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Tokyo Wako
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Tokyo Wako
7.8
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Date Night Magic
Established teppanyaki theater combined with full sushi bar creates dual dining experiences under one roof. Theatrical chefs perform tableside while sushi artisans craft specialty rolls, making it ideal for celebrations and groups seeking entertainment with quality Japanese cuisine.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Edamame, Alaskan Roll, Hibachi Filet Mignon
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Dual concept offering theatrical teppanyaki and quality sushi bar in single venue
Who should go: Families and groups celebrating special occasions with entertainment
When to visit: Dinner for full teppanyaki show experience
What to order: Teppanyaki with garlic fried rice, Alaskan Roll, edamame
Insider tip: Request Chef Edgar or Julio for most entertaining teppanyaki shows
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Self-parking in Pine Avenue garage $8 flat rate after 5pm, street meters $2/hr until 8pm, valet available at nearby hotels
Dress code: Casual comfortable - families in jeans common, though some dress up for celebrations
Noise level: Lively and theatrical - expect sizzling sounds, chef banter, and group energy at teppanyaki tables
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation for teppanyaki, sushi bar often has seats
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins usually seated within 10-15 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable teppanyaki plates, veggie rolls, tofu options, edamame
Vegan options: Limited - vegetable teppanyaki without butter, cucumber/avocado rolls (request no mayo)
Gluten-free options: Partial - grilled proteins and vegetables available, but cross-contamination risk on shared teppanyaki grill, tamari available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd-4th date when you know they enjoy lively environments. The communal teppanyaki seating and theatrical show creates fun shared experience but limits intimate conversation. Opt for sushi bar if you want more traditional date setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sushi bar seating is walk-in friendly most nights. For teppanyaki, expect 60-90 minute waits Friday-Sunday dinner without reservation. Weekday lunches and early weeknight dinners (before 6pm) are easier. Call ahead to join waitlist.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly - teppanyaki chefs engage children with tricks, onion volcanos, and tossed shrimp catches. Kids menu available. Best for ages 4+ who can sit through 60-minute show. High chairs provided.
How long does the teppanyaki experience take? Plan 75-90 minutes from seating to finish - includes waiting for full table (8-10 people), appetizers, theatrical cooking, and meal. Faster at sushi bar (45-60 minutes typical).
Can I just get sushi or do I have to do teppanyaki? Completely separate experiences - sushi bar operates independently with full menu of rolls, sashimi, and nigiri. No pressure to do teppanyaki. Sushi side is quieter and faster-paced.
Best For
Better for: Groups celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or graduations wanting entertainment with dinner. More interactive and theatrical than traditional Japanese restaurants, with skilled chefs who balance showmanship and food quality. Family-friendly atmosphere without feeling like Chuck E. Cheese.
Skip if: You want quiet intimate dining, are in a rush, prefer solo dining, or seek cutting-edge modern Japanese cuisine. If the theater element doesn't appeal, traditional sushi bars like Sushi Kinoya or Azuma offer better food-focused experiences at similar price points.
Tokyo Wako
7.8
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Live Music Showtime
Established teppanyaki steakhouse since 1988 offering dual dining experiences with tableside hibachi grills and a full sushi bar. The theatrical chefs deliver entertainment alongside filet mignon and lobster, while the separate sushi counter serves traditional rolls, nigiri, and specialty creations for those seeking a quieter meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Edamame, Pocky Ball, Beef Sashimi
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Long-established teppanyaki destination with separate full sushi bar since 1988
Who should go: Families and groups wanting entertainment with their meal
When to visit: Lunch specials weekdays or weekend dinner for full teppan experience
What to order: Teppanyaki combo with sushi upgrade, garlic edamame, pocky ball
Insider tip: Arrive during peak hours for veteran teppanyaki chefs' best performances
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking downtown, Pine Avenue Garage 2 blocks away $8-12
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans fine, skip beachwear
Noise level: Loud at teppan tables (showtime entertainment), quieter at sushi bar
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, book ahead recommended
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins usually seated within 10-15 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable teppanyaki combos, veggie rolls, tofu options
Vegan options: Limited - steamed vegetables, cucumber/avocado rolls, edamame (specify no butter)
Gluten-free options: Partial - sushi/sashimi yes, but shared teppan grills and soy sauce cross-contamination risk
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Depends on your vibe - teppanyaki tables are fun but loud and communal (shared seating), making intimate conversation tough. Sushi bar is better for getting to know someone. Consider it for 2nd-3rd dates when you want entertainment.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6pm) usually work as walk-ins. Friday/Saturday dinner reservations strongly recommended - they fill up teppan tables fast. Sushi bar is first-come-first-served and easier to snag.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - teppanyaki chefs do tricks (onion volcanos, spatula juggling) that kids love. Children's menu available. Best for ages 5+ who can sit through 60-75 minute teppan show. Sushi bar works for quieter families with younger kids.
How long does the teppanyaki experience take? Plan 75-90 minutes for full teppan experience including cooking show. Sushi bar dining is faster at 45-60 minutes if you're on a tighter schedule.
Can I just get sushi without the teppanyaki show? Absolutely - the sushi bar operates independently with its own menu. Perfect when you want traditional Japanese dining without the theatrical performance and premium teppan prices.
Best For
Better for: Entertainment value and group celebrations where the teppanyaki show is the main event - 36 years of experience means veteran chefs with polished routines. Also better for families wanting kid-friendly spectacle with their meal.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge sushi or omakase experience - this is classic American-style hibachi first, traditional Japanese second. Also skip if you need quiet conversation or prefer modern minimalist Japanese aesthetics over theatrical teppanyaki showmanship.