Taki Japanese Steakhouse provides customers with quality food in an intimate and cozy environment.
We walked through the doors and were greeted by the cheerful staff. Our names were taken and we were taken to our seats shortly after.
As we walked towards the table, we noticed the restaurant’s near perfect layout.
There was seating at the hibachi grill as well as away from the grill in small booths and tables. The layout utilized the space efficiently but didn’t make me feel claustrophobic. You were close to everyone but far enough away to have your own space. The arrangement enhanced the enjoyment of my meal.
Our waiter, William Brown, was very knowledgeable. Justin, the photographer, doesn’t eat Japanese food often, so he asked the waiter for recommendations. Brown was able to rattle off several entrees and rolls.
Kyle, my roommate, ordered filet mignon and scallops cooked on the hibachi grill. Justin ordered chicken also cooked on the hibachi grill. Their meals came with soup, a salad, rice and noodles.
I ordered the Mountain Roll, a deep fried sushi roll with tuna, crab and the chef’s special sauce. The roll normally comes with avocado but I asked the chef for no avocado. I also ordered a side of steamed rice and chicken.
The soup and salad came to the table shortly after we placed the orders. The soup, broth with scallions, mushrooms and a few onions, was similar to those you’d find at other restaurants of this type. Kyle didn’t want his soup and I wasn’t going to let go to waste. I always enjoy the soup.
When the salad came to the table, Justin devoured it. He said it was the only Japanese restaurant where he’d eat the salad.
About ten minutes after ordering, the hibachi meals came to the table.
The chicken was tender, juicy and well-cooked, and Kyle’s filet mignon so flavorful that it didn’t need sauce. Kyle’s scallops were well-spiced and delicious. But the vegetables served were the biggest surprise.
“Normally, you go to a Japanese restaurant and they give you cucumber, some broccoli, some mushrooms, and carrots,” Kyle said. “[Taki] did, but this time I got a lot of broccoli and mushrooms. I was very happy.”
Meanwhile, I covered my rice and chicken in yum-yum sauce--a mayonnaise-dipping sauce traditionally found at Japanese steakhouses—and began eating.
It took a little while—about nine minutes after the hibachi meals-- for the sushi roll to get to the table.
The wait was worth it.
The roll was perfect. The crab, tuna, rice and seaweed with the lightly fried outer shell melded together perfectly. The chef’s special sauce was a little spicy but complimented the flavors of the roll. Justin never had sushi before, but he enjoyed his first try.
“Now, I have a reason to eat sushi,” Justin said.
We thoroughly enjoyed the meal. It was a delightful change of pace in a cozy and welcoming environment.
Taki is located on 6255 Zebulon Rd, and Thursdays and Sundays are dollar sushi day.
“It’s a good way to try fish outside of the normal tuna and salmon,” said Gabriel Israel, Sushi apprentice.
If you go, be prepared to bring back leftovers.
Taki is open:
Monday 11:00 am – 2:30 pm, 4:30 – 10:00 pm
Tuesday 11:00 am – 2:30 pm, 4:30 – 10:00 pm
Wednesday 11:00 am – 2:30 pm, 4:30 – 10:00 pm
Thursday 11:00 am – 2:30 pm, 4:30 – 10:00 pm
Friday 11:00 am – 2:30 pm, 4:30 – 11:00 pm
Saturday 12:00 – 3:00 pm, 4:30 – 11:00 pm
Sunday 12:00 – 4:00 pm, 4:30 – 10:00 pm
Bear Bites: Taki
