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Japanese Restaurant Suggestions

Back home while I was in college there was a cute little japanese place called Yama's.
Didn't have much atmosphere, 1 room about 20' × 20' and no decorations. Though it had a TV that played JApanese tv shows, and a modest bookshelf full of manga and other japanese periodicals. Real authentic cook that barely knew Engrish, and the best food at a reasonable price.

Are there any places like that around Toledo or Bowling Green? I tried looking in the phone book and everyplace seems to be an American sushi-joint, or expensive Hibachi (American concept) and seem to cater more to American culture. While the food might be good, I really liked little Yama's. Simple, and 100% infusion of Japanese culture. Was almost like walking off the streets in Nagoya to a mom and pop shop.

Since this is a wiki, feel free to add whatever you like, in case other people are curious.
Good japanese food is still good food :)

created by jshriver on Aug 31, 2007 at 09:05:58 pm
updated by jshriver on Aug 31, 2007 at 09:22:50 pm     Comments: 6

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Comments ... #

I dont know if this is what you're looking for, but my wife and I just had a very nice dinner at Sakura, on Monroe Street at Flanders (the old Ralphies building).

If you go there, they have a new roll that isnt even on the menu yet called the Dynamite roll. I'd highly recommend. After that she had teryaki and I had tempura. Neither of us was dissapointed, but it's not the little paper walled place you described. We were waited on by a lovely little white goth chick who did an awesome job.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/342628/new_japanese_steakhouse_sakura_opens.html

posted by billy on Sep 01, 2007 at 08:10:45 am     #



Koto-buke on Monroe Street is very good. I've also heard that Fujiyama on Reynolds is very good too, but I haven't been there.

posted by junta330 on Sep 02, 2007 at 04:55:18 pm     #



Yama's sounds really cute. I've been to places like that San Francisco and New York but not in Toledo.

Sakura's is good, but it's very geared toward the hibachi-crowd. In fact the center most part of the restaurant is all hibachi.

I was mentioning to my husband that it seems Toledo has gone hibachi-crazy in the past year.

I'd check out Fujiyama. Quiet place. Good food.

posted by jhostetler on Sep 03, 2007 at 07:32:09 am     #



Koto buki is supposed to have the best sushi in town.

En Japanese I can attest has phenomenal sushi and fantastic dinners as well. Their staff is awesome too.

I only know one person who went to Sakura and they said the food was sub par and the sushi was average.

For just sushi, I actually recommend the Chinese Buffet on Airport in the old Mountain Jacks. It is surprisingly good for its price.

posted by taliesin52 on Sep 04, 2007 at 10:50:06 am     #



Its usually not my liking to be polite, light hearted, or friendly but i will attempt my best. As far as sushi spots are concerned in toledo there is quite the variety to choose from. Lets be honest Toledo is not only knowned for being Glass, but especially its bi-est residents.

Enough said i have been to several of the places that toledo has to offer. Some of the top few in my opinion have been and i say this in no order as Koto Buki, Yoko, Fugiyamma, Tokyo Bar and Grill, En Japanese, Tea Tree, Wisabi Bistro, and Sakura.

All great places, i was always a Koto fan, dennis and his ability to make all of his guests feel welcome was always my favorite part of the experience, fugi for the great food and creativity.

HOWEVER, the place that seems to have excelled in both its kindness, and its ability to prepare great food has been Sakura. My friend above..... If you say you have only spoke to one person that has been to Sakura then you must not know to many people here in this great city. This place is packed 7 nights a week. As far as the Sub Par sushi is concerned i will point this out........

I find this very hard to believe when all of the chefs in the building have been flown in from either New York City, or Vermont. All highly trained, and still training. The Fish is flow in several times a week from all over the world.

Any way not trying to be too bi-est but if you have been a person that has not been there try it. If your a person that has been there and has a bad sushi i dont know what to tell you.

Take your time stop in and get to know the two head chefs Andy and Kengo and tell them Matt Lewis sent you and prepare them their specials! Screw the menu and try something different!

posted by MattLewis on Sep 04, 2007 at 06:55:51 pm     #



PS VINCE ROCKS!

posted by MattLewis on Sep 04, 2007 at 06:56:24 pm     #