Tokyo Hibachi Sushi & Asian Bistro

I haven't done a restaurant review in a long time! Jared and I went to Tokyo Hiabchi Sushi & Asian Bistro in Ithaca, NY for lunch this past Sunday. We heard of it from his mom who happens to work in the same plaza where this restaurant is currently celebrating its grand opening. And I was feeling some sushi.

First impressions:
I really liked the entrance way with the brick detail and Buddha sitting in the corner. The inside was much bigger and more sophisticated than the strip mall facade made it seem from the outside. However, it was completely empty. As in vacant. I wanted to attempt to do a vlog of our meal but I felt too awkward talking to my camera with our waitress watching our every move because we were her only table. Therefore I give you this awkward video...

In all I really like the decor, however it did still smell of fresh paint...hopefully that will fade away. But the atmosphere was cold because there was no one else there. You could tell that the wait staff was bored, but a big plus of this was the service was pretty attentive.

First Course

 Miso Soup

soybean broth with seaweed, tofu and scallions

Was included in the noodle dish, on it's own is $2.25

Second Course

 Spicy Tuna Roll ($5.50)

Jared had the Salmon Avocado Roll (not pictured) ($4.50).

Third Course

Yaki Soba ($13.25)

shrimp (you could also choose beef, chicken or vegetable) with pan-fried buck wheat noodles, red onion and mushrooms

I was a bit disappointed with the soba noodles. They weren't bad but they didn't 'wow' me either, especially considering the price. However you do receive a generous portion and I ate half saving the other half for lunch the next day. I had some serious entree envy with Jared's dish...

Amazing Chicken ($12.95)

chicken gently fried in a delicate batter, tossed with a zesty sauce

No I did not make that name up, but it was amazing. They were delicious little tempura nuggets from heaven. And he got a flower on his plate. I'm still a tad jealous if you can't tell. 

The Good

The sophisticated atmosphere was a pleasant surprise to find in a strip mall.

The Bad

I was not impressed by the prices for what you received. In total the bill was just under $40 for two people for lunch. In my world, that's too much, especially since I wasn't that impressed with my entree.

In conclusion I wasn't blown away with the place. I'd be willing to try it again for the hibachi grill, but other than that I don't expect to frequent the Tokyo Hibachi Sushi & Asian Bistro again any time soon. Over all I give it a "meh."

Located at 722 South Meadow Street, Suite 800, Ithaca, NY 14850 (the Barnes & Noble plaza in Ithaca, NY).