Osaka Japanese Restaurant

BEST RESTAURANT YOU DISCOVERED THIS YEAR Since opening in late November of 2009, Osaka Japanese Restaurant has created quite a stir in the local food scene, leading IT voters to name it “best restaurant discovered this year.” The one-ofa-kind restaurant is divided into two sections: a Thai-style area with a clean design and a quiet atmosphere, and the popular Hibachi grill section in which the chefs entertainingly prepare your food on a large grill right at the table. Manager Jennifer Chapman says the restaurant’s local partowners also own other Thai and Hibachi restaurants in other cities, but never before have they combined the two concepts like this. “It’s been quite successful so far,” Chapman says. “And you get large portions for your money. Just about everybody goes home with a to-go box.”

BEST ASIAN FOOD As with any type of meal, Asian food comes in several grades, ranging from awful to awesome. Judging from the number of votes Osaka received in this category, someone might have to invent another word that means “better than awesome.” Maybe it’s the unique flavors that appeal to so many people; the sweet but mystifying salad dressing or the cucumber-laced water. Or perhaps it’s the generous portions they heap on your plate. Manager Jennifer Chapman seems to think a big part of Osaka’s draw is the freshness of the food, which often comes from local sources and can be prepared in front of you on the hibachi grill. “Everything in the restaurant is made from scratch with fresh ingredients,” Chapman says proudly. “We don’t have anything pre-made here.”

BEST SUSHI Using fresh ingredients is the key to good sushi, Chapman says, and Osaka has it down. Osaka earned the title of “best sushi” from voters this year, with at least 28 different sushi rolls on the menu, by our count. The sushi here are so artfully prepared that it’s almost a shame to eat them. “We use the best seafood because you have to be able to serve it raw,” Chapman says, adding that they are working on an expanded menu that will likely debut in the new year, featuring 30 new specialty sushi rolls. Our mouths are already watering.