Reviews & Ratings for Taraval Okazu Ya

01/27/10

Get the sizzling fish on a platter!

by quandenise at Citysearch

I love this place, it is a casual neighborhood establishment with tons or regulars, good service and delicious food! Japanese food all the way. There is all the typical cooked Japanese food, as well as all the yummy sushi you could ask for. I love all the sushi I have ever had here, and I also love the fried sea bass or butter-fish entrees as well as the short ribs. I can't say anything bad about the food in the place. I really have a good time here. Never had a bad experience from the first time I came here in high school, to now as an adult 12 years later.

11/26/07

Popular neighborhood site but food's mediocre and have gone downhill

by foodielover at Citysearch

I've found the food on a decline over the years. Been here 2x this year and the tempura batter is hard, bland and dry. A real disappointment. The combo dinners are reasonable for under $11 with good portion. Tried the CAL bear roll, which turned out to be soggy (imitation crab inside, topped with unagi), another disappointment. My dinner came with tempura and tuna sashimi which was fair and deep fried scallops - the batter wasn't good either. Had 2 orders hamachi nigiri - definitely have had better tasting hamachi elsewhere. The grilled Chilean seabass which is usually a favorite of ours, was fishy smelling and rubbery, the 3rd disappointment. This 2nd visit this year reminded me why I've not been coming back here for the food with regularity anymore.

• Pros: Popular neighborhood restaurant
• Cons: Food has been on a decline, parking difficult

11/19/07

Cheap Sushi & Love the Busy Environment

by sleepypanda1029 at Citysearch

This is my favorite japanese restaruant! (its not explanatory) The sushi is cheap, but not the best quality. This chubby server alway brings me a smile because he work so hard... and have to walk back and forward at this narrow hallway they have. Never had a chance to sit in front of the sushi bar... it can get crowded at night. There are four tables at the very back, never ask to sit there! The back room scares me, have flies... makes me feel like it used to store trash cans. Other than that, any seats at the restaruant is great. I used to order sushi to go after lunch and before dinner... when the business is not as busy. I get the best service! All their waiters and sushi chef kept me entertained while I was waiting, and free cup of tea! ^.^

• Pros: Friendly, Cheap, More interactions
• Cons: the dirty back room

09/20/07

Get here early! Busy, friendly, really good!

by mernanc at Citysearch

I love this place. Its so family-oriented, the sushi is always fresh, Ben the manager is very friendly. The 49er roll is the BOMB!

11/21/06

fast neighborhood place

by amyh2 at Citysearch

it was ok. sushi was average and no wait. there weren't any prices for most of the rolls and combos on the menu, so i stayed away from that. I saw the sizzling plate, but wasnt' sure where it was on the menu. Average food, could be fresher and more appealing, but the servers seem attentive and are nice.

• Pros: fast and cheap
• Cons: not that fresh?

10/30/06

EXCELLENT JAPANESE FOOD

by smyle4de at Citysearch

i LOVE this place! nice atmosphere, good prices, hella good food. they even serve you yummy ice cream after dinner! MUST GO

10/17/06

Fresh sushi & Lots of Rolls !!!

by bien904 at Citysearch

Their sashimi is fresh to the taste, and rolls are plentiful to choose from. YOu will not be disappointed here. Its a small restaurant, so it crowds up fairly quickly... but deserves the wait. The price is decent for the size and portion provided. This is actually my top choice for sushi in SF.

Fave is the volcano roll, packs a lot of flavor with a kick of spice.

06/28/06

nothing like great sushi

by billiepak at Citysearch

We've been going to Okazuya for almost 10 yrs. I would write a bad recommendation so that no one else would go, but that would be too selfish ;) They always provide large pieces of the freshest fish. Service is soso, but if you ask they will get it for you. We always compare when we eat sushi on vacation. There's nothing like coming home and sitting at the bar for large plate of sashimi and a good laugh from Mike (the funny sushi chef at the end). For a low key everyday setting for great food, I would go here. If you want to overpay for the atmosphere then you should go elsewhere.

• Pros: food, food, food.
• Cons: Street parking is tricky. they only take reservations for 6 people or more.

Outer Sunset outpost of popular local chain serves up super-fresh fish to budget-conscious sushi lovers.

by Contributor at Citysearch

In Short
Despite its generic Japanese restaurant décor, the Taraval location feels more like an old neighborhood favorite than a chain. The sushi and sashimi are ultra-fresh even if rolls aren't terribly inventive, and the cooked fish meals are just as popular as the sushi.. Large portions of fresh Chilean sea bass, monkfish, butterfish, salmon and orange roughy served on piping-hot iron plates have been keeping the regulars happy for more than 20 years.

04/07/06

Deliciously Inexpensive

by miki156 at Citysearch

I have been going here for a couple of years now and I have rarely been disappointed. The sushi is rather cheap when compared to the likes of Ebisu, but maintains the flavor. The bento boxes are a sweet deal with complimentary ice cream included. The service is usually excellent, although on a couple of occassions it was rather slow. If you are looking for a neighborhood spot that has good food without the pretentiousness of Benihana or Ebisu, this is the spot to try - at least once.

• Pros: sushi, inexpensive, good parking
• Cons: sometimes service