Before we get started I do not often do this. As a former chef and someone who worked in this industry for a long time I try to look past things and give the benefit of the doubt to a lot of places. The things that happens even after sleeping on it made me feel I need to express myself. First off I do want to say I did enjoy our waitress. Definitely things she could have done much different but overall she was about the only thing enjoyable about the experience. First off I paid for a valentine day five course meal with the chef at the bar explaining his creations. It was about fifty more dollars per ticket than the in house seating. Well that appeared oversold and we did not get that experience. Then the amount of disorganization was amazing. The food runners messed up the order of the meal, gave food to the wrong people, and most of the staff seemed utterly clueless. Our meal was well unappealing to say the least and left me excited I had dominos at home left over from my kids dinner. Not only that but because of the incompetence we were left between course for a minimum of 25 min per course. It would have been okay if the portions were adequate in size for the 150+ dollar price tag, and had more flavor. As an example one dish was supposed to have a truffle cream sauce and well it was either so sudtle but more likely not present, but absolutely no truffle present. It was a non sweet whipped cream like substance that added nothing. In addition after two hours and three of five courses just finished we ended up getting our fourth which was supposed to be the first. Then the zealous owner I assume came. I wanted to discuss the frustrating and poorly executed event but instead of actually trying to see how the experience was all he talked about was how wonderful the wait staff was. When he saw I was agitated and about to discuss the meal (I said my waitress she was wonderful and the only thing that was) he turned and walked away. We asked for dessert to go and probably should have read the clues by the countless desserts left over that we should have just ran. We got to the car and my wife tried the parsnip cake (supposed to be similar to carrot cake). The cake was worse than a bran muffin and the icing was a soured butter/sour cream whip that I am wondering is salt replaced the sugar because it was actually not edible. It was thrown away immediately. My daughter before we tossed it tried it and said "gross, what the hell is this" spit it out and was done. This was an unbelievably frustrating and disappointing experience. I have had this planned for my wife and I for like a month and as a James beard finalist chef I was so excited. The cold Dominoes pizza was a better experience that what we had and (not a knock to dominoes) but I freaking hate dominoes. I want to conclude, I have for many years of my life, worked as a chef and with chefs in fine dining restaurants in my home town in NC and I know how this things are supposed to run. Had I ever been a part of the disastrous event that was last night and sent out food that late and that poor I would have been fired. This was truthfully one of the worse dining experiences my wife and I have had in a very long time. As a final thought, the owner when he conversed with us before e leaving he asked where we came from and we told him Savannah, he said "Savannah is cool I guess, but we hope to bring more people from Savannah here to experience our food," well sir I can tell you I will never be recommending your restaurant to anyone here so it may be a good while before that dream comes true. read more

I have a premonition that you will need to reserve weeks to months out once this restaurant is discovered. The uniqueness and powerful flavors of the West African menu items are truly inspiring. Bravo to the chef and support staff. Norris was kind, informative and thoughtful. read more

Okan - We recommend sharing to maximize your culinary delight - African Near Me - Bluffton, South Carolina

(Posted for a fellow cb) Our company had a team dinner at Okan recently. The food was amazing. The true surprise for me was the charred cauliflower in a white bean and butternut squash sauce. Looked simple and unassuming, but the taste was anything but: very deep and satisfying. The signature crispy mushrooms and Jamestown shrimp were excellent. What amazed me was that all of the food tasted like it was made in small batches with TLC from Mom or Nana, not made in a commercial kitchen to feed a crowd many times that size. Don't be skeptical of the name or cuisine. To miss eating at this restaurant is miss a great opportunity for unique and delicious food. read more

Just tried the food truck at The Haven my first night in town. Boy am I spoiled now the chicken roti and the plantains were so delicious. Loved meeting the chef and crew. Can't wait to go to the restaurant for the full menu. read more

