On the hunt for another source of oriental taste, this time our journey took us to Oki, nicely wedged in a row of terraced buildings. Looking through the full glass façade, white walls and wide beechwood tables were the only foundations of interior design. The pattern seemed only broken by an open kitchen to the back right left corner and a multitude of posters on its walls that seemed holding up with blu-tack. The hint of simple man's food seemed overwhelming but we took a table to see what the food could tell us. Try to avoid any table at the front by the entrance on a cold day since there is no double door entrance, and whoever comes in, will bring a cold breeze directly on you.
The menu was quite extensive, covering a large set of East Asia-inspired dishes and also using more local, traditional naming which you probably do not see in less authentic East Asian restaurants or noodle bars. People may say Oki is a Japanese place but from the menu it is a clear mix of Japanese and Korean.
We were quickly intrigued to Don Buris and Bibimbaps rather than the usual Teriyaki Chicken. A good choice of Bento Boxes were also available which made it harder to choose. Prices did not see competitive enough against the many East Asian joints in Wimbledon, and their offers or discounts did not seem to be promoted or highlighted well enough as we only read about them on the wall posters after ordering. Staff did not seem ready to wait us, either in being available or visible when ready to order, or being helpful in their recommendations. It was puzzling to see all waiters huddled in the centre of the restaurant.
When the food came, a good show was put on. Presentation of the dishes and the dishware itself made a first good impression. Don Buri was in a simple but nicely decorated bowl, the traditional Bento Box was generously filled with all the ingredients, and the Bibimbap came in sizzling and smoking on some sort of metal griddle. Flavours were good and not bland. The Crispy Duck Don Buri was nice at first; however, the strong taste and the large amount may make you feel sick after a while even with the tiny a salad. The Bibimbap looked great in the presentation but did not single out the dish as special in terms of taste, especially as the griddle continues cooking the food and may burn it slightly. The Bento Box, simple as it is, was the winner of the day thanks to its variety and generosity: a choice we recommend and you cannot fail!
Oki appears to be cheap and cheerful, with many elements clashing and not really setting things straight. Reviews call it a Japanese restaurant when it is clear a fusion of Japanese and Korean. You have soothing and earthy green tea in a nice cup (better than Wagamama) and then beer comes in a dirty glass. Dishware looks great and then wall posters seems old laminated prints at the local takeaway. It seems the whole restaurant could be better off in focusing on takeaway only since the sit-down experience is not as enjoyable. Perhaps a work on its identity could make the place improve a lot faster - for now, we may take the food but eat it elsewhere.
Our verdict is as follows:
Quality of Food 3.25
Hygiene 3.50
Value for Money 3.25
Speed of Service 3.50
Quality of Service 3.00
Ambience & décor 1.75
Oki gets an overall rating of 63.1%
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