Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Okan – San Diego
Okan - San Diego
Photo from Okan
Okan at a glance
San Diego University View
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 53 of the guests
#563 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#34 Japanese Restaurant out of 36 in San Diego
Good
6.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
296
Reviews
61.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Unique dishes
- Cozy atmosphere
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Hidden charges
- Small portions
- Cleanliness issues
The restaurant Okan is a Japanese restaurant located in San Diego’s University View neighborhood. You’ll discover a cozy atmosphere here, perfect for a relaxed meal.
This spot offers a delightful culinary journey, whether you’re looking for healthy options or late-night food. It’s a great place to unwind and enjoy authentic flavors, making it a standout in the local dining scene.
Overview: Introducting Okan
Okan offers a distinct dining experience, often praised for its flavorful dishes and a welcoming atmosphere. Many appreciate the attentive `service` and the overall `authentic feel` of the place.
However, some diners have encountered issues with `value`, particularly regarding unexpected charges and portion sizes. The `ambience` can also be a point of contention, with concerns about cleanliness and parking.
Good
6.4
out of 10
296
Reviews
61.1%
Satisfaction
100
negative
15
neutral
181
positive
Okan registers an overall `Restaurant Score` of `6.4`, placing it in the average category. Customer sentiment is similarly `mixed`, with `Customer Satisfaction` at `61.1%`.
This assessment comes from a considerable volume of feedback, with 181 positive remarks against 100 negative ones, out of 296 total comments. Digging deeper, the `Food` (6.8) and `Ambience` (6.8) generally receive favorable, though not outstanding, feedback.
However, `Service` (5.4) and `Value` (5.1) appear to be areas where Okan could improve, as these aspects garnered more critical observations from diners.
What people like
- Unique Japanese dishes
- Authentic cozy atmosphere
- Friendly, helpful service
What people don't like
- Hidden service charges
- Small food portions
- Cleanliness concerns
Okan offers a distinctive Japanese dining experience, particularly if you appreciate unique dishes and a specific cultural atmosphere. It’s a place that can charm with its character and culinary offerings.
However, be mindful of potential value concerns and check your bill carefully. With a `Recommendation Score` of `6.7`, it’s worth considering if you prioritize specific flavors and ambiance over consistent value.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Okan
Food (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to food, many diners rave about the delicious and authentic Japanese comfort food, highlighting unique items like Kamameshi, yakitori, and mentai udon. With 115 positive remarks, its clear theres a lot to love, contributing to a solid 6.8 score. However, a 66.9% customer satisfaction rating indicates a mixed experience.
Some found portions too small, sushi rolls disappointing with a high rice-to-filling ratio, and certain dishes like katsu or ramen having muted flavors. These concerns appeared in 51 comments.
Food
172
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
51
negative
6
neutral
115
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Japanese food
- Unique specialty dishes
- Delicious and flavorful
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Muted flavors
- Inconsistent sushi quality
Often praised
- foodMy first recommendation to anyone right now! I had a fantastic experience with great customer service, great food, and great prices.
- Japanese foodThey have amazing Japanese food
- mentai udonThe mentai udon was particularly unique and delicious
- menuThe menu is pretty diverse
- Japanese comfort foodMy experience at this restaurant was great! It serves nice Japanese comfort food. The owner is the same as Okan Diner, located in the plaza next to Nijiya market.
- UdonThis Udon is Amazing.
- duck ramenI enjoy the duck ramen that it’s is flavorful
- ramenthe ramen and grilled pork was delicious
- salmon rollThe salmon roll is very fresh.
- udonHighly recommend the udon. First bite it made me feel like it’s Mac and cheese and the more I ate, I felt like it’s Alfredo. Super creamy and unique.
Frequently criticized
- foodthoroughly disappointed today with their food
- BBQ beefBBQ beef which was inedible because of all the fat
- hand rollI paid $7. 50 for a hand roll that I could fit in my mouth in one bite. The Udon was also good, but again, just way too small for what I was paying for.
- portionsportions way too small
- Asahi portion sizeAsahi on the menu said 16oz. The glass they filled said 12oz.
- Grilled squidOurs was charred and overdone beyond repair.
- GyozaThe Gyoza are dry and very, very tiny
- Harami beef dinnerHarami beef dinner made me so disappointed. It was the poorest Harami beef dinner
- KatsuKatsu was unseasoned and overfried.
- SaladSalad was NOT fresh
If you're seeking authentic and unique Japanese dishes like Kamameshi or specialty udons, this spot could be a delightful find. However, be aware that some diners have noted smaller portions and occasional inconsistencies in sushi or other main courses.
Service (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
Based on 57 customer comments, the service here is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.4 and customer satisfaction at 45.6%. Many guests (26 comments) have praised the excellent service from the staff, often described as friendly staff and accommodating. When theyre on point, the team truly shines, making for a pleasant dining experience.