What a great addition to downtown Bluffton! A beautiful restaurant with food you won't find anywhere else! Delicious African fusion with a southern flair and great service. We went for brunch and loved it! read more

my mother and I came here after talking to chef Francine Marz from the culinary institute of TCL. She highly recommended Okan and executive chef Bernard who was a semi- finalist for emerging chef by the james beard foundation. He was standing outside greeting people coming in. The restaurant is nestled in historic old town bluffton district under live oak trees among civil war era homes and churches, a stones throw from the May river. The restaurant has a rustic elegance, and the live music was lovely. The food is delicious!! We love the Gullah and west African flavors! The waitress was lovely and very detailed to make sure we got what we wanted. My mother ordered the local blue crab over blue grits with cream and stone ground mustard sauce. it had subtle favors to let the crab be elevated and truly shine in the dish! I had the O.G. biscuit sando, the chicken truly is to die for! It is crispy, it is crunchy, it is spiced wonderfully! The egg was a perfect runny yolk pouring down the dish like a tasty waterfall. The creole gravy was what pulled it all together! I would take that gravy home in a jar if I could! You won't regret a visit to Okan! 10/10 would recommend read more

Okan - The O.G. biscuit sando - African Near Me - Bluffton, South Carolina

Really good service and good food. Definitely recommend eating here. The ambiance of the place is really cute when you walk in as well

Best meal experience of the year. Anyone staying in Palmetto Bluff should forego the on site restaurants and have least one meal here. They have the most interesting menu - you will regret having to choose bw some of the items and will be planning your next visit before the starters arrive. And the food - every dish - was perfect. Favorites - jerk goat, local fish, dirty carrots. Trust me. Everyone should eat here once in their lives. read more

Beautiful restaurant, full bar, good food! Something different for Bluffton! Just had a couple of lunch items but looking forward to a return visit! read more

Love Okan!!!!! Their food is a MUST if you're in Bluffton. Just had their first brunch- the potato appetizer is pure perfection for your taste buds. The rice pancakes with banana were a must too. The atmosphere is gorgeous, with every detail thought through. Seriously, don't hesitate. So glad they expanded from their food truck to their new brick & mortor. Service (Jerzie) was excellent. Very well versed in flavors, recommendations, and checked on us often. Will be back many times over! read more

We've actually been to Okan twice now! The first time went during opening week with low expectations because opening week is usually pretty rough. But it was really great! The space is really pretty. Minimalist and modern but also warm and comfortable. The cocktail menu is a little intimidating, but we both took a gamble and got the craziest things and they were top notch. My husband's "Call Me Al" was spicy and came with cornbread croutons and is one of the best cocktails I've ever had. It was insanely good. For our meal, we ordered two "greetings" and two mains. The roasted okra is so good. Crisp and fresh and earthy over a little puddle of harissa. Just amazing. We didn't love the corn pudding but it just wasn't what we were expecting (but was exactly as described). I think it's just a matter of personal taste. Our mains were stellar. We had the. Djon Djon noodles and the pork belly griot. The noodles were a lovely inky black and they were with sooooo many mushrooms and Urfa chili. So complex and delicious. And gluten-free I might add. But the star of the show was definitely the griot. Fork tender, super unctuous and crisp pork belly was served over a bed of the most delicious creamed hominy. It is seriously one of the best things I've ever tasted. It is super rich, but the pikliz on top balances everything out. The second time we went we just sat at the bar and ordered drinks and bara bread. It's fluffy, yeasty and salty with a huge serving of chunky mango chutney. I would definitely recommend that for your bread service. My husband got the Pinot Noir which was nice and spiced. Went great with the mango. I got the Zion cocktail. If you like bitter things, this will be right up your alley. It's got really soft undertones of clove and cinnamon, just enough be really intriguing without being overpowering. We love this place and have plans to go again in a couple of weeks! So excited! This is unlike anything in the area and you should definitely check it out. read more

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Food was outstanding. I had the octopus and it was exceptional My wife had the shrimp special. It was just OK. The atmosphere is lively and fun. Service was excellent. Highly recommend. read more

Love eating here was very good food quality, great atmosphere and great service. Highly recommend it when in Bluffton.

