Mikado Japanese Sushi & Steak House

 

Located next to the Moorestown Mall off of Route 38, Mikado Japanese Sushi & Steak House is a relaxing alternative to the food court frenzy or the movie theatre mayhem. Specializing in sushi and hibachi entrees, Mikado is a subdued and friendly dining experience suitable for family gatherings and dates.

Like other Japanese restaurants, Mikado is divided into sushi and hibachi sections. However, the space dividing the two sections is great, allowing diners in the sushi section to eat without the constant distraction of fire and applause. Those in the hibachi section are surrounded by the hibachi experience; with the exception of an entranceway, the room is essentially enclosed.

The staff at hibachi do not require customers to wait more than five or ten minutes in the hibachi section; if no others have arrived to fit at the table, the servers take orders. Mikado serves meals at a steady pace without rushing the diners.

The cuisine at Mikado is zesty and lively. The salad comes with a creamy ginger dressing with a hint of orange tang while the soup is a hot miso with a strong dose of scallions. The hibachi portions at Mikado are particularly generous; guests should consider sharing an entrée with a date or family member, ordering an extra side of fried rice. The menu also includes ‘for two’ options, allowing customers to save money by sharing larger entrees.

The fried rice also has personality because the hibachi chefs do not skimp on seasoning here. If you find yourself adding copious amounts of soy sauce to flavor your rice at other restaurants, Mikado may serve as a viable alternative to your regular hibachi den.

Beyond the food, Mikado offers an entertaining hibachi experience. The chefs go beyond what is typically done in hibachi performances by speaking to guests during the performance. Staff members also observe and enjoy the entertainment with the guests, always keeping a careful eye on drinks needing refills.

While Mikado is at least as expensive as competing hibachi establishments, it has something most other hibachis in the area don’t: a liquor license. Mikado charges exceptionally reasonable prices on some alcoholic beverages—a full serving of sake (Japanese rice wine) is normally $7.00 and is sometimes on sale for $3.50. (The sake carafe serves at least two adults if one member of the party is driving.)

Whether busy or slow, Mikado’s staff does not rush the pace of the hibachi meal, understanding that it is a shared experience and performance art. The staff keep patrons in mind constantly—while air conditioning is usually cranked up to an uncomfortable level in hibachi restaurants due to the heat from the grills, Mikado keeps their restaurant room temperature for their guests’ comfort.

HelloMetro Tip: Mikado has three South Jersey locations within close proximity of one another. Locations exist in Cherry Hill, Marlton and Maple Shade. This review pertains to the Maple Shade, NJ location.

- by Tara M. Clapper, Philadelphia Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Tara M. Clapper

Tara M. Clapper is a full-time freelance writer residing just outside of Philadelphia. Tara enjoys exploring traditional and historical locations in the city as well as quirky and innovative restaurants and attractions. Tara utilizes her background in academic, service-based and traditional publishing to create insider-perspective articles. Her topics of interest include travel, weddings, Irish American culture, and geek subculture.