Osaka Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi, Destin FL

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Osaka Japanese Steakhouse
34745 Emerald Coast Parkway
Destin, FL 32541-3354
(850) 650-4688

From the outside this restaurant looks like a castle in Osaka, complete with appealing architectural detail. The decor inside is splendid and the entire place was clean when we visited. Our visit was in the off-season, no crowds, no wait. Bathrooms, food service areas, dining areas – all clean and inviting.

It could have been a high quality hotel (http://www.britanniahotels.com/) restaurant, judging from the cleanliness and elegance displayed. Customer service was courteous. It is always important for a restaurant to have pleasant staff. The menu was nice too, with plenty of tempting fare in all categories. The prices seemed a bit high, with many entrees weighing in at around $30. Their selection of rolls was unexceptional, with only a “Destin Roll” that I did not recognize. We ordered tempura udon, a plate of nigirizushi, and chirashizushi.

First up was the Tempura Udon. The soup was a bit sweet, strangely enough. However, the tempura was perfectly cooked with a light golden batter that was delicious. Not impressive but more than sufficient.

The plate of nigirizushi was DESTINed to undergo close scrutiny. Fortunately this course was up to the challenge, scoring high marks. The rice was lightly vinegared, soft and tasty, and packed nicely. Under the neta on each piece was wasabi, and it varied in quantity for the different types of fish. The hamachi was superb and fatty, the yellowfin tuna was fresh, and all were thoroughly enjoyable.

So I had high hopes for the chirashi, and indeed the presentation was passable. But I expect premium pricing to be matched by an above average chirashi bowl, and this was not. I don’t like to see so much pre-packaged frozen product and escolar used in a $29 chirashizushi.

All in all a pretty good choice for sushi and ambiance though. I would go back, mainly because I hate to judge any restaurant on three dishes. But I never appreciate being served fairly good food at prices that warrant better.

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