What a cute little spot in Downtown West Orange! The vibe is really nice -- good music, stylish decor, and the bartender was fun! My friend ordered a Long Island Iced Tea and I went with the Oko Punch, which was absolutely delicious. The only downside was that it took quite a while to get our drinks at first -- the bartender seemed a bit overwhelmed even though the bar wasn't crowded. But once she got to us, she was great. Super attentive, funny, friendly, and really pleasant to talk to for the rest of the night. So service definitely improved after the initial wait. We didn't order food, and honestly, I'm glad we didn't this time around. The bathrooms were out of order for about the first 90 minutes we were there, and the plumbers working created a noticeable odor that made the space feel a bit off for eating. Once that was handled, the atmosphere got a little better but I still had the ick!! They have a DJ setup right at the bar and TVs if you want to catch a game. Drinks run about $17 each, and gratuity is automatically included, so heads up on that. They accept cash and all major cards. There's street parking plus a municipal lot about a block away, so parking was easy. I can't quite figure out why a spot with such a nice ambiance is so empty during weekend evenings, but I'd be open to coming back to try the food myself. I've seen mixed reviews on that, so I'll update once I do. read more

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The ambiance and aesthetic here are vibrant, especially with the afrobeats and hip-hop music blasting. The wait times for drinks and food are long, and our waitress was either new, under the influence, or both. It took a while for her to input our drink orders in her pad, and then she needed help with it. Then at the end of the night, she brought us the wrong bill. When my friends let her know, rather than saying thank you, she laughs and says "it was cheaper too." She seemed off mentally the whole night. We all enjoyed the Oko Punch and Suya Steak, but my food was the last to be brought to the table after most people were almost finished with theirs. I liked the oxtail quesadillas, but I won't be coming back here. read more

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Large venue with a Club/Lounge vibe. Live DJ on premise, nice "club" like interior, with some African accents. Casual vibe, although the decor gives off a nice semi-upscale vibe. Nice after work spot, albeit a bit loud. There is a parking lot in the rear, but not for the restaurant. Same with the lot across the street, it's for residents only. There is only metered street parking, & a metered parking lot around the corner & across the street. Service was very good. Full bar, including their own signature drinks. We had Oxtail Tacos w/Joloff Rice, Honey Glazed Lamb Chop w/Candied Yams and Mac & Cheese, Oko Punch, Margarita, & Iced Tea. My only negative was a personal one. As we weren't expecting that atmosphere, it was louder than we would have preferred for such a situation. Gratuity was auto added to the bill. Grades: Oxtail Tacos: A+ Joloff Rice: C Honey Glazed Lamb Chop: B Candied Yams: A Mac & Cheese: B- Oko Punch: A+ Margarita: A Iced Tea: A+ Found this place through the IG page Grub A Plate. read more

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Finally got here after months of wanting to check it out. Friend and I went on a Sun and there actually was a birthday celebration. There was a DJ. Not sure if that is the norm or for the party, but he was pretty good. As for the food, I ordered the shrimp rasta pasta and my friend had the salmon rasta pasta. We are both Caribbean and it was way to spicy that we could not enjoy the meal. If it weren't so hot, it really would of been good. The portion was really good. I really need to go back again to give it another try, read more

This newly opened restaurant in West Orange is awesome. The ambiance is welcoming, family like. Plenty of seating and the lighting was perfect. The Owner/Chef Cliff is an amazing person. You can tell his passion for the establishment by having a five minute conversation with him. The menus are great; so much goodness to choose from. I got the Chicken, Basa and Waffles. Basa (which are I think Swai fish) ). It was so crispy and the fish was just flavorful. The wings were so crispy and flavorful and that powered sugar took them to another level. I must this some of the best I've had in a long time. The waffles were buttery, soft and for me didn't require any syrup. But that syrup took it up another notch, even dipped the Basa in it and OMG. The French Toast was amazing and I don't eat it normally, but here they got it right. The potatoes well cooked and seasoned. Instead of turkey bacon, I got some Suya Steak instead and OMG. The best steak and eggs combination I've had in a long time. The eggs were soft, cheesy and fluffy. This will be my new go to spot for brunch. Will be back for dinner. Shout out to Sam, she did an amazing job. read more

