Weekly theme listings reflect a range of dining possibilities in central Arkansas, across a spectrum of settings and price ranges. 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.
Japanese
CRAZY HIBACHI CO.
Lakewood Village Shopping Center, 2907 Lakewood Village Drive, North Little Rock,
(501) 812-9888
The spacious establishment offers fine Japanese fare and three different 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
This longtime favorite recently got a recent extension on its lease, continuing to operate with a friendly staff and a user-friendly menu that's welcoming to Japanese food beginners as well as experts.
Lunch, dinner Mon-Sat. Beer, wine. Reservations. Moderate.
KANPAI JAPANESE STEAK & SUSHI
4120 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 extravaganza.
Dinner daily. Full bar. Reservations. Moderate-expensive.
MT. FUJI
10301 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock,
(501) 227-6498
After more than a quarter century and the arrival of newer, bigger, flashier Japanese competitors, this restaurant, like the volcano it's named for, continues to stand tall, with an excellent and varied Japanese menu and first-rate sushi.
Lunch, dinner daily. Full bar. Reservations (five or more). Moderate.
SAMURAI JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR
Shackleford Crossing, 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 complete with all the trimmings, as well as Japanese steakhouse shenanigans.
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.
SUSHI CAFE
5823 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, (501) 663-9888
NEW! SUSHI CAFE WEST
11211 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, (501) 954-7866
The new west Little Rock outlet of the popular cafe features an equally excellent eclectic Asian-fusion menu, including pad Thai, miso sea bass and even a Kobe beef hot dog, plus a full range of sushi and, new for west Little Rock, a hibachi grill.
Heights: Dinner daily. Full bar. Reservations (large parties). West Little Rock: Lunch Mon-Fri, dinner daily. Reservations. Moderate-expensive.
Weekend on 04/23/2015