Tokyo Japanese Restaurant: my pick for sushi in Oklahoma City
by Greg | May 29, 2008 | 32 Comments
Tokyo
(4.53 with 101 votes)
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Oklahoma City, OK 73116
405-848-6733
You can’t deny the appeal of sushi, even if it doesn’t appeal to you. Recently, I’ve noticed that Oklahoma City has embraced sushi with both arms. If things go much further, we might even catch this city trying to grab sushi’s butt.
The proliferation of sushi restaurants means good things for those of us with a taste for the stuff. Suddenly you’re not stuck eating the same California roll or wondering if the fish is any fresher on the other side of the street. Maybe even more important is the ability to find more affordable food. With belts tightening across the country, it’s always nice to find good, quality food at prices that won’t break the bank. And for affordable, delicious sushi, it’s hard to beat Tokyo Japanese Restaurant.
The building doesn’t look like much from the outside. In fact, there’s a somewhat fishy smell that lingers in the too-small parking lot. If it’s any comfort, that smell doesn’t follow you indoors where a bevy of fine food awaits. If you’re alone, don’t be afraid to take a seat at the sushi bar where you can watch the chefs preparing maki (sushi rolls), nigiri (balled rice with fish on top) or sashimi (sliced, raw fish).
For appetizers, I’m a big fan of the gyoza – a pork dumpling which you can order fried or steamed. Also good is the shumai, a similar dumpling with a seafood filling. The ubiquitous edamame are just boiled and salted soybeans served in the shell. For dieters, they are a good low-calorie snack.
For the main course, I tend to choose sashimi, either picking individual fish from the menu or getting the sashimi lunch. The lunch costs a good bit more ($18.95), but gives you a ton of variety for the money. However, it also includes a few varieties of seafood that I’m not as wild about, like octopus. The pick-and-choose option usually runs between $7.50 and $11 for 5-6 pieces of fish, and it gives you more control over your selections. I like that.
Nigiri sushi comes in smaller portions, 2 pieces per order, and can range from $2.50 to $7.50 depending on what you choose. I’ve always loved the mackerel, either in nigiri or sashimi, because it’s a firmer, saltier white fish, but many people prefer the tuna or salmon.
Not everyone can get past the “yuck” factor of eating raw fish, but don’t worry. Tokyo offers plenty of cooked sushi options and other fare. I don’t recommend the California roll. Sure, it’s a sushi standard for beginners but Tokyo’s is fairly bland, even if you upgrade from “crabstick” – a processed fish product – to real crab.
Instead, give the Philadelphia roll a try. Smoked salmon, cream cheese, asparagus and avocado make this a tasty treat. Also, take a look at the vegetable roll which eschews fish entirely and consists of avocado, lettuce, Japanese carrots, cucumber, asparagus and kampyo (Japanese gourd). The pricing on rolls varies with single-ingredient items going for $3-5 and more complex rolls in the $7-12 range. That said, a $12 pressed sushi roll is much more filling than a $3 cucumber roll – though both are delicious.
My experience with the rest of Tokyo’s menu hasn’t been as great, since it seems like they focus more on sushi than on other items. I will say that the chicken katsu (a breaded chicken cutlet) is delicious and the cold soba noodles are filling, but the chicken teriyaki seemed fatty and over-sauced.
If you want to get an inexpensive sampling of all the restaurant offers, the Tokyo Lunch Box includes a pick-your-own combination of sushi and a cooked entrée, along with a small appetizer for $8.50.
Tokyo Japanese Restaurant may not be as fancy as nearby Sushi Neko, but it offers all the flavor and a bigger selection in a more relaxed and much more affordable package. It’s my pick for sushi in Oklahoma City. What’s yours?
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May 29th, 2008 at 11:59 pm
THANK YOU! I love Tokyo. It’s my favorite sushi house, in fact the only sushi house I visit, in OKC.
My favorites include the miso soup which is by far the BEST miso I’ve ever had. The maki are some of the best including the cowboy, and the Tokyo. MAN, now I really want some sushi!
Thanks for the *GREAT* review!