Came here on a Friday night to have dinner. It wasn't busy, and we were seated immediately. We ordered drinks while we continued to review the menu. I got the Oko punch, and my friend got a blue drink I can't recall the name of.helr drink. I ordered a shrimp fried rice dish that was accompanied by sweet plantains and a salad. My friend got the oxtail and the jollof rice. She tasted her rice and requested a different portion as it tasted burnt. My shrimp was cooked well, but the rice lacked some flavor. My drink didn't have a kick to it all. Our waitress was really nice and super attentive. They were playing some good 6 a few guys were there and sang, making almost karaoke style. Rhey were good singers, too. read more

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Came here for the seafood Thursday and was disappointed. Our bartender was very new and did not have knowledge of the Thursday food or drink specials . However she was so nice and pleasant . The food was very expensive . My friend ordered the beef Suya which she said was nasty. So I didn't even bother ordering food to be disappointed.. My margarita was also nasty but it was only $7 from the Thursday drink special. The total vibe was just off and a waste ! Not to meation the bar chairs are too short for the bar counter top ! read more

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This place very welcoming starting as soon as you come in the door. The staff are very friend and welcoming. The ambiance is very calm and relaxing. The staff uniforms were very clean. For the food. I only had the season fries and Cannied Yams. They were good. The fries well seasoned. The cannied yams were also good cause they were super sweet. I was going to get the Rasta Pasta but my niece had that and it was a little to salty for my taste (not a real salt eater). Overall I would definitely come back again to try the salmon. Well I have to edit this review after receiving the bill. Please take note of your prices. The food that was charged wasn't the same price on the menu. read more

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I stopped her after an event and was quite hungry. I heard that the place had good food so I wanted to check it out. Somehow, I thought this place was fine dining (as stated in the establishment name), but I got a more casual feel from it. There was a DJ spinning some good music. A few patrons but wasn't hard to find a seat at the bar. The bartenders were sweet. The food came. I ordered the jerk chicken tacos which came with jollof rice. The food was ok. Temp-wise not hot at all. The jerk chicken had little kick to it. I was expecting more of the jerk flavor but got very little of that. The toppings were fresh I will say. The drink, although took awhile to come was good. read more

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Happy Yourself!!! Love everything here! The Staff, Food Drinks and Ambiance are amazing!!!! read more

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Food is well seasoned and delicious! Staff and owner are customer friendly. It is our choice for dining and for takeout as well. Nice addition to the choices to eat in the neighborhood! Highly recommended! read more

I celebrated 40 plus years of life today. When I say this establishment exceeded our expectations is an under statement. The drinks were exceptional...appetizer was tasty....the main courses were exceptional. The staff were very attentive. Shout out to Angelica and Precious. Last but not least Chef Cliff did his thang in the Kitchen...The hour plus ridr from Brooklyn was worth it all. See yall soon read more

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I hate to leave a poor review but Sorry, the food was such a disappointment. Spent $140 to get sub par food. Ordered two Waakye with Goat and another with Snapper and it didn't even have the egg, rice was cold, Snapper was good tho. But this not worth the price I spend... There is no phone number to contact bc believe me I'd rather rectify in person rather than socials. Maybe I shouldn't have done take out... I'm so disappointed with this read more

Had dinner and drinks there with a friend a few weeks ago and we had a great time! The food and vibes were excellent! The DJ in attendance played a variety of genres, including Soca. Chef Jeff topped off the evening by giving out complementary shots; a good look! Definitely coming back! Definitely coming back! read more

Oko Fine Cuisine - Oxtail Tacos and Jollof Rice - African Near Me - West Orange, New Jersey

Good was amazing, I had the oxtail quesadilla and it was super flavorful... the basa basa bites where in point and nice and hot. The wing were amazing to i have been here 3 times so far and def gonna go again and again ! read more

Food was amazing. Portions are great! We went on a less busy night but the mood was right and nice. Afro beats playlist was on point. Thank you! And I will be back to everything on the menu. read more

Oko Fine Cuisine - Oxtail Rasta Pasta - African Near Me - West Orange, New Jersey

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Great food. Great vibe. Excellent service... Great staff... Will go back. Brunch is amazing!

