Just wow. I took my son and his Fiance to eat here at their choosing. They are a bit fancy and I was left feeling some kind of way on a couple of occasions. Not this time. Man this place was off the hook. I am sorry for not taking more pics but when that food hit the table it was like feeding time at the Zoo and I forgot. I had a Shrimp and Filet with Japanese noodles and fried rice that was exceptional. Salmon looked really good by sons plate. Future daughter in law had a Bento box that looked as if it was out of a magazine. I'm looking forward to going again. The price for us was $116 but we got all kinds of extras. To be honest I paid and I would gladly pay that again for what we got. Not to mention we took enough home for another meal. Money well spent plus the service was nothing less than spectacular as well. Riverside is blessed to have this one. read more

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Came in had a very bad interaction with the hostess, i just left the building. July 6, 2022 I can understand that my isolated incident isn't a reflection of this person, especially the establishment which i have frequented for 13+ years. Which i love and wanted to introduce my new partner to. I couldn't help that the hostess handled herself by attacking me with microagressions. She treated the white party of 4 very well then me like an afterthought and even got on the phone while I'm clarifying where i can wait. I wasn't allowed to wait at the sushi bar with 12 seats open that were never filled for the 1 hour i waited when quoted 20-25 minutes. I left after she sat 2 more groups when i was 'next' and decided to leave without badgering a person when i was pretty frustrated with the whole experience. Very bad time unfortunately, hopefully the management reads this and educates the hostess how to treat all people equally with grace and dignity. read more

Food was good but portions have gotten a lot smaller & prices way up!!! Service was ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE!! Server came & took order & never came back!! When our server came back at the end of our meal we told him we never got our sushi or drinks & his responds was " oh I forgot " !! Then on top of that we were celebrating our birthday everyone there knew we were celebrating a birthday from the hostess, to the person who sat us & the chef cooking our meal!!! As others around we're celebrating birthdays nothing was done for our birthday person!! Then on top of all this they have the nerve to put on a 20% gratuity on a party of 4!!! Mind blown!!! So I'm paying 20% for HORRIBLE SERVICE!! I will not go back there ever again!!! read more

The website lists a # to call to make a reservation...after several attempts, 2 hung-up on, got through...it was 5:05 calling to make a 6:30 reservation for 7...was told they were busy & we could come put our name it & wait like everyone else...when asked why we couldn't put our name in now was rudely informed: "We're too busy tonight!". I guess this place is making a fortune from all the business so if you're a larger party needing to reserve a table just know: "They're too busy tonight!". read more

My family & myself went to this restaurant today for Mother's Day & I was served raw lamb chops. On top of them serving the food the plate we got we didn't get everything due to having a mushroom allergy so the manager said she would substitute the side with fried rice she ended up charging for the fried rice even though we didn't get the full meal. Service slow, manager doesn't care of the food is wrong she will still charge you. It's crazy read more

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We came here for my brothers birthday and we had the opportunity to meet Victor the best chef here!!! By the end of our experience at this restaurant THEY FIRED HIM!!!!!! I CANNOT BELIEVE THE WAY THIS COMPANY HANDLED THIS SITUATION!!! The manager told him he "took too long" but he handled the food allergies properly!!!! RUINED THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE!!!!!! ZERO STARS!!!!! read more

From start to finish the service was great. The seasoning used on the food create a blend of flavors that mix so well. I seem to always order the shrimp or chicken plate. 10/10 read more

Food is always good and good for left overs too... Nice ambiance... service is good and entertaining read more

If you want to waste your afternoon sitting down for a meal . This is the place to come too .We waited over 3 hours . They make you wait for all you guest to come before the start adding you to the wait list . Unbelievable we waiting 3 hours before we can be seated . We where in a group of 12 so we had to wait for a table instead of going some where else because we where already their for an hour . Didn't make sense to go somewhere else . The host was rude and didn't know what she was doing . She was rushing us and said that the kitchen was closing in 10 min and we had to hurry to order . We also weren't able to order anything else after 8:00pm . The food was expensive and wants even that good . I give the food a 3 star .. I don't think I will come again with the bad service and long wait .plus we paid over 500 for our food read more

This restaurant is located at the Riverside Plaza, a busy lunch spot and well visited location within Riverside. Ooka is a nice restaurant that is located on the middle strip of restaurants nearby Chipotle. Once you enter, it is very cleaner and there is the hibachi grills to the right, if that is what you prefer, and regular dine-in to the left. I've been here for regular dine-in and orders one of their lunch special dishes with teriyaki chicken. It comes with salad, miso soup, and vegetable tempura, which is beyond delicious! It was also very affordable. Now the really big and best part is the hibachi grill, whereas, this has a chef cook the meat and rice in front of you. I went with the chicken and steak and was not disappointed one bit! This would be a perfect location for large parties. Price wise, this is definitely more pricier, but not out of reach. I think with the great service you receive, this place is one you must visit when you're in town! read more