May 30th, 2008 at 8:55 am
Justin, glad to hear there are more Tokyo lovers out there. While I favor that establishment more often than others, I do find myself at Sushi Neko and at Fuji in Edmond, as others prefer those restaurants.
Honestly, if it wasn’t for the price, I’d eat sushi every day. It’s healthy, it’s delicious and the atmosphere is great.
June 1st, 2008 at 9:52 am
One of my favorite restaurants in OKC! I was *just* there Friday night.
I wish I knew more about the menu because I tend to always get the eel lovers. Justin is right about the miso — it is fantastic!
June 20th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
I have to admit, I’m a sushi-holic and I was very unimpressed by Tokyo (even though I have been told by many that it is THE PLACE to eat sushi in OKC). Maybe it was the lack of rolls with fresh salmon coupled with my dislike of the smoked variety.
I used to frequent Sushi Neko, but then I was turned on to Okura (North May near Wilshire) and haven’t been back to Neko since. That is hands down the best sushi I’ve ever had. They have many good and original rolls (like the Mango Tango). Service, decor, and price are also nice. You should check it out some night lets see what you think.
…just somebody tell them to get some wasabi green peas! Nothing goes better with a nie japanese beer
July 10th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
I LOVE Tokyo House! I have been eating there for 7 years, and it is still my favorite sushi restaurant! I will admit, their gyoza has changed since I started eating there and it isn’t as good as it used to be, but the sushi is great! I particularly love the nichols hills roll and the Ten Don. I like to eat my sushi with Gyoza sauce, which is soy sauce and vinegar. I have eaten at almost every other sushi place in OKC, and while others are good, I always find myself coming back to Tokyo!
July 11th, 2008 at 2:41 am
Thanks for posting a spot on review of New Tokyo. After an eight year stint in Japan, there are times I miss some old school carousel sushi and Tokyo is the most authentic thing I can find. Notice it’s the only Nipponese place in OKC with real Japanese customers? Coincidence?
Now, if someone would please bring shabu-shabu to Oklahoma…all would be perfect. Even a Yoshinoya would be nice.
July 18th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Ate here for the first time at lunch today. I really like the atmosphere. Love the simple and tasteful presentations.
A couple of guys in my group had the boxed lunch with California roll and salmon and it looked great. What a deal for $8.50 including rice, gyosa, and the two courses.
Since I’m trying to increase my sushi exposure, I opted for the roll combination instead. Also a great deal at $8.95 with 8 pieces of California roll, six pieces of tuna roll and six pieces of cucumber roll. More sushi than I could eat for a great price and everything was very nicely put together. Very simple and elegant.
I’ll definitely be going back.
July 18th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
I thought this was a great place for sushi, great price, perfect amount, and very clean atmosphere. I also opted for the roll combo that was just the right amount of sushi.
The only thing I might suggest you be aware of, there is an little hint of a fishy smell when you walk in that might turn you off if that kind of thing bothers you. I haven’t experienced this at other sushi places like neko, saii and okura, just an fyi.
Overall I had a great experience.
July 29th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
I’ve given up on Tokyo House. The salad is usually rusty iceburg and I hate that plastic lettuce on the plate with the shashimi. The service is dreadfully slow.
You need to try Saii Asian Bistro on May. Although the service can be a bit slow, the food is the best, served at the right temp, (which I think makes all the difference it the way it affects your tastebuds. The portions are very generous and the fish quality is supurb.
The biggest surprise is the owner is only 28 years old, and designed the gorgeous interior himself.
August 1st, 2008 at 4:44 pm
I like the Tokyo House the best. It seems like the best deal of Japanese food in town. The atmosphere is nice & the service is decent.
September 6th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
I just went to Tokyo Sushi Restaurant after reading all the great reviews. They are the best. I’m Japanese native, so I know what real sushi and real Japanese food is. In my opinion, no matter how “fancy” it is, if the owner and chef is not Japanese, they have no idea what they are doing and they are fake. I’ve been to Sushi Neko, but they are just over priced and the california rolls and other stuff are what you can get at Super Target Deli. As far as California folls white people like, Super Target do a pretty good job. I’ve been to Shiki too, but I didn’t like it at all. As far as food presentation, they did something unthinkable, so we would never go back there.
