Founded by Japanese businessman "Rocky" Aoki in 1964, Benihana is known as the first chain of restaurants to bring Japanese cuisine to America. Two staples of that cuisine still stand firm: sushi, including sashimi, hand rolls and specialty rolls, and teppanyaki, the reason Benihana is so famous. Teppanyaki is a sort of culinary art form in which the chef cooks on a hibachi grill right in front of the customer, frying up your beef or chicken or seafood to order. A fun evening just blocks from the beach might include a glass of their signature "Benihana Punch," a large portion of USDA choice steak grilled in front of your eyes and possibly a couple pieces of shrimp tossed perfectly into your mouth by the chef across the table.
If you like sushi and hibachi, you will enjoy the spacious and lovely Taki Japanese Steakhouse. It is an excellent choice for corporate meetings or special events as it has eight hibachi grills, two private rooms, a bar and patio seating. A full menu of wines, beers and cocktails complements meals such as sea bass, sake carpaccio and miso black cod.
Inaka Gourmet is a Japanese restaurant that specializes in home-style Japanese cuisine. Chef Niki Nakayama has a solid following of clients who desire her unique food design palette. Aside from sushi, the recommended dishes are the hot pot udon, grilled tuna belly and two tuna bowl. The bowls are the most popular and the chirashi bowls are also said to be outstanding.
Inaka Gourmet's main philosophy is to offer healthy, light Japanese cuisine that makes dining a nice experience. It also offers variety of great deli dishes, including tofu nuggets, spinach and sesame paste salad, fishcake tempura and more. Customers can choose either brown or white rice. To experience Niki's cuisine at a more affordable price point, one may also dine at Inaka for lunch or in the early evening.
The staff is extremely friendly and accommodating. The restaurant is located just down the street from attractions such as the Santa Anita Race Track and the Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanic Garden.
Sakura has been open since 1988 and originated in Fredericksbug, Virginia. With more than twenty locations through out the United States, this hibachi steakhouse is committed to great food, service and attitude.
