Expect the Unexpected at Yoshi

Small plates have created quite a buzz these days with foodies — you know, a taste of this, a taste of that — a trend that’s quite understandable, since it’s such a fun way to eat.

So it serves an eatery well to meet the more-eclectic tastes of the contemporary diner without losing sight of its traditional roots, thereby attracting new customers while retaining loyal patrons.

Yoshi Japanese Dining and Bar meets that challenge in its own unique way. Alongside its traditional sushi, teppanyaki and ramen, Yoshi offers an interesting array of appetizers perfect for small-plate dining.

I know, I know, Japanese restaurants are typically all about meat and fish. But Yoshi has a few surprises in store for non-meat eaters who venture in, such as Grilled Mushrooms ($7), a mix of savory button, king oyster and enoki ‘shrooms seasoned with salt, pepper, shoyu and butter, and cooked to perfection on the teppan grill.

Fresh and light, Yoshi Salad ($6) is comprised of mixed greens and tomatoes topped with a bright-orange carrot-based dressing that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.

And, if you’re a cheese lover, Mozzarella Tomato ($8) salad showcases locally grown tomatoes sliced and arranged with fresh mozzarella slices and topped with olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, lemon and basil pesto. Unexpected, yes, but that’s what it’s all about!

Eclectic and trendy, for a little bit of this, a little bit of that, try small-plate dining at Yoshi.

Yoshi

1427 Makaloa St., Honolulu
941.6891
5:30 p.m. to midnight Monday and Wednesday-Saturday
5:30-11 p.m. Sunday