Roka Akor Old Orchard - Skokie

Everything we ate here was fantastic! Our daughter has celiac, and even though they don't have a gluten free menu, the server was very knowledgeable about what could be made gluten free, and what could not. We started with a delicious, rich miso soup that was gluten free. Then we enjoyed the poached lobster maki roll (they did not put in the shrimp tempura into the roll as they normally would instead gave it to us on a separate plate on the side for those would could eat gluten), the yellowtail roll, and the salmon avocado roll. They were able to make the ribeye steak with a gluten free dipping sauce on the side, as well as the king crab legs. They gave us a dipping sauce for the crab legs that was NOT gluten free (they told us it was not), but they also gave us melted butter. But truthfully, the steak and crab tasted great even without any of the sauces or butter! And their broccolini was also gluten free. All of it was wonderful and very filling! It was definitely a more expensive meal than what we would eat on average, but that was due to us getting the market price King crab legs. It was worth it though! We would go and do it again!

All three of us ordered the Decadent Omakase meal which is 5 courses of food: 2 appetizers (a scallop and also waygu beef rolls), a sashimi tray, a fish course (lobster and cod that night), a meat course (tenderloin and lambs chops that night) and dessert. It was all outstanding. Every dish was fresh, flavorful and beautifully presented and was centered on high quality ingredients. The wait staff were knowledgeable and attentive. And it was enjoyable to sit back, relax and enjoy what the chef had chosen to prepare that evening. The cod was the best I have ever had and the sashimi was amazing. We will definitely be back.

The restaurant was unkempt. There was disarray where the kitchen was with a ton to go prep and open bowls full of stuff just out where the seating was. It looked poorly cleaned and messy. We were the first ones there and they tried to sit us in the very back by the bathrooms for unknown reasons and the hostess seemed upset at us asking for a better seat (read nobody was in there) wiped her running nose and didn’t even say you’re welcome when we said thanks after she threw our menus down. Two more groups came in after us and were seated in the front. It’s unclear to me why the two black people were put in the most undesirable seats but the non black groups got seated upfront aside from the most obvious reason. The interior is not kept up well with split seats and sticky tables. Sticky tables right as it opens for the day is strange but here we are. The final mail in the coffin was when we were waiting for a server, he looked around at everyone and chose to speak to the second group that came in, instead of us who were there first and looking around wondering when we would get service. It’s just poor hospitality in a dirty environment. Not worth it. The one in oak brook is much better.

EVERY time I have eaten a Roka Akor the food and service has been wonderful! I totally consider this restaurant to be my Cheers and I go often. I have even hosted two private events with Roka and will continue to do so when I have the need.

All was great. Only negative was that we are being bussed too fast. Sometimes it interferes with the meal. There seems to be some directive to Clear the table quickly. It is annoying at times and NOT good service.