YOKO — Restaurant in San Juan

Where do I start? I had been waiting an eternity to visit YOKO; never had the chance since it is through reservations and there was never an open spot. Miraculously, I found an open spot at 8:30pm on a Saturday.

I think this is an Overpriced, Overhyped, restaurant that has great areas of opportunities. Not worth returning and not worth spending $95 for 2.

First: There is no parking. And this is due to the restaurant being located in Calle Loíza. Although, I love Calle Loíza it is a PAIN for us locals to visit restaurants there since Puerto Rico is composed of more vehicles than humans. We found a $10 parking near which can only fit 3 cars. If, not, you’re on your own either searching for a spot in the streets and, mind you, Calle Loíza is creepy AF. IYKYK. I would suggest the restaurant to have a disclaimer indicating the parking situation.

Second: I had a reservation (as written prior) at 8:30pm. We were 6 minutes late thanks to the parking situation, even though we arrived earlier because we suspected it might be challenging. I had seen Tik Toks explaining that you have to call the restaurant when in front of the door to let them know and they’ll open the door for you. Mind you, the door of the restaurant is closed. Okay, fine. I might understand this. We waited 15 minutes for a human to come outside and ask for our reservation. Additional to my partner and , there were a party of 4, a party of 5, and two couples waiting. In that meantime, I saw 3 couples leave once they saw us, the multitude, waiting. We still had to wait 10 more minutes after the human came outside and ask for all of our reservations. The explanation was: the tables are not ready yet. Let’s just give them a couple of minutes…Okay…

Third: we’re finally seated in our table. It took the waitress between 10-15 minutes to address us and come by the table. The place was packed. I couldn’t deal with the amount of noise cause we puertorricans are loud. I really was expecting a calmer, relaxed environment. I understand it is a small, cozy space which I had already read and that is the main reason (apparently) why the only way in is through a reservation. The waitress, a young woman, was rude, and she seemed annoyed which it was not our fault. I asked her if they made mocktails and she barely responded yes and told me the name but I couldn’t understand a word she was saying cause it was too loud. I asked her again and she says roughly that they can only make one version of an actual cocktail. I asked for details of what’s in the mocktail as in, which one are the ingredients. She, very roughly responded ginger beer and lychee, I think…Ma’am, I’m paying a couple bucks for a mocktail, the least you can do is answer my question in a nicely and cordial matter and know your products.

Fourth: the food is not to die for as I was sold into it. Trust me, I am a foodie, a big time foodie and food conocieur. It is extremely overhyped and overpriced. I know that I am no one to be telling them which prices to have but, be for real now. We ordered: the Pork Belly Baos, the Unagi Rolls (not on the pics), and the Kimchi Fried Rice. I do have to say the Pork Belly Baos are DELICIOUS. I give them a 10/10. On the other hand, the rolls were not that great. I did like the fact that the flavors blended together nicely and it was not overpowering. I loved the black sesame on top. I did hated the eel on top but that’s on me and my problem with certain textures. The flavor of the eel is not overpowering, tho which I liked. The Kimchi Fried Rice really disappointed me because it has jalapeños, and it is spicy AF. The jalapeño part it is NOT specified on the menu. So I went ahead and ordered it because it sounded yummy. I cannot eat spicy. It was very unfortunate. Another area of opportunity here; a good waitress would’ve taken the time to explain the dish, explained the spicy part and asked when taking our order. She obviously didn’t do.

I know this review is too extensive and prolly people will ignore it. But, I really wanted to take the time and be as...

When I travel I always make it a point to try the sushi receiving the greatest acclaim. In Puerto Rico, that place is Yoko.

Right off the bay this place had beautiful, yet subtle style with the design. The post-Covid QR code was adhered to the table to omit the physical menu, but that QR code was laser cut into wood to be easily noticed without being an eyesore on the table.

The food came out slowly, one item at a time. I always appreciate this. I don’t want to jump between appetizers or rolls. We were given an introduction to each dish and given time to savor the perfect combination of flavors.

One roll I had was tuna and a avocado inside in equal sized quantities. The fish was so tender that as the piece disintegrated in my mouth I was unable to distinguish which was which. Truly astounding ingredient selection.

The final area of critique I have is for their saucier. I said that right. All of their sauces are made in house. Not only is it clear they are fresh, and free of the preservatives that mass produced sushi sauces contain, these dishes were not over-sauced. All too often sushi chefs use sauces as a garnish, and add so much sauce that the flavor of the fish is drowned out. I found myself leaving no sauce left on the dish, while not desiring anymore.

Soy sauce was not appropriate for any of the dishes I had, and I was impressed that it was not a default bottle left on the table. I hate seeing people who don’t understand sushi dunking pre-sauced items into soy sauce and essentially ruining the dish with salt.

I only had the chance to eat here once while I was in San Juan, but when I return to the island I will also...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Masterpiece in Every Sense — Yoko Delivers One of the Best Dining Experiences in Puerto Rico

I don’t say this lightly: Yoko just gave me one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in as long as I can remember.

From the moment I stepped inside, it was clear — this wasn’t just dinner; it was a culinary event. The vibe strikes that rare balance of stylish and intimate, where every detail feels intentional, yet effortless.

The food? Sublime. Every dish that came out of the kitchen was a work of art — not just in presentation, but in flavor. Each bite was a reminder of what happens when a kitchen runs on passion and precision. Every ingredient was treated with respect, and it showed.

The lychee martini? Let me say it loud: This was the best lychee martini I’ve ever had. Perfectly chilled, elegantly balanced, with a floral sweetness that didn’t overpower — it was a standout on a night full of highlights.

As for the service, it was flawless. Attentive without being intrusive, professional with a genuine warmth that made the whole evening feel personalized. You could tell the team takes pride in what they do — and it makes all the difference.

I honestly can’t wait to go back. Yoko is not just a restaurant — it’s a standard-setter for dining in Puerto Rico. If you’re looking for something truly special, unforgettable, and...