Okina Sushi
(415) 387-8882
776 Arguello Blvd
San Francisco,
CA
94118
37.7758
-122.4583
Neighborhoods: Northwest, Inner Richmond
What People Are Saying About Okina Sushi
The Editor
Chelsea Sime
Citysearch
When walking by Okina on, say, a Tuesday at noon, there's nothing to differentiate its wooden facade and door-hung Japanese flags from many of the surrounding homes. But come Friday dinnertime, it's suddenly quite evident that this inconspicuous venue houses one of the Inner Richmond's most sought-after sushi restaurants (if only because it plays hard-to-get with a bento box-sized dining area and small window of operating hours) as patrons spill out the door and light floods from the front windows. The menu is sparse but ultimately very Japanese--no Philadelphia rolls or teriyaki chicken, but lots of fresh nigiri, sashimi and hot green tea.
High Marks
"reminds me of the places in japan where there isn't much ambiance, but they focus on what they know..." (dyne, Citysearch user)
"The Toro and the other tuna cuts were excellent, and my date and I even tried the Uni, which was the best I've ever had." (nmerriss, Citysearch user)
Low Marks
"Very very small do not bring a large group to this place I think the total number of folks who can eat here is maybe 20..." (cybelea, Citysearch user)
"Nothing bad about this place at all...just...nothing spectacular either." (badbatzmaru, Citysearch user)
User Reviews
badbatzmaru
March 12, 2007
Okina Sushi Review March 8, 2007 Decided to try this place after reading some of the reviews. Overall, the place was good to above average. We were the first ones in the store, sat at the counter, and got a chance to speak to the owner. He is a friendly fellow, casual, and offered great service. Our tea was refilled without asking. Everything was fresh, and like another reviewer of this restaurant before said, the fish was a bit colder than usual. This maybe a good thing, to prevent bacteria... My only complaint is the lack of choices. I don't care for rolls generally, and they do not have any type of appetizers or other cooked food. Most of the basic fishes are there, but nothing more. Total bill came out to $65 for two people. We ordered amaebi, mackeral (3 orders), hamachi (2), scallop, squid (2), unagi, oyster sushi, fatty tuna (2), 1 large sake, crab sushi. We just ordered one or two orders at a time. Did not try uni, salmon, halibut, and tuna. Items that I did not care for, scallop and squid. Both had shiso leaf in them. Oyster sushi and crab sushi to me lacked any type of flavor. The rice masked the taste of the oyster. Finally, the shrimp head was baked in the oven, I prefer deep frying em. Nothing bad about this place at all...just...nothing spectacular either.
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sfmisf
June 03, 2006
I was totally satisfied with the restaurant quality of sushi. They were very fresh and tasty! More than that their prices are cheap. I don't know why so cheap, but it was great. They don't have varieties of sushi. No fresh salmon!!! Oh my god! But again sushi they have at the time were great. Only one thing I didn't feel good about was that I opened the soy sauce bottle lid to pour, then suddenly the chef yelld at me, "Don't open! Just pour!!" I was scared as hell, and other customers looked at me. I was embarrased from that. What's the deal with it?? So if you sit at the counter in front of him, DON'T OPEN A SOY BOTTLE!!! He will look at you as if you are a rude American.
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dyne
April 25, 2006
this place has such high grade sushi! reminds me of the places in japan where there isn't much ambiance, but they focus on what they know. the sushi chef/owner is pretty intense and serious about the quality of his fish. no kitchen food, so don't bring the friends that always order teriyaki.
read full reviewThe Details on Okina Sushi
When to Go:
To avoid a line, call ahead or show up right when the restaurant opens at 5pm.
The Extras:
The adventurous eater will be best suited with the "omakase" meal, which means the chef chooses what you'll end up with.
Know Before You Go:
This place is cash only, but the small grocery store down the street has an ATM should you need it.