THIS IS A MUST TRY! The staff was amazing and the food was fantastic! My husband and I got the curried goat, coco bread, hearth bread, and curry and it was the best food we've had in Bluffton. The restaurant was absolutely beautiful, couldn't recommend this place enough! read more

Okan - Inside - African Near Me - Bluffton, South Carolina

Wow! Stopped off at Okan on our way to HHI for lunch. Our waitress very sweet and knowledgeable. And the food .... A must check out place for all the different flavors. The open faced pork belly was "The Bomb". OMG won't need to eat for another day. Great app to start with are the Akara Friiters. A read more

Okan - Ital Stew- coconut milk, pumpkin, squash potato , collards and carrots. - African Near Me - Bluffton, South Carolina

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Excellent ambiance and food that dances on your palate. Also, wait staff services were on point and everyone had a smile. Had the opportunity to speak with Chef Bernard who loves what he does and makes everyone feel at home. Will definitely return. read more

Finally got to Okan. Goodness gracious it exceeded our expectations. Easy to make reservations, hostess was friendly and efficient. Our server was one of the best. She had extensive knowledge of the menu, and, when asked, offered personal insights and advice. A culinary adventure featuring exotic libations that straddle multiple cultures, I recommend 'You Can Call Me Al', trust me on this. Their bread platform is tasty and warm, try the Coco Bread. To supplement this an order of Akara Fritters provides a counterpoint to the airy Coco Bread. Main courses for our group was the Fresh Catch - Red Drum, Jerk Goat and Curried Oxtail, all rated very high. My involvement with the Curried Oxtail proved to be tender meat with provisions that consisted of yams, carrots and more. The curry was fruity and left a lingering touch of heat on the palate. We were satiated, and therefore passed on desserts. Okan means, in the Youruba language, 'heart' 'or soul'. I believe that this restaurant has embodied a more layered effect and that does justice to the word and it's ancestry. read more

We highly enjoyed Okan on Wednesday night. The food was delicious. We had the Djon Djon noodles and the Amberjack entree. Both were high quality. Our server was very attentive and helped us determine a set of gluten free selections. The restaurant is beautiful. Thanks for a fantastic evening! read more

Amazing dinner here last Saturday. Wish I could give more stars! We had reservations and were seated promptly. We ordered hearth bread, Peri Peri chicken, Cashew Curry which had lobster and what they called Carrots in Dirt. Prior to ordering our server explained the dishes and various spices to us. Every dish was amazing. And the servers so attentive. Lovely ambiance. Glad we had reservations as the restaurant filled up. Highly recommend! read more

Loved it. A very interesting menu with many choices. Made it difficult to decide. Food was excellent and service by Ricky was fantastic. Will definitely go again to try other items on the menu. read more

This was our first time trying and they just changed the menu. The hearth bread was absolutely amazing! The cashew curry and the curried oxtail were delicious! I know I am botching the spelling of this dish, the Pastelon, was the most amazing thing I have eaten. The icing on the cake was the service and the drinks!! 10/10 will be back. read more

Okan - Pastelon - African Near Me - Bluffton, South Carolina

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The food was amazing, just the right flavor, like being in Senegal or Sierra Leon along the Ivory Coast . Served by wonderful professional & courteous staff with pride. I highly recommend this restaurant for any occasio. read more

I wanted to try it, so I ordered the vegetable hand pies online. I tried it as soon as I got home, and it was amazing! It was ready on time, and it looks beautiful on the inside. I told my family about it, and we are wanting to actually sit down and try a full meal. read more

one of my new favorite restaurants in bluffton. The food is nothing I've had before but oh so delicious. I recommend!!! The drinks are good as well!! The ambiance is like no other. The decor in the restaurant plays on their African roots! read more

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This place has great ambiance. It is tastefully decorated, and comfortable. The Service was good. Each one of us had a different pancake order. I loved the Rice Pancakes, because they were light and fluffy. My husband didn't care for the Hibiscus syrup. Our neighbor liked her Sweet potato pancakes. She mentioned that she is coming back for dinner, but wished there was a way to get a small sampling of the different dishes to determine which dinner she would order. We recommend this restaurant, because it is lovely inside, the people are very nice, and the service was good. You won't be disappointed. read more