Delicious food; just the right level of spice, jollof rice & jerk chicken is to die for. Taco Tuesday--an African spin on a family favorite--something for everyone! Drinks hit the spot too! Great service, friendly staff & vibes to match. Will be returning & ordering out regularly!! read more

Nice ambiance, good food but honestly they need to add more options to their menu that are non-spicy. Not everybody loves spicy food lol. And if you subtract all the spicy dishes, it leaves you very limited in terms of what you can actually order. Additionally, they do not have a liquor license and make only mocktails. Their mocktails are delicious. I will give them that and they have an entire bar dedicated to just making mocktails which is "interesting."But I will say their commitment to not allowing people to bring in their own liquor is a bit extreme. They check your bag at the door as if you're going into a concert, which is ghetto and they do not allow you to bring in wine which is also very odd. Again the food and ambiance are good so is the customer service and live music which is why I gave them four stars. read more

The food was amazing the service was excellent and ambiance was perfect to set the right mood ! Cliff the owner graced us with his presence. Ask for Shakira our waitress she is amazing ! We ate Fried Joloff rice with chicken and shrimp. Honey glazed lamb chops with sweet yams and salad ! The Oko punch ( non-alcohol) was delicious! I recommend Oko restaurant to all my friends and family! read more

Amazing food, great vibes and close to home in West Orange! The same chef who owns the Afro Taco truck has a permanent home and it's probably the best new restaurant in town!! I had the Taco Tuesday flight and it was off the charts! A fusion of African and Mexican cuisine. The drinks are great too and all affordable. Waitstaff was very friendly. Will definitely return again and again! read more

Food was tasty. Drinks were great. I attended during day 1 of their soft opening so it was a pleasant experience. Service certainly needed some improvement, where the food needs to come out a bit faster. Ambiance is cool, maybe a little too busy for my taste. read more

No matter what you order in food, everything is delicious. Your servers are attentive, caring and polite. The ambiance is infectious, DJ will have you grooving to the sounds and to top it off there's a dance area. The mocktails are on spot. The owner greets customers with a pleasant attitude, makes you want to come back. Loving Oko Fine Cuisine read more

Went to check out seafood Thursday was very disappointed with the food and service .... Waited 45 min just for our appetizer which just was jerk chicken empanadas and fried shrimp which came out burnt .. how ever the drinks was really good ... for entree we had oxtail quesadillas and jolloff ... the jolloff rice was very smushed food is over priced and not worth it read more

I drove a hour to try the food at this new location. And I must say it was worth the drive. The food, the service and the ambiance is amazing. I met the owner Cliff and he was so nice & friendly to us. I can't wait to go back again and try some more amazing food. read more

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The place was really nice , far as the workers they sucked really bad , the bartender act like she didn't wanna give me no water after the waiter done disappeared for 20 mins , they brought your food out with no silverware had to wait 6 mins for that , after I paid for my food in cash , the waiter did not give me my change back ! I really believe this place will not be open long ! read more

The food is so good, great presentation. The service was really good, the staff is professional, attentive and welcoming. Good vibes and warm ambiance. Looking forward to my next visit. read more

I went this evening and had the taco flight with a side of the jollof with an jalapeño margarita. Everything was delicious! The ladies behind the counter were great and the owner is one of kind! Check out this place, it won't disappoint. read more

Easily a top 5 worst dining experiences I've ever had. Even with making my reservation, I had to wait 15 minutes before I was even greeted, and then had to wait another 10 minutes before I was seated, when there were open tables available. My date and I both ordered tacos and they were underwhelming, and that's being generous. I had oxtail tacos and she had the salmon tacos. The protein was hot but all the toppings, ( lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream) was refrigerator cold. Service was slow. Food was cold. Experience was terrible. I couldn't be paid to go back there again. Not to mention I also ordered mac and cheese as a side and it never came out but was charged for it. NEVER AGAIN! OKO IS AN OH NO!!! read more

extremely disappointed i made a reservation for 7:30 p.m. me and my guest was seated at 8:00 p.m. we odered chicken & shrimp quesadilla which came out a hour an 40 min after being seated this was a saturday night and it wasn't busy at all the drinks taste like the chaser more than liquor and the dj was playing some depressing music the speaker sounded distorted i was ready to go within 30 minutes of being there i am a long time customer however i won't be back. read more