The food portions are a perfect serving. We ordered different types of appetizers,Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Spicy Chicken Dumplings,Sticky 5-Spice Ribs and the spicy wings. Out of all the spicy wings were the winner. The drinks were strong, interesting and fun. The service was great, they knew the menu and provided great suggestions. The vibe was chill and romantic, there's dim lighting and cute tea lights. We definitely had a great time there. read more

Finally got around to trying Okatshe for dinner since it opened. Went on a Thursday night and was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to find parking downtown. The restaurant is beautifully decorated and has a great atmosphere. I was surprised by how few tables there were though. The bar was more crowded than the dining room, which felt a little odd for 7pm prime dinner time. Service was excellent across the board. The host, our server, the manager, and the food runner were all friendly and attentive. The menu is perfect for sharing plates. The hamachi jalapeño with ponzu was fantastic, and one of the best bites of the night was the blue crab temaki taco. The food was pretty great overall, but at this price point I expected everything to be elevated just a bit more. If prices were about 20% lower, I think they'd really hit the mark. Honestly, that might be why the dining room wasn't full at 7pm on a Thursday. People want great service, a nice atmosphere, and reasonable prices. Here you get two out of three. read more

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Upon arrival, I immediately liked the aesthetic of this place. Definitely a cool vibe. Coming in on a chilly night made us interested in hot sake. It did arrive after our first 2 appetizers, which was odd, since it was definitely not a busy night, but it was enjoyable. We split a bunch of apps...... Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Sesame-Peanut Noodles, Blistered Shishitos, and Salmon Tartare, All Delicious! The only downfall was the lack of attentiveness by our waitress(s), who also had a trainee because our drinks were delayed and then empty without them coming back around to see if we'd like to replenish, which we did, but we decided not to because when they finally did ask us, we were already finished. Otherwise, if they start to smooth out the kinks of the service issues, especially when they are slow, I think it's a great place to try. read more

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Stopped in for a Sunday night dinner. Japanese sushi & small plates. Variety is ENDLESS. I loved the cucumber salad, not to spicy not to sweet... just the right amount of umami flavors. Spicy Tuma Crispy Rice was a bit burnt, but it was still good, and they were a bit smaller than expected. Shrimp dumplings were ok. California roll was delicious with the use of fresh crab and not imitation crab! Will be back . This has to be on your must try list if you are in the Allentown area! read more

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Chef José Garcés has brought his celebrated touch to Allentown with the launch of Okatshe, and opening night felt like stepping into a slice of Japan tucked inside Manhattan. Warm lantern light, sleek but comfortable wooden furniture, and intimate plate presentations created an atmosphere that was both authentic and cosmopolitan. Meeting Chef Garcés himself was a highlight--he was gracious, passionate, and eager to share the vision behind this space. The team made the evening shine. Tyler, the GM, was warm and inviting, and his enthusiasm for building a thriving nightlife and culinary scene in downtown Allentown was contagious. Our server Rob, still learning the ropes, clearly wanted us to have a memorable night, and his care was appreciated. Dish-by-Dish Impressions Spider Roll - 9/10 A near-perfect execution: the tempura was light and crisp, lending just enough crunch without overpowering the delicate crab inside. Balanced flavor, beautiful presentation--one of the standouts. Rainbow Roll - 9/10 The freshness was undeniable. Each slice offered pristine cuts of fish that elevated this classic roll beyond the ordinary. Bright, colorful, and full of life. Miso Soup - 6/10 This was authentically prepared and refreshing, but it lacked the deep umami punch that makes miso memorable. Pleasant, but not remarkable. Seafood Soup - 10/10 A showstopper. The broth was rich, layered, and comforting, while the seafood was tender and perfectly cooked. This was a dish you keep reaching for until the bowl is empty. Fried Brussels Sprouts - 10/10 Possibly the most surprising hit of the night. The yuzu sauce and orange zest took a familiar dish and transformed it into something bright, vibrant, and utterly addictive. Spicy Chicken Dumplings - 7/10 These were nicely cooked, juicy, and flavorful, though they leaned on familiar notes. A solid choice, but not as memorable as other plates. Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna - 8/10 Each bite was a little fireworks show--crispy base, fresh tuna, a touch of heat, and satisfying depth. A fun, well-balanced small plate. Chashu Pork Bao Buns - 7/10 The bao was soft and pillowy, while the kimchi slaw brought freshness and crunch. Tasty and well-executed, though not the night's strongest dish. Mochi Ice Cream - 8/10 A delightful, portion-perfect finish. The chewy mochi exterior and smooth matcha ice cream inside created a satisfying, playful close to the meal. Sake Flight For sake lovers (or the curious), the flight was as educational as it was enjoyable. Each of the four selections offered a distinct personality: Honjozo - a perfect match for savory soy-based dishes, with subtle cocoa, nutty rice, and sherry notes. Junmai - full-bodied with honey, vanilla, and earthy undertones that lingered beautifully. Daiginjo - complex layers of pineapple, tart apple, and grains, finishing clean and refreshing. Nigori - buttery smooth, with hints of floral spring water, light fruit, and coconut. Presented in elegant cups on a wooden tray, the flight not only highlighted the range of sake but also made for a beautiful shared experience. Final Thoughts Okatshe brings something truly special to downtown Allentown. While a few dishes showed opening-night shakiness, most of the food soared--especially the seafood soup and Brussels sprouts, which were unforgettable. Between the chic Japanese-inspired setting, the warmth of Chef Garcés and Tyler's leadership, and a menu that blends tradition with creative twists, this is a restaurant destined to become a local gem. Overall: 9/10 - a must-visit for anyone who loves modern Japanese cuisine served with flair. read more

