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Okazu Ya

Tuesday, 08 January 2008

I have loved Okazu Ya since a friend took me to the Taraval location, a diminutive box with only 10 tables, nearly 15 years ago. (Since then they’ve added locations and all have been remodeled from shab and drab to chic and sleek.) The special fish platters are one of my favorite things in the entire City – steaming, sizzling cast-iron skillets with lightly breaded filets (the selection varies depending on what’s available) atop a pile of crunchy bean sprouts, peas and carrots served on a bed of caramelized onions. The juices from the fish meld with the delicate soy-based sauce, allowing the natural flavors to shine. The generous platters also come with miso soup and ice cream and run just $12 to $15. You’ll also find some nice sushi and sashimi – check the white board for unique items like sea snail or incredibly fresh Monterey spot prawn among the day’s selection. The toro is a deal – two luscious, buttery pieces that would cost upward of $13 other places are usually in the $6 range.    Okazu Ya: 2447 Noriega St. (at 32nd Ave.), 415-661-5783; 1735 Taraval St. (at 28th Ave.), 415-759-6850; 914 Clement St. (at 10th Ave.), 415-668-1638