An early look at the Oks Deli founders not too serious, slightly elegant new restaurant

Albert Ok, the owner of Ok’s Deli, opened his new sit-down restaurant, Oken, in Rockridge after a career transition from art to cooking. Initially, he studied painting and graphic design but found more work opportunities in the food industry. Since opening in May, Oken has introduced a unique menu that blends Asian American flavors while steering clear of traditional authenticity. Ok described the process of opening a sit-down restaurant as complex, requiring careful financial balancing to remain viable. He aims to provide semi-approachable, high-quality food, with standout dishes like smoked hiramasa sashimi showcasing his culinary philosophy.

Customer feedback has been positive, although some diners have expressed confusion over flavors that differ from typical Japanese or Korean cuisine. Ok's vision is to create a dining experience that reflects the unique Asian American food culture in California. He believes that the American palate differs slightly, leading him to craft dishes that are elevated yet not overly serious.