Restaurant reviewers’ visits are anonymous and all expenses are paid by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Bargain means a meal (without beverage or dessert) typically less than $12. Moderate: $12-$25. Expensive:
$25 and up. To read recent restaurant reviews in their entirety, visit arkansasonline.com/restaurants.
Japanese
CRAZY HIBACHI CO.
Lakewood Village Shopping Center, 2907 Lakewood Village Drive, North Little Rock, (501) 812-9888 The spacious establishment offers fine Japanese food and three dining experiences - at teppanyaki tables, Mongolian grill or the sushi bar.
Lunch, dinner daily. Full bar.
Reservations (six or more).
Moderate.
HANAROO SUSHI BAR & JAPANESE RESTAURANT 205 W. Capitol Ave., Little Rock, (501) 301-7900 The sushi rolls and nigiri are excellent, and seafood entrees are among the best catches on the lengthy menu.
Lunch, dinner Mon-Fri, dinner Sat. Beer, wine. Moderate.
IGIBON JAPANESE FOOD HOUSE 11121 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, (501) 217-8888 Subdued Igibon is welcoming to Japanese food beginners as well as experts, with traditional entrees, sushi and sashimi and more exotic fare than is typically served in showy steakhouses.
Lunch, dinner Mon-Sat. Beer, wine. Reservations. Moderate.
KANPAI JAPANESE STEAK & SUSH I4120 E. McCain Blvd., North Little Rock, (501) 945-9494 This Japanese restaurant near McCain Mall offers sushi, traditional dinners and pleasing, if predictable, hibachi suppers and shows.
Lunch, dinner daily. Full bar.
Reservations. Moderate.
KOBE JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE 11401 Financial Centre Parkway, Little Rock, (501) 225-5999 The excellent expanded sushi bar no longer takes second place to the teppanyaki grills, where the Feast (featuring filet mignon, shrimp, scallops and chicken) is the priciest item.
Dinner daily. Full bar. Reservations. Moderate-expensive.
MT. FUJI 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, (501) 227-6498 An excellent and varied Japanese menu and first-rate sushi.
Lunch, dinner daily. Full bar.
Reservations (five or more people). Moderate.
UPDATE!!! OSAKA JAPANESE RESTAURANT 5501 Ranch Drive, Little Rock, (501) 868-3688 In addition to a good variety of traditional tempura and teriyaki dishes, this subdued, pleasant restaurant anchors a tucked-in (meaning it’s hard to see from the main street, Cantrell Road) shopping center, with a “wizard” behind the sushi bar, plus a popular Mongolian Grill.
Lunch, dinner daily. Beer, wine, cocktails. Reservations. Moderate.
SAKURA4011 E. Kiehl Ave., Sherwood, (501) 834-3546; 7307 Alcoa Road, Bryant, (501) 778-9585 An upscale dining experience offering sushi and hibachi specialties.
Lunch, dinner daily. Beer, wine at Sherwood location. Moderate.
SAMURAI JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR Shackleford Crossings, Shackleford Road and Interstate 430, Little Rock, (501) 224-5533 The staff and tony decor are welcoming at this eatery, specializing in sushi and hibachi dinners.
Lunch, dinner daily. Full bar.
Reservations. Moderate-expensive.
SASHIMI JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE 1900 Club Manor Drive, Suite 108, Maumelle, (501) 851-4700 A cut above the ordinary for hibachi dining - each entree item actually has its own flavor and a large portion of excellent hibachi-fried rice is part of the price. The sushi bar has tasty nigiri and inventive rolls.
Lunch, dinner Mon-Fri, dinner Sat, lunch Sun. Full bar. Reservations (six or more). Moderate. UPDATE!!! SUSHI CAFE5823 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, (501) 663-9888 The loss of sushi chef Alex Guzman to Oceans at Arthur’s doesn’t seem to have affected the volume of business, given the cafe’s equally excellent eclectic Asian-fusion menu, including pad thai, miso sea bass and even a Kobe hot dog.
Dinner daily Mon-Sat. Full bar. Reservations (large parties).
Moderate-expensive.
Weekend, Pages 40 on 04/10/2014