I have been to Okan twice in the past three weeks and I highly recommend it. For our first visit, I went with a group of five friends. We ordered the jerk goat, cashew curry, coco bread, corn appetizer, jollof rice and the red snapper escovitch. It was plenty of food to feed us all. We did order an extra side of roti. I immediately knew I would need to bring my family, specifically my 75 year Bengali dad. He loves fish and rice and I knew he would want his own red snapper. We went back last year with eight adults. We ordered one of each of the breads. It was great way to start the meal. We ordered some hearth roasted okra, one jerk goat, one cashew curry, two red snapper escovitch, one duck and oyster gumbo, oxtails and one lamb shank. They ended up running out of the lamb shank and my mom was pretty disappointed after seeing lots of people ordering it and it looked amazing. The staff handled it incredibly well. The manager brought an extra oxtail and jerk goat to make up for it and the chef came out to say hello and apologize. This was the first time they ran into the issue. Everyone was really wonderful and we enjoyed our evening. read more

Accolades all around from service to food to ambiance. Welcome to Bluffton, Okan, you sweet gem of a dining experience.

Amazing. Beautiful atmosphere and the food is . Best thing I forgot to take a pic of cashew curry. Great addition to Bluffton, nothing like it in the area for miles!. read more

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We recently visited Okan and everything was Fabulous! We've visited a few Islands in the Caribbean and multiple African countries and the food is very authentic but with a twist!! The Ox Tail, the Red Fish, The Lamb Shank, and the Harissa Chicken were all Incredible! The staff was beyond incredible and the chef/owner Bernard came and and welcomed us to his Amazing Restaurant! We will definitely spread the word and be visiting frequently!! Thanks for the Amazing Experience! read more

Amazing, amazing, amazing. The food was spectacular and different from the run-of-the-mill. Service great.

Fantastically wonderful food, service, ambiance! Crispy mushrooms, Jerk Goat and Pastelon were all wonderful. So excited to have this cultural food diversity here! Having just moved here, I expected it in Savannah, but this an unexpected surprise! And the desserts were wonderful too. read more

Good experience for us on Southern and Soul food. Fish and black rice were great, Vodka drink (forgetting its name) was brilliant, black eyed beans, noodles were all great read more

We just had the most delicious and amazing meal at Okan. The food is unlike any other restaurant and is incredible. We feel so lucky to have this treasure in Bluffton. Our new favorite restaurant as locals. Service was impeccable too! read more

We had dinner at Okan a week ago. The restaurant is pretty and the food was fabulous. We had an outstanding server named Rodrick, who patiently described the dishes and made great recommendations. We had the coco bread and red bean hummus for our apps, and pastelon and shrimp & oyster gumbo for our entrees. Save room for dessert - the parsnip cake was out of this world! Highly recommend Okan! read more

Absolutely amazing! Great location, service, quality of food and variety. Prices were great and the biscuits and gravy were outstanding!

Innovative and delicious food. Excellent attentive service. Great space, roomy not too loud. After dinner one night, we went back for dinner the next to continue sampling from the interesting menu. read more

Food was fabulous! Very attentive staff. Interior beautiful...felt bad for obviously undertrained waitstaff as far as food or wine go. They were supposed to send a sommelier to our table but he never came only four tables at the time. I know I sound picky but after waiting for wine guy to come and having food spilled as being served it was just a strange experience. Having said all that will definitely go back and hope owners take review as it is intended. So hope you work out the kinks as this place is truly one of a kind ...food outstanding read more

We had brunch and it was delicious - everything was fresh and perfect. Additionally, our server was wonderful! Definitely want to head back to try a dinner. read more

The food was phenomenal and the wait staff very attentive. Where are you? Pleasant experience.

Wonderful food! Will definitely go back. Every single dish was delicious. Great new addition to Bluffton.