The Best of Japan

Among the many great things about Japan are its food, culinary presentation, superior service and pleasant restaurant settings — all of which create a memorable dining experience for customers.

Akinori Hirose wanted to share this part of his culture with the people of Hawaii and does just that with Yoshi Japanese Dining & Bar, located at 1427 Makaloa St.

Previously known as Yakitori Yoshi, the new restaurant reopened last month and offers an extensive menu of sushi, robata, teppanyaki and more.

“It’s authentic Japanese food combined with an American atmosphere,” explains Hirose, who owns the restaurant. “I want to show local people the real Japanese way of eating.”

Popular dishes include Yoshi Original Ribeye Steak (3/4 pound, $18), which features a sweet and flavorful secret sauce made with a saikyo miso base and sesame seed; and Assorted Sashimi ($20) featuring a mix of fresh fish such as maguro that is from the waters of Hawaii, hamachi and red snapper from Japan, and Atlantic salmon.

There also are daily specials and a full bar serving sake, shochu, chuhai, beer, hard liquor and wine. A great complement to your meal is Takezake ($8), a house special sake served from bamboo.

Closed for lunch, Yoshi opens at 5:30 p.m. and caters to the late dinner crowd with last call for food at 11 p.m. (10 p.m. Sunday, closed Tuesday). Aside from the good food and service, customers also can enjoy the artwork throughout restaurant, including paintings by artist Hisashi Michii.

Limited parking is available in front of the restaurant, and street parking is free after 6 p.m.

Yoshi Japanese Dining & Bar