Lake Worth Beach is a fun-funky-fresh destination with a vibrant historic downtown area.
Here, you can stroll Lake Avenue, which arrows straight across the Lake Worth Lagoon to the Atlantic Ocean.
Lake Avenue’s storefronts are filled with antique shops, art galleries, coffee houses, retail stores and a great variety of restaurants.
While the vibe here can be offbeat, unconventional and even a bit eccentric, you can find restaurants that serve straightforward, traditional fare that is good and well priced.
Among these restaurants is OKA Sushi & Thai, Ramen, which is steps from City Hall.
OKA has half a dozen tables inside and double that number outside. They also do a brisk carry out and delivery business. Until today, I’d only enjoyed OKA’s food carried out or delivered.
For lunch today, a group of friends and co-workers dined in at OKA. Our server, Abe, pulled together tables and chairs for our party of six with no problem. A kind patron even volunteered his table and moved so we could have more room for a seventh friend who arrived later.
Our party included people from India, Colombia and Bangladesh, as well as vegans, vegetarians and an individual who is lactose intolerant - and everyone was able to find a something delicious on OKA’s large menu selection.
I debated between a Bento Box and Pad Thai, finally defaulting to Tofu Pad Thai ($11). In all the years I’ve enjoyed this dish, no server has ever asked whether I wanted the tofu steamed or fried. Abe did!
It took only once at a different restaurant being served a hugely disappointing entree with the tofu steamed to appreciate being asked my preference whenever I don’t specify “Fried” when ordering. I appreciated being asked today.
As always, my Pad Thai was delicious! Like all the entrees, it came with a choice of soup or salad. I chose a salad, which had a variety of crisp, fresh lettuces - not typical, boring iceberg - a mound of freshly julienned carrots and a tasty ginger dressing.
Today was the first time I’d seen OKA’s Bento Box ($14). I definitely will order one of these on my next visit! Every item - sushi, sashimi, California roll, gyoza and teriyaki - in the box looked fresh and delicious. I was assured that everything tasted as good as it looked!
The rest of our party ordered various curries ($11 - $14), noodles ($11 - $14) and vegetable dishes ($11 - $14). Everything arrived fresh, hot and delicious from the kitchen.
I was strictly minding my budget today, and so only looked longingly at the Thai Iced Tea ordered by a coworker who sat next to me. Not that this is an expensive item ($3), I was just mindful of what I planned to spend. That’s the whole point of a budget, right?
Had I known the president of the company was picking up the tab, I’d have ordered a Thai Iced Tea. Or a Thai Iced Coffee. Probably two! They go down so sweet and delicious!
Whether your tastes run to Thai or Japanese, you’ll find a good and well- priced meal at OKA Sushi &...
Read moreIf you’re from NY, read this one!
The quality of the meat is THE BEST I have ever had from an Asian restaurant.
Some food establishments use the cheapest parts of the meat as it’s more cost effective. This usually means very fatty or marbled meat (beef at least), tough and/or chewy. I was never a fan of the way chicken (that isn’t fried looked), and the shrimp, let’s just say I don’t eat that (they almost never clean the veins out).
BUT THIS tiny establishment is what New Yorkers call a magical whole in the wall. The type of restaurant you usually have to book months in advance because they only seat 5 or 6 tables and the demand is so high they are always booked. The type of flavors that transcends the street you’re dining on and transports you to a far away land. The type of service that guarantees you’ll be a regular, whether you’re local or not.
This gem is hidden in downtown Lake Worth, so your wait might be a few minutes max. And this little town gets easily overlooked but has some REALLY good food within a 3 block radius (yup just 3 blocks of downtown drama, that’s it 😂).
I recommend it for the food, the talented chef who you can watch make amazing sushi (and will explain what’s in your ramen bowl), the friendly staff I had a few good giggles with, the Saki which I had to stay and to go 🙃 and the intimacy. Never too much going on. All 10’s on the board.
My new fav! Thanks guys for an...
Read moreOka Sushi & Thai is a delightful culinary gem located on Lake Ave. I recently had the pleasure of dining there and overall, it was a fantastic experience. The rolls I ordered were exceptional, showcasing a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Each bite was a harmonious symphony of fresh ingredients and expertly crafted combinations. Whether you're a sushi aficionado or new to the world of Japanese cuisine, Oka will definitely satisfy your cravings.
The service at Oka was top-notch. The staff was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. They were more than happy to answer any questions and offer recommendations based on personal preferences. The attentive service added an extra layer of enjoyment to the dining experience, making me feel welcomed and valued as a customer.
The location on Lake Ave is another highlight of Oka. Situated in a vibrant area, the restaurant offers a pleasant ambiance and a cozy atmosphere. Whether you're seeking a casual lunch spot or a cozy dinner destination, Oka’s location provides convenience and an enjoyable setting to indulge in their delectable offerings.
In summary, Oka is a must-visit establishment for sushi enthusiasts and lovers of Thai cuisine alike. The rolls are a true highlight, the service is exceptional, and the location on Lake Ave adds to the overall experience. I highly recommend paying a visit to Oka Thai Sushi and exploring their...
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