Ooka Japanese Restaurant - Japanese Near Me - Riverside, California

-good for special occasions -hibachi and sushi/traditional japanese menus, you have to choose. both good options -food is excellent. -service is efficient and friendly. -wait times can be long, so make a reservation. read more

Great food, chef Noah is amazing. He provides great entertainment not only to the kids but for the adults. And his seasoning is on point. Love this place. My last visit was a bit disappointing with the manager. He was extremely rude. I called to make a reservation and was told they couldn't make any reservations however they would make note of my name because we were a large group and the wait would be about 25min. When I arrived the host, a girl, was very nice and I was told that it'd be about 15-20min wait and then the manager came up and said it would be an hour. I told him that the host had just told me it would be about 20min while they prepared our table. He said she was new and didn't know what she was talking about. I told him we were a party of 14 and that I had called to try to make a reservation but was denied one. I told him that I had family who had drove from Glendale. He then told me, if you continue giving me attitude I can simply refuse service. I was in shock with his response... The restaurant wasn't even busy. The host overheard, apologized and we were seated within 20min. My experience with the manager was upsetting. I've been there plenty of other times, on really busy occasions too and I've never had a bad experience with this place expect for the last time I visited. Perhaps the manager was just having a bad day, regardless that's not a way to treat customers. Providing a 3 star review because Noah is amazing. However their management is unbelievable! read more

Normally I come here and have a great time and good service. Unfortunately the service was terrible. The server Dana ignored us the entire time we were there. Constantly walking to ever other table them coming to us last as well as bringing out plates last when we ordered before everyone sat down. We checked out with a completely different server because Dana was nowhere to be found. Once I told that server we didn't like the way we were treated and if she could take the tip off she shoved the receipt and pen back into my hand and bumping into me as she walked away. read more

If I didn't experience this I wouldn't have believed it. Ordered Sushi/Sashimi lunch. Chefs choice. I record Tuna sushi, tuna sashimi, and a tuna roll. When I mentioned to the chef he said "everybody loves tuna" news flash, some of us love variety. Than began the wait for the check. After 15 minutes I told a passing waiter I'd been waiting for the check. He delivered it without saying a word. Five minutes later he returned to pick it up without saying a word. I asked where the Sushi chef was he told me they were at lunch and said "we're closed" I than asked for the manager who confirmed they were at lunch. I said you can't just abandon a customer sitting at sushi bar. He said sorry, turned his back on me and walked away. Yes, he did that. Looking at other reviews it looks like this is typical. read more

We've been to sushi/hibachi restaurant at least twice in two years. One for a birthday and recently for our wedding anniversary. On the dining room side, the food service is fine and adequate. No complaints there. The sushi was good but pricey. Unfortunately and recently on the hibachi side, we will not be coming back for that dining experience again. The seating is overcrowded and seating is not spaced adequately for separate parties. I dined with my family. I was seated at the corner with barely any room and my son was seated at the corner too. Guess what... we were basically almost using the same plate and drinks for the both of us. We were always confused whose drink, sauces and silverware belong to whom. My daughter was seated way far from the hibachi grill that she was almost at the other neighboring hibachi grill. It seems that our waiter cared more about the other customers seating with us because they were buying alcohol and he never asked us if we wanted refills on our hot green tea or water glass for our family of five. When I asked for a refill for my hot green tea, the waiter grabbed my tea mug by placing his two fingers inside my tea mug to lift it up. YUCK!!! I canceled the tea refill. By the way, customer beware, the restaurant now automatically charges 18% tip to all customers. read more

Great food and beverages!! Great service! Definitely recommend this place and will continue to go for special occasions.

Came here for my sister bday and she was so excited on comming I love when they do the show infront of you I usually get the combo dinner for two such good deal for two !! read more

Ooka Japanese Restaurant - Japanese Near Me - Riverside, California

Had a great experience at the table with sushi, salmon and seared sashimi. Great, prompt service, the sushi and sashimi tasted great and the salmon looked fresher than any other restaurant I have eaten at in years. The iced tea tasted superior. Yes, it was on the expensive side but I thought the good lighting ambience, clean and comfortable and cold air conditioning made for a perfect experience. I can't wait to try out their recommended bento box. read more

Ooka Japanese Restaurant - Seared Cajun salmon - Japanese Near Me - Riverside, California

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This place closes at 9:30 got seated at 8 o'clock and we got told immediately that we cannot order sushi because they were overwhelmed by the orders. Then after ordering our drinks we were told that they run out of the soup that comes with a hibachi. Gonna come to this place don't come here to have dinner I'm here for lunch. Because they run out of stuff during dinner and they still charger the same. read more