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Been wanting to come here for a bit and the timing finally worked out. Got a seat at the sushi bar. Not a super huge place, fun decor, not too loud. We got a bunch of little dishes and one entree type dish. Really enjoyed the curry dumplings and the sushi tacos. Other apps were tasty and our beef dish had a great sauce. Mocktails were pretty tasty too. Would definitely come back and try some other dishes. read more

It was a perfect vibe for Valentine's Day! We tried several menu items and they were attentive to my allium sensitivity. They did miss one dish, the dumplings, which came out with scallions but they were quick to fix it. We felt well attended to all night, with several employees, including two managers, walking around to check how things were going. I was surprised that each bathroom is only a single which caused a bit of a line for the ladies. But the diverse decor and various seating options (some cozy booths, some single tables, a communal table down the middle and two bar seating options, was very NYC. My faves were the Brussel sprouts (sweet and delicious!) and Kakigori. The single was plenty for two of us! Disappointed they were out of boba. Prices were unexpectedly reasonable. For 9 menu items, including scallops and dessert and a cherry coke, we paid $118 plus tax. Great date night! read more

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Their food selection and presentation is top notch. They also have a good happy hour 4-6. I recommend the ribs. We came towards end of night but the service was good. The place looks modern and yet private enough for a good conversation over dinner and drinks. Def one of my favs in Allentown. read more

The place is beautiful new and shiny with really nice decor. The servers were great and everything came out promptly. I ordered the shrimp dumplings. They were kind of small and there were only 4 to an order. They were tasty but not over the top. I also had the miso cod appetizer. I saw it on line as an appetizer but when I asked for it they told me it came off the menu the day before. I asked the server if they could do it for me, she checked and they said no. Then a manager came by and she said yes. It was really good. I would say the place is good but wouldn't be my go to sushi place in the valley. Nothing screamed 'I can't wait to go back'. read more

Okatshe - 3 of 4 mediocre shrimp dumplings. - Sushi Bars Near Me - Allentown, Pennsylvania

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Wow, this was absolutely phenomenal. EVERY dish was packed with flavor, the ribeye was melt-in-your-mouth perfection, and the sushi was simply amazing. stunning interior, top notch service, and the chef is an Iron Chef champion! read more

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I thought I had written a review but just noticed I didn't. My sister and I went to Okatshe towards the beginning of October. Of course I don't remember details but I do know we LOVED it and will definitely go back. Pricing was reasonable and the restaurant was pretty. The food was OUTSTANDING! More detailed review next time! :-) read more

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This is my new favorite restaurant in the Lehigh Valley. I haven't had sushi that fresh and delicious in a while. It's pricey, but you can taste the quality and I think it is worth the cost. The other dishes were also delicious and the server was extremely knowledgeable and attentive. The place feels great, it doesn't feel like you're in Allentown, but hopefully one day more of the area will feel like this. I can't wait to go back. read more

The food is very good Japanese fare, but the cocktail are PHENOMENAL. Great variety and quality, and bartender has been excellent (we ate at the bar). read more

The food, service, and Ambiance was amazing. I had a few drinks, duck fat whiskey was the best. The Spicy Wings are a great choice read more

Okatshe - The food and atmosphere is amazing!!! I ordered the ribs, wings, and Okatshe Sling which is pictured - Sushi Bars Near Me - Allentown, Pennsylvania

The food was pretty good, but not worth the manhattan prices. Especially because the timing of the food was off. The cocktails also had way too much ice. If timing of food is improved, it'll be much better. read more

Lauren was great! Food came out so quickly and the service was excellent! Really enjoyed the vibe and ambience of the whole place! Wish we had MORE spots like this in the Lehigh valley! read more

Food was incredible. Atmosphere was amazing. You can tell the owner has put a lot of time and effort into this business! Absolutely recommend this place! read more

Service was great, everyone was very nice and welcoming. Would definitely recommend for anyone trying something new