Last updated: 29 July 2023
The fifth and newest member of the OKA group to open is OKA on the trendy New Cavendish St in Marylebone. This group of small independent restaurants offers pan Asian cuisine in a variety of key locations across London.
OKA Restaurant Review: The Ambience
A long cosy tufted oxblood-red bench seat runs along one length of the restaurant, with socially-distant timber tables seating about 40 guests comfortably.
The white walls are adorned with eclectic Asian art, and maps from the Far East, although it’s downstairs where an oversized piece of art of a sushi master at work with Mt Fuji in the background that really caught my eye. Seemingly apt since oka in Japanese translates to hill in English.
Serving up traditional pan Asian cuisine with a modern twist, OKA’s menu caters primarily to omnivores with some vegetarian options.
OKA Restaurant Review: The Food
We ordered a selection of pan Asian starters including handmade sushi and hot dishes.
The steamed dumplings (£6.50) from the specials menu were available in spicy beef, chicken and black bean, a vegan squash, pumpkin seed and spinach, however it was the crab, prawn and chives which we chose to share. The rice paper exterior was soft and light, as you would expect, and I discovered the filling had a slight kick in the heat/chilli department that I wasn’t expecting but it wasn’t overpowering.
Nigiri platter (£11.50) features seared tuna, salmon avocado, yellow tail, seared tuna and a very spicy shichimi, and the chef’s choice which turned out to be a classic salmon nigiri.
The stand out for the day was the truffle salmon roll which is served cut into eight pieces. The uramaki (inside-out) roll is filled with panko, avocado, cucumber, mooli, topped with seared salmon, crispy onion and a truffle mayo (£12.50). All the aspects work in unity with this dish, the crispy crunch, the earthy truffle and the fresh salmon, it just works.
For mains we opted to split the beef bulgogi (£13.95), thinly sliced beef fillet served on a bed of rice with asparagus, and edamame beans. A very subtle hint of chilli, but nothing unmanageable for a sensitive palette.
It happens to be the most expensive main on the menu, but it’s oh-so-worth-it. The miso-marinated black cod, which might sound familiar as it came to fame from being a staple on Nobu’s menu.
Black cod is different from ‘normal’ cod, being a white and fatty meat, with a velvety texture and buttery flavor. It just fell apart on top of my fork and overall we thought the portion was well fitting for the price (£29). At OKA, black cod is served on it’s own just with ponzu; a thin, tart citrus sauce which is commonly used in Japanese cuisine.
If you’re just having the black cod and little else, you should consider adding fresh steamed vegetables (£4.95) and a side dish of sticky rice (£3.50) to round out the meal.
I’m not typically a huge dessert person at the best of times. I heard on the grapevine that the freshly baked chocolate cookie dough available in dark or white chocolate topped with coconut or vanilla ice cream (£5.95) is the stuff of dreams.
As you can imagine, my stomach was too full for cookie dough, so instead we split a mixed plate of mochi balls, featuring green tea, mango and coconut. The mango was by far my personal favourite – second was coconut though I’m still not quite sure how I feel about coconut ice cream, and the green tea coming in third.
A mixed mochi (£5) is a good dessert option for a couple dining as they are served cut in half so everyone can try at least half of each flavour.
OKA Restaurant Review: The Drinks
OKA is a licensed venue so pots of fresh tea and non-alcoholic drinks are available alongside wine, beer and cocktails.
The cocktail menu features flavours commonly associated with the region like lychee and yuzu.
The wine menu is extensive, including red and white wines from NZ, Spain and Italy, though my eye darted to the traditional options, such as Japanese beers and the sake selection.
OKA Restaurant Review: Value
OKA offers a set lunch menu which is great value. Choosing from four options for a starter, and a main, plus a tea for just £14.50. The menu changes seasonally and this one is due to be refreshed imminently so check with the restaurant directly for the latest version. Much of the menu is also available for take away if you need to take it to go.
Facilities & Accessibility
The only potential issue I see for anyone with limited mobility is access to the restrooms. The toilets are located downstairs and are in the format of individual cubicles with M/F signage plus a gender neutral option all with basin vanity units in each.
The Essentials
OKA Marylebone
Where: 19 New Cavendish St, Marylebone, London W1G 9TZ
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 12pm to 10:30pm
Nearest Tube: Bond Street (0.4mi/9 minute walk) | Regent’s Park Station (0.5mi/11 minute walk)
More Information: OKA Marylebone
Reserve your table: by phone (+44 207 486 4388)
The food looks delicious. I’ll probably try their lunch menu, as the prices for a full-blown dinner are a bit steep for my pocket.
You are doing a great job – very professional👌 – All the hard work you are doing will definitely pay off in the long term.