Ooka Japanese Restaurant - Japanese Near Me - Riverside, California

Service was good and our reserved table was ready at the time we requested. The server was pleasant. We ordered the lobster and shrimp. The "show" was good. Grandma liked it but did remark that the chef wasn't very enthusiastic. We watched and our supper was served. The chef butchered both the lobster and the shrimp. The texture of chewing a tire came to mind. Overall, the food was fair at best. For $250 for4 people, including a 20% tip automatically added to the tab, we will find another spot for grandma's 90th birthday next year. The ambiance was what I would expect from a mall upscale restaurant. PS: grandma's daughter picked up the tab after putting her index finger to her lips and signaling for me not to say anything. Had those bucks came out of my bank acct, words would have been exchanged with management. read more

The service was great but the food was bland and overpriced. We went to celebrate a birthday and were expecting amazing food the way people talk about this establishment however we were disappointed in the lack of seasoning and flavor everything had. And they added on an automatic 18% gratuity for our party of 3 which was crazy to me. Don't think I'll be returning. read more

The food was good. The service was awesome. Very friendly and attentive people! It's decorated beautifully, but the lights in the room we dined in were so very dusty. read more

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Good food ,great service cook made it a great experience for my daughters birthday. Would definitely go back

This place was recommended by someone we met at Benihana's. The food was definitely nowhere near the flavor or quality as Benihana's. It was very mediocre and pricey, even at lunch. I would give this place negative stars for the behavior and what the chef told my wife. My wife took my two boys for lunch. While the chef was cooking he started flinging corn at my kids and tried to land it in their open mouths, then tried with my wife who declined. He then said, " Oh your big mouth is just for your husband?" My wife was so embarrassed, angered, humilated and hurt, and my boys seemed very confused and upset as well. We are a Christian family and my wife was very offended. She complained to the manager and the manager just said "Sorry". I am contacting the Better Business Bureau tommorow to file a sexual harrasment complaint against them. DO NOT GO TO THIS RESTAURANT! read more

Tried calling to make a reservation never picked up the phone. I went on their website and they have the same number. At this point I wonder if they are on business. Or it they want business read more

Steak choices were very limited for a place that advertises steak and sushi, and an uncomfortable eating experience from the staff. me and my partner felt as if we're were being rushed through looking through the menu and ordering. When I asked for more time one of the older workers rolled his eyes at me, being impatient, even though it was our first time there. As I ate we felt as if we were being stared at by said worker too because they stood in front of us just watching. Sushi was good though! read more

The two times I've ordered takeout, the food has been disgusting. It tastes fishy, stale and rubbery. Tried giving it a second chance but simply reassured me not to order from here again. And for the love of god, why is it so difficult to be 'ore generous with the ginger? Three thinly sliced gingers do not suffice for two orders of sushi rolls (that were stuffed into one container). Ordered: lobster dynamite roll & crunch roll. Paid: $41.37 ‍ read more

I always love this place , but tonight my family & I went to celebrate my husband's birthday. We ate at the hibachi table. We all agreed the noodles & the fried rice were salty. Service was fine .It's to bad it was an off night. The chef needs to slow down on the salt. Ruined a great meal. read more

Just left Ooka's at the Plaza. Early dinner for early Christmas celebration. We had fun! We ordered both from the sushi menu and sat at the teppan tables for the full show. The Central Avenue roll and the crunchy roll was a great starter. At the Teppan tables. shrimp, chicken, steak, filet mignon and the chicken was thinly sliced chicken breast. The steak was grilled to order and cubed into bite size pieces. Best filet ever. The egg roll (haha) and the onion volcano still impress the kids, please keep at it. Full bar. Servers paid attention, thank you Eduardo/David. Well worth the added gratuity. I only gave 4 stars because I felt rushed. Both on the ingress and egress. Smooth your edges please. Food-5 (plenty of leftovers) Value-5 (Quality meat vegetables and seafood) Service-4 (hostess kept asking if we knew our party's of 12 order before we sat down or saw a menu! Bad first impression. The Riverside Plaza has plenty of quality offerings and this is certainly one of them. read more

Great quality food Sushi is bomb Oysters are top shelf Great device with a smile I'm here once a week read more

