us and they were polite and courteous. Cleanliness: A, The Dining area and outside patio were clean. The Bathroom was stocked but messy with used towels on the floor. Value: A, Pricing was on point. Just a Little disappointed that there was a charge for Chips and Salsa. Ambiance: A, Pleasant.

    I finally made it! I've been wanting to try this place for forever! I came here with my husband on…read morea Sunday for brunch and the place was quite busy. We didn't have any reservations; however, we were able to get seated within minutes. Overall, love the decor and the vibe. The restaurant can get quite busy; therefore, if you are sensitive to noise, I would ask to sit in the back past the bar. We ate the following: CHILAQUILES VERDES: scrambled eggs, tortilla casserole, salsa verde, refried beans, onion, radish, cilantro, crema- $18. However, my husband asked for no chips and it was the perfect brunch for him! ENCHILADAS DE MOLE: handmade corn tortillas, pulled chicken, homemade mole poblano (27) ingredients, jack cheese, crema, queso fresco- $30. I really enjoyed this dish, I ended up only eating half. I really liked the beans and I am not usually a big fan of beans and always ask for double rice! Sadly, chips and salsa aren't included. The staff was friendly; however, the service was a bit on the slower end. Overall, I would happily come back and try other dishes!

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    RED O - Happy Hour twice a day! Over 45 specially-priced items served every day in the lounge from 2-5pm, 8:30pm-close.

    Happy Hour twice a day! Over 45 specially-priced items served every day in the lounge from 2-5pm, 8:30pm-close.

    RED O - Welcome to RED O!

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    RED O - Craft cocktails on the patio are the vibe.

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    Phil’s - Steakadilla

    Phil’s

    4.5(639 reviews)
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    Wow! What a great find in Thousand Oaks…read more From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm and inviting. The service was great. Our server, Michael, was incredibly kind and attentive, knowledgeable about the menu, and raved about how delicious the food was. He was right! The food was excellent! My ribeye was tender and cooked perfectly. My husband's meal was equally as good. We will definitely be back. It was a fantastic place for our date night but I think it would be equally nice for a celebration.

    What an amazing experience, The moment we stepped in we felt so welcomed…read more Phil warmly greeted us, introduced himself and shook our hands. We had the family schnitzel and it was delicious, crispy, fresh and the salad is perfectly dressed. The coffee was smooth as well. The staff was so personable and attentive. The decor and ambiance did not disappoint! We were trying to find something to eat on a road trip and we're feeling disappointed that mostly everything around was chain restaurants and places that lack any personality, we are so glad we tried Phil's. Phil's has a human that feels like it is becoming rare in a sea full of iPad restaurant experiences. We will definitely be returning back and recommending to friends. If you are in the area this is your place.

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    Phil’s
    Phil’s - Grilled chicken club sandwich with fries - $21. Very good

    Grilled chicken club sandwich with fries - $21. Very good

    Phil’s - What happens when 2 Lemon Drops  meet a Sangria...? Happy hour fun @ Phil's that's what

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    Coin & Candor - Salad with Salmon

    Coin & Candor

    4.2(352 reviews)
    2.6 mi
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    We went here for a double date night and had an amazing time. We opted to sit outside to enjoy the…read morebreezy afternoon and was the perfect way to spend the evening. We ordered sourdough bread to start and it was perfectly toasted and the soft butter made it even more delicious. I ordered the lobster pasta (not pictured) and offered a generous amount of lobsters, the sauce had a little kick which was good, and pasta was perfectly al dente. They guys ordered a steak, of course, and shareable sides (also not pictured). Of course what meal would be complete without dessert! So we ordered two to share (finally snapped pics!) Happy eating!

    Beautiful location inside the four seasons. Ambiance felt…read moreclassy, and there's an incredible patio with a view of a water so that's nice. The bar in the middle was super stylish and cool as well. Self parking isn't super close, but they do validate for it, so atleast you don't need to pay. The service was really the stand out. We had a server who was there late night over but I forgot his name. :( He was so kind, and got us seated when there was no host. We got the chocolate cake (not the best) And some espresso that was actually very nice coffee. I was bummed they removed the molten lava cake, but that's ok. The staff were very friendly, and that really makes everything so much better. Really enjoyed our time here, super cute hidden date spot.

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    Coin & Candor - Lobby entrance

    Lobby entrance

    Coin & Candor - Pretzel Bread

    Pretzel Bread

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    Nonna

    Nonna

    4.6(1.2k reviews)
    3.3 mi
    $$$
    Gluten-free friendly
    Full bar

    Came in for dinner and our server was Ken! The food was delicious and Ken was an awesome server and…read moremade our dinner even better. Looking forward to going back again and hopefully getting him as our server as well!

    We've been a loyal customer of Nonna's for over a decade, and it's easy to see why. Their…read moreworld-class customer service and authentic Italian dishes are simply irresistible. Let's start with their FRITTO MISTO, a mouthwatering combination of fried calamari and shrimp. The addictive sauce that accompanies it is a must-order, and we often find ourselves ordering extra! For a hearty side, try their grandmother Nonna's meatballs, POLPETTE DELLA NONNA. They're incredibly tasty and a great way to start your meal. If you're a fan of zucchini blossoms, you'll absolutely love their FIORI DI ZUCCA RIPIENI. It's a delightful dish that's sure to impress. One of my favorite salads is their INSALATA DELLA CASA, which is a refreshing and healthy option. Adding grilled shrimp takes it to the next level. Now, let's talk about their main courses. Their seafood and pasta dishes are all mouthwatering, but here are our favorites: 1) CACIO E PEPE: This dish is incredibly delicious and goes to another level when you add their grilled shrimp and truffle. 2) BRANZINO: Their seafood is cooked perfectly every time, and they often have HALIBUT as a special dish, which we love as a great alternative. 3) BOLOGNESE: Our son absolutely devours this dish, and it's a great option for kids. 4) STROZZAPRETI: This pasta dish is another great choice, filled with a lot of flavor. 5) LASAGNA: It used to be our number one dish until we started exploring their menu. 6) BRASATO DI MANZI: This is an ultra-delicious bone-in slow-braised beef short rib dish that's out of this world! And finally, let's talk about dessert. Their NONNA'S CAKE is the best butter cake ever! It's their grandmother's own recipe, and it's a must-try. Try to save room or split it with a partner, because you'll want to savor every bite of this magical treat!

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    Nonna
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    CharcoalNiku - asianfusion - Updated July 2026

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