However, the service isnt always smooth sailing, with 27 comments pointing to areas for improvement. Some diners encountered bad service and slow service, often linked to long wait time or even rude interactions. This inconsistency contributes to the average score and mixed customer satisfaction, suggesting there's room for improvement.
Service
57
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
27
negative
4
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent service
- Friendly staff
- Accommodating team
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Rude interactions
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceI didn't notice any difference in service between the two of them
- staffMarvelous staff; especially my iron chef
- serversThe servers were kind and asked if I needed anything
- accommodatingthey were so accommodating
- amazing jobthe two women that work there do an amazing job
- customer serviceGreat customer service
- excellent serviceThe service was excellent
- friendly stafffriendly staff add to the charm
- serverthe server was very nice and helpful
- servingthe serving was very friendly
Frequently criticized
- servicethoroughly disappointed today with their service
- waiting timewaited half an hour for appetizers
- waitressasked us to leave, saying there were people waiting, in a not polite manner
- bad serviceher bad service
- customers arriving aftercustomers coming in after we did proceed to get their orders almost immediately
- disrespectedI have never felt more disrespected
- food serving timebrought food 15 minutes apart
- helpThey definitely need more help
- managerasked for the manager since I was being charged for something I couldn't eat
- other locationSignificantly worse than the other location
So, should you go? The service here is a bit of a gamble; you might get a fantastic, friendly experience, or you could face frustrating delays and less-than-stellar interactions. If youre feeling lucky and arent in a rush, it might be worth a try, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies.
Ambience (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
The ambience here offers a truly unique vibe, scoring a solid 6.8, which is quite good! Many customers loved the authentic feel, with the decor reminding them of Japan, complete with City-Pop music and even Japanese toilets. With 27 positive remarks out of 42 total, guests often praised the cozy atmosphere, charm, and plenty of seating, making it a lovely spot for a good experience.
However, customer satisfaction sits at 64.3%, indicating a mixed bag. Some found the atmosphere disappointing due to cleanliness issues, specifically sticky floors and flies. Parking can also be a challenge, described as tight and difficult to find, and a few felt the tables and seating were a bit cramped.
Ambience
42
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
11
negative
4
neutral
27
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Japanese decor
- Cozy atmosphere
- Japanese toilets
What people don't like
- Sticky floors
- Tight parking
- Cramped seating
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere immediately reminded me of restaurants
- cozy atmosphereThe cozy atmosphere and friendly staff add to the charm
- experienceexperience unlike what you usually see
- City-Popthey play City-Pop as a bonus
- Japanese beer advertisementsThe staff is always courteous, and there's plenty of seating. I also appreciated the classic/old-fashioned advertisements for Japanese beer on the wall, which added to the ambiance.
- Japanese musicplaying Japanese music from the past few years so huge nostalgia factor
- Japanese toiletsTHIS PLACE HAS JAPANESE TOILETS! If you don't know they are superior.
- authentic feelEverything was absolutely delicious and flavorful. I don't think you could go wrong with ordering anything here; it's a great spot with an authentic feel.
- charmthat’s all part of the charm
- decorthe decor reminds me of places in Japan
Frequently criticized
- parkingpretty tight parking
- atmospherethoroughly disappointed today with the atmosphere
- cleanlinessThey 100% do not clean their floors
- effort into cleanlinesscould put some effort into cleanliness
- fliesAfter coming here for decades, I was thoroughly disappointed today with the food, service, and atmosphere. The salad was NOT fresh, the shrimps were too small/thin, and there were multiple flies flying around us.
- floorThe floor was also sticky everywhere
- parking lotsthose parking lots make me nervous
- parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- tables and seatingTables and seating is cramped
- toilet paper boxsitting next to a box of toilet paper that could easily be put away.
If youre looking for an authentic, cozy Japanese atmosphere with unique touches, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potentially tight parking and dont expect pristine floors, as these aspects might slightly dampen the experience for some.
Value (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to value, its a bit of a mixed bag here, with a score of 5.1, placing it squarely in the average range. Many customers appreciate the great prices, especially for lunch specials, and the all-day happy hour is a definite highlight. With 13 positive opinions out of 25 total, youll find some real gems like affordable Garlic French Fries and Sapporo Draft beer at a fantastic price!
However, the customer satisfaction sits at 52%, which is a mixed result, and there are some concerns. Some folks felt the portions were small for the price, leading to feelings of the food being overpriced. A few even mentioned unexpected service charges or issues with pricing clarity on the bill, which can definitely leave a sour taste.
These 11 negative comments suggest you might need to be a bit cautious.
Value
25
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
11
negative
1
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great lunch prices
- Excellent happy hour
- Affordable specials
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Small portions
- Unexpected charges
Often praised
- pricesMy first recommendation to anyone right now! I had a fantastic experience with great customer service, great food, and great prices.
