Okome House — Restaurant in Minneapolis

I ate here about a year when it was a sushi restaurant. I hadn't heard that they changed their menu and went to eat there for my birthday. I did look at their website, but didn't think to look at the menu closely because it didn't occur to me that they would change completely away from sushi. When I noticed while squinting at their very hard to read menu, I mentioned it out loud to my friend who was also celebrating her birthday and also mentioned that it was the reason we came. The person who was obviously in charge and I think the owner very rudely and in a patronizing tone informed me the menu had been published on their website and google for over six months. I was taken aback at her nasty tone but didn't at that time call her on her rudeness. One of things she said is that sushi chefs are very expensive ...like, yes, of course they are...did you not know that when opening a sushi restaurant? You should have. I mentioned to her it would have been better to put a banner at the top of the website explaining they no longer serve sushi and she, still in a defensive (passive-agressive?) tone agreed it would be a good idea, but leaving me with the impression she didn't actually think it's a good idea. It is.

THEN I was startled to find tofu in my miso soup. I can't have tofu and I went up to the counter, and still in a civil tone, started to explain they did NOT list tofu as an ingredient in the soup, and I can't have it. I was about to then ask if I could have a fresh bowl of soup without the tofu, but she very rudely interrupted me again in a patronizing tone. I told her that wasn't going to be spoken to that way anymore and she had been rude to me earlier but I had let it go and now it was just too much. I told her I was simply up to ask if the soup already had the tofu or if they add it separately and if she hadn't been so quick to be defensive and interrupted me, she would known I was simply asking a question. She then continued with her patronizing tone and with a hollow apology suggested we both take a deep breath. I informed her she was still patronizing me by suggesting that when she was the cause of my upset.

I did get the soup replaced, but I would rather have a refund for that whole awful experience. And for all of that, the food wasn't the quality I've come to expect with Japanese restaurants.

Never going there again. Horrible experience, and I'm usually NOT into giving negative reviews. She was just that rude and totally ruined my and my friend's...

I was very disappointed by this restaurant. I had been really excited to come here as I’ve heard great things, but none of my standards were met.

First of all, I was shocked at the style of restaurant this is. For the expensive prices, I was expecting a real restaurant experience with a waiter and such. Instead, you get your own menu, go up to the counter to order, then your food is brought to you without utensils or water, and you are expected to bust your own dishes. I wouldn’t necessarily have a problem with this if it wasn’t a decently expensive place. This was no fault of the workers, they were plenty polite, it’s just that it is not in their job descriptions to be waiters.

On top of that, the food completely missed the mark. I got miso soup as well as the tuna mayo onigiri and shake onigiri. The miso soup was probably the worst I’ve ever had- there was so little miso, I genuinely thought I was sipping water. the tofu was undercooked and completely flavorless, and an entire block of it that wasnt cut up at all. It was also 3.50, but soberfish thats 10 minutes away is 3.00 for twice the flavor.

the onigiri is what I’ve heard the most about, and i was so confused on what I was supposed to be excited for. it managed to once again be virtually flavorless- the rice had nothing, the fish was bland, it was like having texture in my mouth with nothing else. I am at a loss for what this restaurant is known for.

Overall, terrible experience for the prices of the food. its all self serve, the food isbland and expensive, and the...

If you’re looking for a cozy spot with seriously good Japanese comfort food, Okome House in South Minneapolis is it. Tucked into the Longfellow neighborhood, this place serves up all the good stuff—onigiri, donburi, udon—and does it really well.

We tried three dishes: Tori Karaage (fried chicken) – Crispy, golden, and coated with a miso-soy glaze. Juicy thigh meat inside, crunchy outside, and the green onions on top gave it just the right pop of flavor.

Shrimp Tempura Udon – The broth here is light and comforting, the kind you want to sip until the bowl is empty. The udon noodles were chewy and fresh, and the shrimp tempura added that perfect crunch.

Buta Don (pork rice bowl) – This one felt like Japanese comfort food. Tender pork in a sweet garlicky glaze, served over rice with ginger and green onions.

The vibe inside matches the food: casual, welcoming, and super easy to order at the counter. No reservations, no fuss, just good food in a laid-back setting.

Overall, Okome House is one of those neighborhood gems you want to keep coming back to. If you’re in the Twin Cities and craving Japanese comfort food that feels both fresh and authentic, this...