The three stars are for our habachi cook and flavor of food. We ordered a rainbow roll and edamame for our appetizer but never saw it. Our food food was cooked and we were halfway through down when our waitress came back and inquired about our appetizers. She came back and said the order never went through. She never checked on it for us before our main food was made. We got the check we were charged for a regular chicken dinner instead of a children's price. My daughter is 10 and looks 10. There's an automatic 18% gratuity added to your tab. Hopefully our waitress has to share that with all the other staff who made our experience a positive one. Overall wouldn't come back. read more

have to give credit to the service and chef--they were fantastic. However, the entire experience was ruined by the unprofessional behavior of the manager. My party ordered four drinks, but none of us liked them. When we asked to order something else, the manager refused to serve us. Confused, we asked to see the policy behind this decision, and she told us it wasn't written but it was "policy." We then asked if she was just making it up as she went along, and shockingly, she said "yes!" I've never experienced anything like this before. It's unfortunate because everything else was great, but this manager's attitude was unacceptable and completely ruined our night. We won't be returning thanks to Linda! read more

The food was great but unfortunately I have to give this restaurant one star. We had an issue with our drinks and we didn't like them. When we wanted to send them back, the owner said she would take them off the bill but we couldn't order another drink. When we requested to speak with management, she went missing when we saw her helping other tables etc before we requested her. She made us wait for her to come speak with us. Then when she came and spoke with us, she said this the policy. We asked to see the policy and she said she was making it up. I am not happy with how she handled this situation. Management is not customer service friendly and not attentive to customers. The cook and the server were great. I work hard as a state employee for my money. I am super disappointed and will absolutely not be returning. Managers name is Linda. read more

I have been coming here for years. Their sushi rolls are creative and good. We had a party of 5 for lunch and they automatically added a 20% gratuity on the check. The service was good but shouldn't I be the one to determine what the gratuity should be? And an automatic 20% REALLY??? Not only that but they charged $3 for a small side of ponzu. I get that cost of goods have gone up but this is nickle and diming the customers. I will not be back! read more

The food is really good and service too but I don't think is proper for them to automatically charge 18 people percent gratuity for every patty last night I went to go eat there and basically I order 2 plates because my son is 3 he shares from my plate and I knew going there you spent a good amount of money but tip is optional and they automatically took 27 dollar tip I was very upset so I'm just informing everyone I think 15 tip would be fair not 27 dollar tip read more

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MUST READ ALL TO UNDERSTAND THE 1 MANAGEMENT IS HORRIBLE.... I wanted to try them out because it was my first time trying a hibachi cooking.....from the way it started we should have just left but we gave them the benefit of the doubt, well it started like this I walk in and gave them the name and told them party of 5 , people after me was a party of 18, & after that was another party of 5....they took both parts that came after and seat them both before us , they ended seating us on the side of the grill .... 30 min waiting just for them to come and take our drink order, then when the server came it was a rush job , food was not that good, not much flavor, over priced for the quality. And to end it all I walked in with a new shirt and came out with it damaged from them cleaning the tables with bleach and not whipping it dry, and the biggest problem was when I spoke with the manager when we were leaving after we payed and all, because that's when my wife noticed the shirt, the manager did not even apologize or try to make it right instead she said "we don't know if you came in that way because we don't look at what people are wearing". Will never go back . read more

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Ohh Riverside !!! If you like sushi... you have a gem right here in OOKA The soft shell crab is absolutely delicious and unbelievable value.. We ordered it twice .... sooooooo good Our first time time in today and Tom our waiter was very nice and we really enjoyed the service and high quality dining ...fresh and delicious I highly recommend Ohh the Cajun smoked salmon is the bomb too..... read more

I came to Ooka's for the first and last time. The food and service were fine but adding 26% tip on the total bill rip off! If you happen to visit Ookas, look at your total bill so you leave don't double tip. This 'tip' issue left a very bad taste in my mouth and my dining experience. read more

I've been going to Ooka with my childhood best friend who lives in Riverside for 10+ years BEFORE I was even a resident of California beginning back while I was still in college. I don't live up in Riverside but we always find ourselves returning to Ooka sitting in the same familiar booth together when I come up from San Diego for a visit. Don't be dissuaded by the fact that they are located in a busy riverside shopping center next to a movie theater surrounded by food chains galore. Simply put; their service is great, the food is timely and the fish is fresh. More and more I find myself swaying towards sashimi platters over rolls and Ooka did not disappoint for the quality and the price point so of course I followed in suit here. For starters, I ordered the Kani Salad that added the perfect amount of kick and the Shishito peppers, neither of which were over-sauced which I find happens too much with Asian dishes. Something about being able to actually taste my food is appealing to me... For the star of the show I ordered the 21 piece sashimi deluxe, perfectly plated and added the scallops a la carte. Loved the selection from start to end but could have lived without the octopus. A little chewy and cut a bit too thick for my taste. As I continue to visit Riverside, I will continue to come to Ooka. As always, thank you guys for the wonderful dining experience. read more

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Absolutely delicious! This is one of my favorite local restaurants. I highly recommend the Wa-Fu chicken appetizer, Miso soup, Cucumber Salad, Salmon Sushi and the Hot Fancy Roll. This place never disappoints. read more