September 24th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Went again for lunch today and tried the boxed lunch with California Roll and Teriyaki salmon. Comes with rice, soup and dumplings. All very good. I have to say, I’m impressed with the salmon. This place is more than just great sushi. I like it all around.
September 26th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
I tried Tokyo today for the first time and it was greatness. I went a little crazy and ordered the Tokyo roll, the Oklahoma Dynamite adn the Fire Mt. Fuji. I was very pleased with everything. I usually order that way hoping to really love one, be okay with another and not like the third but everything was really good.
I’m not a fan of salmon or cucumber so it limits me a bit on what I usually order. I usually go with something spicy and both the Mt. Fuji and the Oklahoma have the spicy mayo that I love.
I thought it was all really good but the Fire Mt. Fuji was probably the best cooked sushi roll I’ve had anywhere. If you like spicy stuff, give it a try. If you are on a diet, you will want to pass.
Yes, there was a fishy smell greeting me at the door and yes, it took quite a while to get my food but I will be going back. I can’t remember who mentioned it but I did see several Japanese people eating there which tells me a lot about Tokyo.
September 30th, 2008 at 9:24 am
If it weren’t for Tokyo Sushi, my husband and I would not be married. It was suggested to me as a good “date night” option by a friend and when John and I had our first date, I suggested Tokyo. He reserved a booth in the front of the restaurant, brought me flowers, we ate delicious sushi, I overdid it on the wasabi (which he thought was soooo cute) and then we went to bricktown for drinks and a walk. It was a PERFECT first date. And now, almost four years later, we’re married and still go back to Tokyo several times a year to re-live that first date. We’ve also turned a lot of our friends onto the place so it’s almost become a hangout for us. For a special occasion, be sure to rent their private room…it’s GREAT!!!
November 19th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
The seems to be the most popular Sushi restaurant (at least thread) on Eat Around. Although I have not eaten at Tokyo, I have experienced Neko and others in OKC, Norman areas. My wife and I love Sushi and the only place we go is Fuji in Edmond. We make the drive all the way from Norman when we want it. Great prices, excellent roles, and it’s always nice to actually have Japanese chefs and waiters.
December 1st, 2008 at 7:35 pm
I love this place and eat here all the time. The sushi is always amazing. I also love the steamed shumai and the squid salad, which is mostly cooked squid with a touch of some kind of chinese vegetable – delicious!
December 20th, 2008 at 2:37 am
The only “real” Japanese sushi place in OKC. If only this place were closer to Tinker I’d go there every day! Their lunch specials are a decent deal! I’ve been to a few sushi places in OKC and I think this is the only place to get REAL sushi! BTW I think this is the only place with real Japanese people making the sushi (although I think Sushi Neko comes close…but they’re overpriced) I hope to go here more often now that I’ve found this place!
December 22nd, 2008 at 6:36 pm
I eat here at least once or twice a week. My friend works here, and the sushi on most days is good. I’ve tried sushi at Buddha Tao, Shiki, Yamato, Sushi Neko, Musashi’s, Okura, Hiyashi, In the Raw, Fuji’s, Saii, and they are all MEDIOCRE compared to Tokyo’s. I always get the Dynamite Dynamite roll, Cowboy’s roll, Stamina roll, freshwater eel, mackerel, sea urchin, yellowtail sashimi, and salmon sashimi. Tokyo’s has the most fresh fish, and that “fishy” smell inside is from the other foods they cook in the back, not from the raw fish itself, duh..
January 7th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
I spent a lovely hour alone at the Tokyo House bar for lunch today. I am a new fan and just couldn’t resist the urge for a Philadelphia Roll.
The only sushi I’ve ever had has been at Tokyo and I’ve only tried the Philly and the Fire Mt. Fuji. Both are excellent! But I have to avoid the Fuji because of the mayo they use on it.
too fattening.
I look forward to trying more. How’s the Spicy Tuna?
I was going to try Budda Tao on Memorial, but after reading these reviews I have to wonder why I would want to waste my time.
