After reading some reviews I don't want to be repetitive. But this place is a gem in Bluffton. The place is super nice, you feel relaxed as soon as you come in. Decoration is amazing. I had the Crispy Shrooms. Really good. Jollof rice is definitely a different and unexpected texture and flavor, very good. For the main dish was the Lobster Cashew curry. Absolutely beautifully presented and delicious. I should've follow my server advice about the rice. jollof rice must pair really good with meat. Not that much with seafood. I think the prices are very reasonable even for the wine. Service is impecable. Music Level perfect. Definitely coming back to try all the menu. read more

Okan - Lobster Cashew Curry. - African Near Me - Bluffton, South Carolina

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We have been hearing great things from friends about how outstanding Okan is. So, we finally got around to trying it out. We made a reservation and when we arrived, were seated immediately. The hostess was very friendly and welcoming. The restaurant was beautiful and very comfy. We liked the vibe very much. So far, we are thinking this is going to be a 5 star experience. Unfortunately the wine we ordered is no longer being served so we had to pivot to a different one. Which was fine. So, onto the food. My hubby is not as adventurous as I am in terms of trying new foods. He decided to play it safe. We started with the cornbread. It was served in a small cast iron skillet with butter and jam. The cornbread & jam was good. The butter was a bit odd. It was a whipped/fluffy consistency but the flavor was lacking. Honestly, it sort of reminded me more of old school Crisco from a can than a nice whipped butter. Hubs decided to get the ceaser with cabbage and the Mac & cheese. I ordered the cashew curry & Carolina Gold rice. Hubs absolutely loved his salad. He said it was the most flavorful salad he ever had. I am not a fan of cabbage but I tasted it and he is right, the flavor was unbelievably good. This was the best thing we tasted on our visit. I also tried a bite of his Mac & cheese and it was not something I would order here. I got an overwhelming taste of onion, which is not my favorite thing. Hubs thought it was ok, but not the best he's tasted. I was very excited to try the cashew curry. Unfortunately, it fell flat of my expectations. I expected a complex flavor profile with lots of layers. I got the earthiness & umami. But not much else. The veggies were good. But the lobster was chewy/rubbery in texture. I added Carolina Gold rice and it was ok, but sort of consistency of day old rice without a lot of flavor. It was very filling though, so we skipped dessert. Overall, service was 4 or 5 stars but the food (other than the salad) just fell a little flat for us. Not sure if we caught them on an off night food-wise. read more

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We loved our experience at Okan! Just when I thought I knew what good curry tastes like, I am proved completely incorrect. I am so glad I was proved incorrect by Okan, and we already cannot wait to go back. Eating at Okan was easy for me because almost everything was gluten free on the menu. While it was a hard choice, we went with the macaroni and cheese, cashew curry, and curried goat tonight. We also had 3 drinks, all of which were delicious. The Trini macaroni was so perfectly done with Gouda and in a small cast iron skillet. Crispy browned cheese crust, creamy filling, and it truly was multiple steps above any standard macaroni and cheese. I loved how ooey gooey it was, and it was rich without being overwhelming. The curried goat and rice was delicious. Light, not greasy or too rich, and each bite was perfectly tender. We both loved the rice - perfectly cooked and seasoned, and along with the veggies, this was such a special dish. This curried goat was comfort in a bowl. The star of this meal was the cashew curry with lobster. I just didn't know that curry could taste like this. The depth of flavor we tasted in this curry was special - it was earthy and brought the sweet lobster to life. We received two pieces of lobster, and while the smaller piece was a little overcooked, the larger piece was perfectly tender and paired so wonderfully with the curry and potatoes. I just loved every layer of this dish and cannot wait to get it again the next time we come. The service was lovely. She was full of recommendations and did a great job with helping us decide which dishes to consumer. Also, do not sleep on the Sinsun drink. Honestly, all of the drinks we had were FANTASTIC. I loved how they meshed so well with our dishes - Smoky, earthy, not sweet, and light. I loved the vibe here; it was sensual. You could feel the heart and love and soul that went into this menu and the food. You could tell all the thought put into the restaurant layout, down to the wood used for the bar and the color of the napkins and silverware. Everything was chosen for a purpose, and all of this love poured into the menu and food. We look forward to coming back soon! read more

The atmosphere is very pretty in downtown historic Bluffton! Very clean and beautifully decorated. The food was delish-nice and hot! Brussels Sprouts and Mac N Cheese were good. The Oxtail was tasty although I would have liked a bit more spice. The Coconut Curry with rice was very good (says my husband) and my daughter loves the African Gumbo. Service was great and drinks were on point. My first time there. read more

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We are pseudo regulars here. Food great, Master Bernard AWESOME. In the end the piece de final? Olu and Alyssa are two of the best bartenders in Bluffton. And the South African house wines are amazing. read more

