Patch Picks: Japanese Restaurants

Satisfying your East Asian craving is as easy as driving downtown: The Japanese restaurant scene in White Plains is picking up, with a trendy new arrival on the block worth visiting. Look no further than these five restaurants, four of which can be found on Mamaroneck Avenue.

1. Impulse Hibachi Bar & Lounge – 32 Mamaroneck Avenue

Phone: (914) 285-1888

The latest restaurant opened by Andy Lin, owner of Asian Temptation (also on Mamaroneck Ave.), features a classic hibachi grill menu with a few novel touches. Take, for example, the fried rice, which contains pieces of sunny-tasting pineapple – a Hawaiian twist on a hibachi staple. The restaurant has a clubby-feel with dim lighting and bright blue fluorescents under grill tables or accented on the walls and ceiling. Prices range from $13.95 to $37.95 for the mix and match menu combinations.

2. Noda’s Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar – 200 Hamilton Avenue

Phone: (914) 949-0990

Located in the White Plains Mall, Noda has been a hotspot for local residents to get their hibachi fix since it first opened 32 years ago. The decor is family friendly, featuring Japanese-inspired art and wooden accents. Lunch menu prices range from $7.95 to $16, while the dinner menu consists of combinations and dishes from $16.50 to $32.95. Sushi or sashimi is also available a la carte. 

3. Seasons Japanese Bistro – 105 Mamaroneck Avenue

Phone: (914) 421-1163

This Mamaroneck Avenue mainstay offers tasty Japanese fare in a cozy, wood-ornamented setting. The restaurant boasts about 70 different types of sake, hot or cold depending on customer preference. Prices for various rolls range from $3.95 to $14. Lunch specials are reasonably priced (ranging from $7.95 to $13.95), and brunch is offered every Sunday for $15.95. 

4. Haiku Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar – 149 Mamaroneck Avenue

Phone: (914) 644-8887

Haiku Asian Bistro meshes a cacophony of Asian cultures in its menu, one of the most dominant being Japanese. It is the place in White Plains where you can order a roll of sushi followed by a plate of Pad Thai or Szechuan Crispy Shredded Dried Beef. Prices are anywhere from $2.95 for individual pieces of sushi or sashimi to $25.95 for full entrees.

5. Sushi Nanase – 522 Mamaroneck Avenue

Phone: (914) 285-5351

Sushi Nanase is a prime location for sushi-devotees to get fresh and delicately-crafted seafood dishes. The restaurant has received rave reviews, most notably in The New York Times. Expect to pay at least $30 per person; reservations are recommended since seating is limited.