Update: I have since learned that the kimchi ramen is, in fact, not vegetarian, since the broth is made with chicken broth. This was a pretty disappointing realization considering how much I loved that ramen, but the galanga ramen is also delicious (and is actually vegetarian)!! The delightfully fragrant broth is made with coconut milk and galangal and topped with assorted mushrooms and tempura kale -- you can also request "soft kale" (just boiled, unbattered kale) if you would prefer.
All in all, Oki Bowl is a wonderful spot for unique and delicious takes on ramen, beautiful and Instagrammable decor, and what feels like a genuine illusion or hallucination when you stop by the restroom to wash your hands. Prices have risen over the last few years, so Oki Bowl isn't nearly as affordable as it was a few years ago, but they're still fairly reasonable for the ramen dishes.
The appetizer prices are a bit outrageous, though -- just four pieces of shumai or karaage will cost you upwards of $12, and the tiniest bowl of seaweed salad or plain edamame will run $10. If you make your way to Oki Bowl, definitely go for one of the ramen or rice dishes and stay clear of the appetizers -- the portion sizes are also massive, so you probably won't even need the apps.
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This is one of my favorite restaurants in the Georgetown area! I love coming here during the winter to warm up and enjoy a delightful meal. The first thing that sets Oki Bowl apart from the rest is the shop's atmosphere -- the restaurant is colorful and uniquely decorated, with seemingly random trinkets covering the walls and ceilings in a wonderful symphony. It's definitely an incredibly Instagrammable and Snapchatable location and does a great job of appealing to the college demographic. The service is fairly good, although it can be a bit slow at times. As for the food, there are definitely better and more authentic ramen restaurants out there, but none of them are quite like Oki Bowl. Oki Bowl has a few traditional options, such as their Miso Ramen, but what makes them really special are their unique and fusion flavors. The Oki Curry Ramen is absolutely amazing and I've never had anything quite like it. It comes with fried chicken that remains flavorful and delicious even after the breading becomes soggy from the soup (I generally hate it when crispier foods get soggy, but somehow Oki Bowl makes their chicken stay amazing despite the soup). The Kimchi Ramen is also a phenomenal (and vegetarian!) choice. The ramens are on the slightly pricier side -- about $13-$18 -- but they're definitely worth it for an occasional (or not so occasional) indulgence. All of the broths are to die for, and I will definitely be frequenting this place a lot throughout the...
Read moreI typically avoid posting public reviews about local businesses in our neighborhood, but our recent experience at this restaurant was so disrespectful and upsetting that I feel compelled to share it.
We’re regulars at this place, often visiting with our kids. On our last visit for dinner around 6:45 PM, I arrived a little earlier than my family. I asked the waiter for a table for four, including a high chair, and mentioned that my family would join me shortly, with my wife standing outside with our child and stroller because of the limited space inside.
When my family came in, the waiter showed us to a table that wasn’t suitable for children. We voiced our concerns and my wife asked for a different table. He told us bluntly that because of the restaurant’s size, we couldn’t have the larger corner table as we were only four. He also refused our request to put two smaller tables together. This entire exchange happened in the middle of the restaurant, in full view of other customers, making us feel deeply disrespected and embarrassed. His attitude was off-putting and unhelpful, and he ended up gesturing towards the door, indicating that we should leave. This treatment was humiliating and left us puzzled, especially in a place we’ve often enjoyed.
Despite this, I have to say that the food here has always been excellent. The dishes are carefully made and always taste great. However, a restaurant experience is more than just the food; it’s about the hospitality and the atmosphere the staff creates. This aspect is crucial, as it shapes the overall dining experience. Great food matters, but how customers are treated is even more important. I hope this feedback helps improve the service to match the high quality...
Read moreThis is one of my favorite restaurants in the Georgetown area! I love coming here during the winter to warm up and enjoy a delightful meal. The first thing that sets Oki Bowl apart from the rest is the shop's atmosphere -- the restaurant is colorful and uniquely decorated, with seemingly random trinkets covering the walls and ceilings in a wonderful symphony. It's definitely an incredibly Instagrammable and Snapchatable location and does a great job of appealing to the college demographic. The service is fairly good, although it can be a bit slow at times. As for the food, there are definitely better and more authentic ramen restaurants out there, but none of them are quite like Oki Bowl. Oki Bowl has a few traditional options, such as their Miso Ramen, but what makes them really special are their unique and fusion flavors. The Oki Curry Ramen is absolutely amazing and I've never had anything quite like it. It comes with fried chicken that remains flavorful and delicious even after the breading becomes soggy from the soup (I generally hate it when crispier foods get soggy, but somehow Oki Bowl makes their chicken stay amazing despite the soup). The Kimchi Ramen is also a phenomenal (and vegetarian!) choice. The ramens are on the slightly pricier side -- about $13-$18 -- but they're definitely worth it for an occasional (or not so occasional) indulgence. All of the broths are to die for, and I will definitely be frequenting this place a lot throughout the...
Read more