Okan - Crispy shrooms - African Near Me - Bluffton, South Carolina

10/10 meal and service This restaurant is a gem to have in the area. Brining flavor and diversity to every plate. The tostones, octopus and beet salad were our favorite starter plates! My son loved the butter noodles with sweet plantains. The main plates were delicious. Check out the pictures for proof! The atmosphere was perfect for a date night or an intimate family dinner. I hope to visit again next time I'm in town. read more

Okan - Lemon pepper chicken - African Near Me - Bluffton, South Carolina

This place is stunning! We only came for drinks and will be back for food and their DJ night. There's representation of different cultural cuisines across the diaspora. This is was Baobab in Savannah WISHES it could be. Not a hint of cultural appropriation or monetization. I had the liberté and it tasted just like home, beautiful made. The space is equally beautiful and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Was surprised they didn't have barbancourt, but I'm okay with it seeing as they have Djon Djon and pikliz. Well done! read more

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Beautiful decor, kind staff, interesting and delicious food. Tried the ackee and salt fish. Fun to try something new. Plantains complemented the saltiness of the fish beautifully. Breakfast potatoes. Yum! Blue crab and blue grits. Decadent and delicious. Hibiscus tea was a highlight! Best I've had. Not overly sweet or sour. Brewed nice and strong and just enough sweetness. read more

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I can't wait to go back to this restaurant! It's delicious, authentic, and unique! Kid friendly, and service was friendly, kind, and knowledgeable! Such a treat to have tried it and discovered a new favorite! Honestly, if we went out more, we'd go there more than we have at this point ! Go try something different and not be disappointed read more

I have been wanting to try this restaurant for quite some time and finally got here. I was disappointed there was only a brunch menu available because I'm not usually a brunch girl... but HOLY WOW! Everything was SO AMAZING! Judging from everything I tried being off the charts, I'd imagine there can't be a bad thing on the menu. I can't wait to come in and try the dinner menu! Will definitely be back very soon and often. The service was great, the food was phenomenal, and it's a beautiful establishment. read more

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I've been looking forward to trying Okan since they opened and I finally made it while visiting the area in November. I ordered the crispy mushrooms which were very good. I also had the red stew, lemon pepper chicken and callaloo. The chicken seemed more of a baked or air fried flavor as I didn't taste any lemon pepper but it was good. The stew and callaloo lacked something I can't put my finger on but definitely a miss. The service was a little slow, but it's a nice restaurant just a little disappointing for me on this visit. read more

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We went to this restaurant while on vacation. We made a reservation and were seated once we arrived. We ordered the crispy oysters, Jamestown shrimp, coco bread, smoked Jerk chicken and a bottle of red wine. Roderick was just wonderful with assisting us with the menu and helping us choose. He was extremely knowledgeable about everything on the menu and knew exactly how to place the order so that everything didn't arrive to the table at once. He knew that our dinner would take 18 minutes to prepare. We will definitely be back when we visit Hilton Head next year! From the time we arrived until we left he took read more

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Great concept, love the interior, but service was quite slow. We waited almost an hour to get our food. We ordered Moroccan tagine and djon djon noodles. If I have 2 hours to kill, I might go to this place and wait for my food. Su per cozy inside, African decor on the walls and jazz music setting the mood read more

Okan - Djon djon noodles - African Near Me - Bluffton, South Carolina

I chose this restaurant based on the high ratings and an intriguing menu--but what a letdown. There was a huge gap between expectation and reality. Service: It took 50 minutes to get our food--and there were fewer than 10 people in the restaurant at lunchtime. No excuse for that kind of wait. Food: * Cornbread: Just... no. It had an odd, almost plantain-like flavor (if that's what it was?), but not in a good way. It was also overcooked and slightly burnt. * Djon Djon with Shrimp: Word of warning--do not order this if you're on a date unless you want to look like you've been possessed. Your mouth turns black. The mushrooms were flavorful, and the dish itself was okay, but the presentation and side effects? Yikes. * Shrimp: I love head-on shrimp, but these were so overcooked they were impossible to peel. Do you eat the shell or just give up? I tried... and gave up. Overdone and dry. A little fat or oil during cooking would've gone a long way. * Fonia Bowl with Jerk Chicken: Probably the best of the bunch, but still just meh. Maybe a 6/10. Add it all up--slow service, disappointing food, and an $80 lunch tab--and it's a hard pass from me. read more