- Chicken GaraafeChicken Garaafe, Deep fried Gyoza, Hand Roll(Spicy Tuna or Crunch) etc. and Sapporo Draft beer at $2.95
- Deep fried GyozaDeep fried Gyoza, Hand Roll(Spicy Tuna or Crunch) etc. and Sapporo Draft beer at $2.95
- Garlic French FriesGarlic French Fries, Geso(Squid) Garage, Chicken Garaafe, Deep fried Gyoza, Hand Roll(Spicy Tuna or Crunch) etc. and Sapporo Draft beer at $2.95
- Ges(Squid) GarageGes(Squid) Garage, Chicken Garaafe, Deep fried Gyoza, Hand Roll(Spicy Tuna or Crunch) etc. and Sapporo Draft beer at $2.95
- Hand RollHand Roll(Spicy Tuna or Crunch) etc. and Sapporo Draft beer at $2.95
- Sapporo Draft beerSapporo Draft beer at $2.95
- all day happy hourYou can enjoy all day happy hour
- happy hourThe happy hour is great
- lunch pricelunch is a good price
Frequently criticized
- pricemenu will end up costing you twice or three times the regular price
- billThe bill came and I asked for the manager
- chargedid not tell us of this charge
- pricesmeanwhile prices are up
- pricingask if there are items without any pricing and clarify the actual price
- scam customersHate it when restaurants scam customers like this.
- service chargeunexpectedly charged an 18% service charge
- tipsI really regret I paid them tips
This spot offers some great deals, especially if youre looking for lunch specials or happy hour bargains. However, be mindful of potential hidden charges or smaller portions that could make the overall value less appealing. Its worth a try if you stick to the known good deals, but proceed with a bit of caution.
How are the prices at Okan?
You’re looking at roughly $29 per person – reported by 53 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most diners find themselves in the $11–$30 sweet spot, showing a clear focus on value, though there are a few options for those looking to splurge a bit more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 53 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Japanese spot in San Diego. It hits that sweet spot for a good meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Okan
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
9
Cozy Spot with Perfect Service
My experience at this small and cozy Japanese restaurant was truly wonderful. The food was really good, and the service was absolutely perfect, attentive, and welcoming. It's a lovely spot I'd happily return to.
- food9
- service10
- lovely spot9
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Experience After Decades
After coming here for decades, I was thoroughly disappointed today with the food, service, and atmosphere. The salad was NOT fresh, the shrimps were too small/thin, and there were multiple flies flying around us.
- food1
- service1
- atmosphere1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Disappointing Food, Great Atmosphere
My recent experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The karaage was bland and soggy, and the miso salmon was quite salty and tasted overcooked. The seaweed around the negitoro handroll was stale and soggy.
Despite these food issues, the restaurant boasts a great menu and a wonderful atmosphere. It's a really fun place to go with a group to share some dishes. I hope they can pay a bit more attention to the food coming out of the kitchen!
- menu8
- atmosphere10
- karaage2
- miso salmon3
- negitoro handroll2
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Overpriced and Disappointing Meal
My first experience at this restaurant was a big disappointment. I paid $25. 00 for a small yellowtail collar, which I know from my experience as a fisherman doesn't cost that much, usually around $2.
50 in bulk and no more than $15 in fancier establishments. The Gyoza were dry and very, very tiny. I ended up paying over $46.
00 for items that would typically cost no more than $25 elsewhere. My recommendation is to ask about pricing for items not clearly listed on the menu to avoid being charged twice or three times the regular price.
- yellowtail collar2
- Gyoza2
- price1
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Good Curry, Inconsistent Service
I'm always on the lookout for a great curry spot beyond the usual recommendations. My experience here was a mix. The serving was very friendly, and the variety of other dishes were tasty.
I particularly enjoyed the yakitori choices, which offered a nice way to sample different meats. However, the service can be a hit or miss. My first visit was met with understanding and friendly service, but on another occasion, the staff seemed disengaged.
Despite the service inconsistency, the food was great, making it a place I'd consider returning to.
- serving8
- variety of other dishes8
- yakitori choices8
What Okan offers
Crowd
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and meal times are available at Okan Diner?
At Okan Diner, you can enjoy dine-in, takeout, and delivery services. They offer lunch, dinner, and dessert, all with comfortable table service for your convenience.
Does Okan Diner provide accessible features and parking for guests?
Yes, Okan Diner ensures accessibility with a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms. For your convenience, both free street parking and a free parking lot are available.
How does Okan generally rate among diners?
Okan holds an overall Restaurant Score of 6.4, indicating an average experience. While Food (6.8) and Ambience (6.8) are generally well-received, Service (5.4) and Value (5.1) show room for improvement.
What makes Okan's atmosphere stand out?
Many guests appreciate Okan’s authentic feel, often noting the cozy atmosphere, Japanese music, and unique decor, including classic Japanese beer advertisements and even Japanese toilets.
Are there any common concerns about dining at Okan?
Some diners have expressed concerns regarding unexpected service charges and perceived small portion sizes, impacting the overall value. There have also been occasional remarks about service wait times.