OKO Rye is now open for lunch. OKO invited me for a taste of their new lunch menu. Below are photos and reviews of my lunch at OKO Rye.
What’s Good at OKO Rye
Sashimi Salad at OKO Rye
My favorite lunch dish was the sashimi salad. It’s salad greens topped with avocado, sashimi, and crispy quinoa. The sesame ponzu dressing is addictive. The crispy quinoa added an unexpected crunch to the salad!
Nigiri Sushi Lunch at OKO Rye
The nigiri sushi is delicious at OKO Rye. Chef Brian Lewis has taken nigiri sushi to the next level. Each sushi stands on each own as a composed dish with unique garnishes and sauce such that there is really no need to dip it in soy sauce or wasabi.
Tomato and Avocado Poke Bowl
I love that there is a vegetarian poke bowl option. The vegetarian poke bowl is a tomato and avocado poke on sushi rice topped with ponzu dressing. It is so refreshing, truly perfect for lunchtime! (there are edible flowers!)
Sweet Potato Tempura
At any other Japanese restaurant, vegetable tempura is always the afterthought, it’s the side dish that comes with the shrimp tempura. However, at OKO, the vegetable tempura takes center stage. The batter is well done, it’s not doughy. Fried perfectly with seasoning on top!
Summer Salad
The summer salad is exquisite. It’s heirloom tomatoes and peaches on creamy tofu topped with miso breadcrumbs.
Ooey Gooey Chocolate Cake
I’m still thinking of OKO’s chocolate cake. It’s that good!
In addition to the new lunch hours, OKO has also added Benny Chow to the team as Executive Sushi Chef for Full House Hospitality Group, based in Rye. He has more than 20 years of experience, including at Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s flagship restaurant Morimoto, as well as the acclaimed New York City restaurant Nobu. Prior to joining Full House Hospitality, he owned and operated the celebrated Ki Asian Bistro & Sushi in Danbury, Connecticut.
OKO Rye Hours
OKO Rye is open for lunch Tuesday-Saturday 11:30am-2:30pm. Dinner hours are5:00pm-close.
OKO Lunch Menu
The lunch menu at OKO Rye includes Nigiri Sushi and Sashimi, Vegetable Tempura, Hand Rolls, OKOPOKE and Bento Boxes.
About OKO
OKO is the heartfelt interpretation from Chef Brian Lewis of Japanese ingredients, cooking methods, and cuisine, paired with seasonal, local ingredients from New York, Connecticut, the United States, and the Toyosu Market (formerly Tsukiji Fish Market) in Tokyo. Showcasing Lewis’ innovative take on traditional Japanese cuisine and sushi, casual, small plate dining meant for sharing is encouraged, in a lively and charming atmosphere.
OKO’s first location is located in the historic Vigilant Hose Company Firehouse in Downtown Westport, Connecticut (6 Wilton Road), with a second location in the heart of Rye, New York (29 Purchase Street). For more information, including hours and reservations, visit www.okokitchen.com.