Once a favorite haunt when the kids were growing up to celebrate various milestones, we hadn’t patronized OOKA, the Best of Philly Award-Winning restaurant, in ages. Opened in this location since 2000, and conveniently close to major transport routes on Easton Road in Willow Grove, PA, it offers both Hibachi and regular dining options—plus, it’s a B.Y.O.B!

OOKA offers only the freshest and most pristine dishes, including fish which is flown in daily from around the world. The ambiance is moody-Asian-modern and the able staff are all very polite and pleasant.

Shared Appetizers:

They offer Rolls, both raw and non-raw fish style; Sushi or Sashimi a la carte; Soups; Salads; and Hot and Cold appetizers. Three of us each decided on something different, but then we shared them all.

Out of Control Roll—6 freshly made tuna, salmon, avocado and tobiko rolls with pickled ginger and wasabi paste

Gyoza—6 crispy, pan-fried pork dumplings (they are also available with vegetables)

Shumai—6 delicate, melt-in-your mouth, steamed shrimp dumplings

Entrées/Rolls

Russ and I both decided on Dinner Entrées that came served with miso soup and a garden salad. We were impressed with the soup, both for flavor and how hot it was because it has been our experience that many restaurants tend to serve it luke warm. Julia, on the other hand, was tempted by the mouth-watering list of Signature Rolls.

Roasted Long Island Duck Breast—Tender slices of duck breast, caramelized asian pear, Japanese eggplant, scallion, bathing in a sweet sake-soy reduction and served with a side of coconut flake crusted taro potato tempura sticks and a choice of white or brown rice. No surprise that this was Russ’s option!

Chicken Yakitori—Plump pieces of both white and dark meat chicken, skewered with bell pepper and onion slices served in a with teriyaki sauce and paired with a little bucket of tempura vegetables and that choice of rice. Lynn’s selection.

Lobster Dynamite Roll—An artfully plated signature roll with Maine lobster, avocado and mango inside, topped with spicy tuna and sweet chili sauce on the outside. Julia kept going back to this on the menu, and finally ordered it—she was not disappointed.

Ice Cream Tempura—A trio of fried ice cream flavors (chocolate, vanilla and strawberry), paired with orange puree and a coconut scented white chocolate sauce. Shared by father and daughter.

OOKA also has two other locations in Doylestown and Montgomeryville, PA.