February 6th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
I can’t get enough of Tokyo. Sure, the parking lot is too small and they’re very busy so the service is slow but it’s worth it! I eat there several times a month. If I’m in a hurry I’ll just call it in and get it to go. The Fire Mt. Fuji, Oklahoma Dynamite, Double Crunchy and Friday roll are some of my spicy favorites, but there’s plenty of mild choices too. Don’t dismiss the California roll – I get it when I’m on a tight budget and just add hot mayo and spicy sauce to kick it up a notch. It’s excellent this way – very inexpensive and enough to fill me up at lunch. The miso soup is great, as is the Seafood Katsu. Kang’s Asian Bistro and Musashi’s are the only other nearby places I will go to get sushi, but Tokyo is by far the best quality at the best price.
July 27th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Aloha from Hawaii,
This place rocks!!! Whenever I am home sick, I drive here to have some “ono” grinds.
I highly recommend this to anyone.
I will give my 5 shaka signs up!!!
Mahalo Nui Loa!
August 5th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
I’ve tried a handfull of sushi places around town but I just can’t get enough of Tokyo for one reason:
NATTO
I haven’t found the sticky stuff on any other menu. The first time I ordered it the waitress asked “Do you know what natto is?” and “Have you had it before?” Upon the arrival of the natto roll she and another waitress and the Japanese couple at the table across from me just kind of watched with expectant smirks. They seemed genuinely surprised that I liked it. Kind of a mix of Limburger cheese and strong mushrooms smell and taste. Good stuff. I’m always amused that I still get the same questions each time I order the natto. Apparently some folks have been unpleasantly surprised, so they just get it out of the way beforehand.
The selection of nihonshu is good and if you like vodka drinks give the shochu a try.
Seating can be SLOW when they are busy so go after the lunch rush or before the dinner crowd and things are better. I make a point not to take the truck as the parking lot is tiny and odd shaped.
August 8th, 2009 at 11:07 am
Had lunch there yesterday and it was great. I’ve tried them all as well and this is my favorite. Can’t add anything else that hasn’t been said already other than the spider roll was awesome.
November 14th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
The place smells horrible and the atmosphere is outdated and bland. I think the food was fishy. Will not return.
December 11th, 2009 at 9:35 am
I can’t say enough about how much I enjoy Tokyo. I’ve always had great service and delicious food. I have been fortunate enough to visit Japan as few years ago and every trip to Tokyo restaurant brings me back to the smaller out of the way places I ate when visiting. They are wonderful and authentic.
February 4th, 2010 at 6:45 pm
While Sushi Neko is great, I usually yearn for Tokyo when I want sushi. I prefer to pay for good food instead of expensive real estate & designer interiors. Tokyo was the first in OKC and they are still keeping it real. Domo!
February 14th, 2010 at 11:13 pm
This place was so delicious! The best sushi I have had in Oklahoma. The double crunchy roll was very good and the miso soup is the absolute best. We also had the seafood Yakisoba and it was awesome. However, we weren’t crazy about the crazy horse roll. This place was so packed there were people waiting outside. Must try!
March 18th, 2010 at 2:38 pm
Best sushi in OKC!!! Love it, even though there’s always a crowd, and it’s next to impossible to park. It’s always worth the wait and hassle!!!
May 18th, 2010 at 9:28 am
I love this place. I will eat at Tokyo every week, budget allowing. It is by far the best sushi place in town and also has alot of authentic non-sushi dishes. For the people who commented saying they dislike the rolls, if there is something special you like, they will make it. For instance, you can get any of the rolls as a hand roll if you just ask. And my friends and I add things like jalapeno or chili sauce on our rolls all the time. The staff is lovely and the chefs are very accomodating. JUST ASK!
September 9th, 2010 at 10:28 am
Just an update, but I still love love love love TOKYO! Only thing I will say that I do not like (along with the odor) are the scallops. They need to hire a new cook to cook scallops right. The ones in the Dynamite Dynamite Roll are major chewy like rubber. It’s a shame since I love the Dynamite Dynamite, but don’t order it no more because of the chewyness of the scallops.
February 15th, 2011 at 11:07 am
There have been a deluge of Sushi restaurants in the metro over the past few years, few hold a candle to Tokyo, the original Sushi house!
Please tell us what you think.