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This place is awesome. The look is great can easily go casual to a nice upscale night out. The servers are very knowledgeable and friendly. As far as the food, ive been to Hilton head several times and visit a lot of different restaurants while visiting and this place is the absolute best. Everything we had was delicious. Not one miss. The fried mushrooms and bacalao fritters were flavorful and a perfect start to our course. We ended up getting several plates and passing them around family style. We had the oxtails, curried goat, and the lemon pepper chicken. They were all great. What's crazy is the chicken happened to be the star. The crunch on the skin with the juicy flavorful meat was spot on. Also be sure to try the different breads. All very good especially the coco bread. Definitely recommend. My family wanted to come back but we try not to repeat a restaurant in one visit. But we will definitely be back, and may have to break that rule. read more

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Having lived here for 2 years, have eaten here 3 times. 1st was awesome. Which lead to a revisit. Trip 2- service good, food sub par. Tonight , trip 3, service was so sub par, we left after drinks and appetizer bread rolls. Bartender never looked our way even though she offered to-go Containers to those next to us and seemed shocked when she finally did come to us - only because my credit card was on the table- I'm done , never again. 1-Shame on you, 2- shame on me. And yet I did a 3rd. I'm stupid, never again. read more

Had a fantastic lunch at Okan. Staff was great. Good ambiance on the inside and out. No wait at all. Loved the cornbread and jerk chicken - also highly recommend the fonio. Heavily flavored without being overly salty. Chicken was cooked incredibly well. The griot was good but the braised pork was on the tougher side. I was expecting it to be more tender given that it was braised. read more

Very unique and delectable menu. Also, a great brunch spot. Service and atmosphere is a major plus.

Amazing meal tonight. Jack fruit , fried oysters.... Super good . The layers of flavors unique but still familiar. was A little concerned it's an African style Menu, but when fresh food prepared well with great flavors... it's a meal you shouldn't miss. Congrats Okan ! read more

I had the luxury of checking out Okan for my recent birthday and it definitely met my expectations. The place is overall super cute and has a nice grown and sexy vibe. The waitstaff was very friendly and attentive. We had the coco bread, oxtails and lamb ribs. Hands down we enjoyed all of our food and had so much extra to bring home. I am a drink connoisseur and I didn't really care for the Agbo, I think for me it had a very strong cucumber taste and it reminded me of a vegetable smoothie vs a cocktail. I will definitely be back to try something else in the future. read more

Best meal and drinks I've had in a long time. You can taste the care and history in each dish. Such a beautiful cultural and culinary experience. So many dishes I can't wait to go back and try more. read more

Amazing food, great chef, and servicee. So many great flavors and haven't had a bad meal yet. The only recommendation I have is should add their jerk chicken from their food truck to their regular menu since that is amazing as well. Very cool vibe and atmosphere. Take an after dinner stroll to the Calhoun Dock for an amazing sunset. read more

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The ambiance upon entering was warm and inviting. We had a group of 4 and were seated right away. Our hostess Olu (I hope i spelled her name right) made wonderful suggestions. We began with coco bread (warm and delicious with slight sea salt), crispy mushrooms (slight crunch yet tender), cornbread (served in a hot mini cast iron pan) had a touch of sweetness with fresh, melted butter, oysters (pan fried, juicy and flavorful) We also ordered the different rices as sides and they were a hit as well. Our main courses were the oxtails with a tangy tomato based gravy served on a bed of djon djon (Haitian black rice) was phenomenal. Personally, I'm not a big fan of Haitian food but this dish was chef's kiss. We also had the cashew curry and pork belly Griot served with a type of green chimichurri sauce) The food is fantastic, flavorful and exciting. I enjoyed my experience of trying familiar Caribbean food (I'm a Trini with Southern roots) prepared with a twist that makes it extra special! read more

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The best roasted oxtail dish with djon djon rice and cabbage .The chef brings a culinary traditions of Haiti, combining tender, seasoned oxtail with earthy black mushroom rice and savory cabbage for a perfect balance of flavor and texture. One of the best dishes in the area. read more

Okan - Oxtail on djon djon rice and cabbage - African Near Me - Bluffton, South Carolina

We went for brunch and it was great. Blue grits with crab plus steak and eggs were stand outs. I'm excited to go back for dinner.

Eaten several times in past Always good This time not so much Poor service and mediocre food Not sure why Hope things get better read more

Wanted to try something different on my trip to the area of Hilton Head in South Carolina. My sister and I hadn't tried an African food spot and were quite pleased with our evening here. Beginning with the decor which was relaxing and subtle, we were greeting with that same effect from our server. Mushroom app was unique from the norm, yet abundant and crunchy. Coco buns are worth adding as a dreamlike puffy side dish. But the pork shank was the big star in portion size, and surprisingly moist, tender and flavorful. Lamb ribs added a burst of smoky flavored goodness to our meal, yet I wished they were a bit meatier. If you like a Cab, try the African Big Flower. It is wonderful. read more

Great food, service and ambience! Would visit again My wife is gluten free and there are many options! Outstanding menu of dishes you've never had before! read more

