OKA Restaurant Marylebone

London's Gem for Sushi and Service

Upon entering the cozy enclave tucked just off Marylebone High Street, there's an immediate sense that you've stumbled upon a hidden culinary gem amid the sprawling cityscape. With lanterns gently illuminating the walls and soft hum of conversations filling the air, this unassuming eatery effortlessly oozes charm. The menu is an eclectic mix that will tempt even the most discerning palates, with marvels ranging from intricate sashimi plates to out-of-the-box concoctions like the kimchi miso soup — a delightful twist that melds Korean spice with Japanese tradition. Each sushi roll seemed lovingly crafted, and those salmon bites, well, they elicited gasps of delight, perhaps due more to astonishing presentation than portion size.

While valet service isn’t on the agenda, welcome drinks or not, you’ll be greeted by amiable waitstaff who apparently revel in your gastronomic satisfaction. Our server, bless his attentive heart, expertly navigated my quirkily specific dietary demands with recommendations that hit the sweet spot — a testament to their commendable knowledge of the menu. Despite whisperings of smoke wafting through the lobby from neighboring chats in reviews, my experience harbored no such faintly scented grievances. In a nutshell, while every facet of Oka may not glimmer like polished pearls in an oyster shell, what shines with unmistakable radiance is their commitment to offering quality food with flair, adventure and a warm, relaxed ambiance. Go in expecting stalwart sushi at reasonable London prices but emerge, if you’re lucky, with an evening that pleasantly lingers in memory’s kitchen. — Milo Tastemaker