Sapporo Set to Open Today

Millburn’s newest restaurant, Sapporo Sushi and Hibachi Steak House, is set to open Wednesday.

Sapporo, located on Millburn Avenue in the former J.P. Lee’s Mongolian Barbecue Restaurant, will offer an exciting dining experience perfect for the entire family, owner Jacky Li said.

“It will be a fire show, a magic show! Kids always love it; groups love it!” Li said. “They come for the experience as much as the food.”

There are two dining rooms in the large restaurant. The front offers four-top and eight-top tables, with a couple of booths. The back room is reserved for hibachi, with three large tables (two 18-seaters, one 30-seater) and a private room with an additional 18-seat table.

Li has more than 15 years experience working in some of Manhattan’s best sushi houses, including Haru on the Upper East Side. He says he can personally make everything on his menu and will be more than happy to come out and cook for a group if they request him.

He opened his first restaurant, Fuji, in Westfield in 2000. Fuji II followed in Edison in 2006. He considered opening a Fuji III in Millburn, but opted instead for the name Sapporo. Sapporo is named for the Japanese region famous for top-rate seafood.

“We will have only fresh fish, never frozen,” Li said, “just like the high-quality food in Sapporo.” House specialties include Wok Sea Scallops for $21.95 and New Zealand Lamb Rack for $26.95.

Diners can expect to find quality in every aspect of the restaurant, Li said. He hand-selected everything, from the flower-print china to the paintings on the walls. The upscale atmosphere should make for a fun evening out with friends or family.

Li is offering 15 percent off as a Grand Opening special. He expects the discount to run for about three months.