Hands-down, one of the best restaurants I've been to in years! Food was truly amazing as was the service from Jessica. My wife and I shared the pork shank and the fried whole red snapper. We also had red red stew. Honestly, neither one of us could pick a favorite, they were all so great. The bartender Samuel made the best Manhattan I've ever had anywhere! I can't say enough good about this place. If you're ever near Hilton head or Buffton South Carolina, you've got to try it. If I lived within 50 miles of here, I would eat here at least once a week read more

First of all, the restaurant and ambiance is beautiful. The food has lots of interesting, unique flavors, keeping African roots while incorporating the western palate. The servers were very down to earth and nice. Would recommend! read more

The atmosphere is elegant, the server was knowledgeable and kind, and the food was unique and flavorful! My friend and I came for her birthday and we ordered the coco bread, fried mushroom, the peach and burrata salad, cashew curry, pastelon, and jollof rice. We shared it all so we could try everything and it was all amazing! The mushrooms were a large serving with a spicy dipping sauce. The peach burrata salad was light and refreshing. The cashew curry had a sweet addicting flavor. The Pastelon was sweet and savory with plantain and spicy ground beef. Lastly the rice was spicy and came with a generous portion. Based off these dishes I would love to try their other options and definitely would love to come back! read more

This is a five star place for sure. We stopped in for brunch on our travels home from the beach. We were pleasantly greeted and chose to sit at the bar. The service is wonderful and the food was outstanding. The bartender, Rickey, is fun and creative, with a personal touch and talent for presentation. He even has a wonderful list of his own signature cocktails. I enjoyed the Deja. I'm attaching a few photos below. We chose the excellent entrees blue crab blue grits and the Fonio breakfast bowl. We will most definitely be stopping in again, hopefully with friends for dinner. read more

Okan - African Near Me - Bluffton, South Carolina

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I'm a very chill person and try to be understanding, but when you're waiting at a bar with only six people and two bartenders, and they're just chatting, it's frustrating. I waited for 25 minutes for a simple cocktail and tried to get their attention several times, but they didn't seem to care. It's like they're not accountable for their actions and still never got a drink. I get it bartenders at a restaurant have off set days. And I have been there my self but there should be standard for how things are done. I've worked in hospitality for many years and have a degree in the same field, and their behavior was beyond rude. It's not the first time this has happened. Please do better read more

Really interesting menu, shared a number of dishes with four of us. Great experience all around, server was very knowledgeable and had great recommendations. Food was amazing. read more

What a wonderful dining experience! The decor it was impeccable, but also comfortable. Great service. And the food is amazing. Would definitely recommend! read more

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This place was amazing. Service was spot on. The atmosphere was excellent. Food was excellent. This was our first time. We drove 50 minutes from Savannah and will definitely go back. read more

Our family ate at Okan Sunday night It was fantastic food was hot not to spices. The Chef can out and explain the menu with his recommendations everything we order was great. Will definitely go back for more . We loved the look of the restaurant. Thank you for a wonderful night ! read more

Had a great first experience at Okan! Great service and great food. We went for dinner and had the Muhammara to start, then the Braised Oxtails and Cashew Curry for entrees and split Jolloff Rice. Everything was phenomenal and we can't wait to go back! read more

Okan - Jolloff rice, Braised Oxtails (top), and Cashew Curry - African Near Me - Bluffton, South Carolina

I've never seen anything like it. Promising a culinary tour of the African diaspora of the Americas, this place delivers that and more. A gorgeously built corner space offers comfort and room to breathe. While upscale, it was a place where you could eat in shorts, and with plenty of marked vegan and gluten-free options, most anyone can dine here. My offerings included a "dirty lettuce" that looked like it had literally just been picked, served with an assortment of tart berries and sour rye crumbs offering a stark flavor contrast. The noodles I ordered came with several different varieties of mushrooms and an earthy chili-garlic sauce I wouldn't want to waste. For dessert, I took a recommendation on a lemon-blueberry cake that isn't normally my favorite flavor profile, but which barely lasted a minute on my plate. Their drink menu was surprisingly short on non-alcoholic options; the mocktail I ended up with had cucumber and fruity flavors and came with a straw made of sugarcane. If I were them, I'd dip more into offering tea or fruit-based beverages for those of us who don't imbibe. Service, principally from Shawntae (sp?) was right on. I got just the amount of guidance I needed without being pushed, and someone else came over to make sure I was enjoying myself. And while the price was high end it was appropriate, all considered. I left restaurant number 1638 (according to my Yelp profile) joyous about a gustatory journey which was inescapably American. read more

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Truly great food. We had the fried mushrooms, and they were fantastic. Not greasy and very flavorful. The pork shank was out of this world as were the oxtails. The flavors were so good and the food was done perfectly. Ambiance is very nice as was the service. How lucky are we to have such a great restaurant here in Bluffton!? read more