Selected restaurants
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.
4120 E. McCain Blvd., North Little Rock, (501) 945-9494 This 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 now has equal status with 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
SAKURA
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.
UPDATE! 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 Japanese-Korean menu. Lunch, dinner Mon-Fri, dinner Sat. Beer, wine. Moderate.
KANPAI JAPANESE STEAK & SUSHI
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 people). Moderate.
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 Cantrell Road) shopping center, with a “wizard” behind the sushi bar, plus a popular Mongolian Grill. Lunch, dinner daily. Beer, wine, cocktails. Reservations. Moderate.
4011 E. Kiehl Ave., Sherwood, (501) 834-3546; 7307 Alcoa Road, Bryant, (501) 778-9585 An upscale dining experience is available at the original — where the service is friendly and everything from the appetizers to hibachi entrees to the sushi are top-notch — and Bryant locations of this multitasking Japanese restaurant, offering sushi and hibachi specialties. Lunch, dinner daily. Full bar 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 complete with all the trimmings, as well as Japanese steakhouse shenanigans. Lunch, dinner daily. Full bar. Reservations. Moderate-expensive.
SHOGUN JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE
2815 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, (501) 666-7070 Evidence that Shogun has survived for a long time: its consistent sushi and hibachi dinners and its cozy-to-cavelike atmosphere. Dinner daily. Full bar. Reservations. Moderate.
SUSHI CAFE
5823 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, (501) 663-9888
SUSHI CAFE WEST
11211 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, (501) 954-7866 The newer 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.