Ko Sushi Japanese Restaurant

New York $$ *****
This is definitely one of our favorite restaurants we tried during our visit to New York - and I will gladly take credit for it, since I had spent about an hour doing research in search of a decent sushi place for our fifth night. Located way east on York Avenue, it is pretty out of the way for most. However, the journey is well worth it. $13 for a plate of some of the best sushi I've ever had?! How can anyone say no? We came late at night, so by the end of the meal, the waitress was practically kicking us out. Besides the semi-rude service, everything else was perfect. Clean atmosphere (although, I do wish Ko played some Japanese music instead of American love songs), and the sushi was some of the best I've ever had (and I've had a lot!) -- both in taste and in price. It will be hard going to another sushi place after this.
Ko Sushi Japanese Restaurant (Upper East Side)
1619 York Avenue
New York, NY 10028-6259
Mon-Fri 11:30am-10:30pm
Sat-Sun Noon-10:30pm

Dan Japanese Restaurant

New York $$ ****
On our second day in New York, we wanted Asian food again. This time, we were on the Upper West Side, so we walked down Broadway. After passing some pricey sushi places, swanky Italian restaurants, and unappealing Greek diners, we found Dan. Another success!

Dan Japanese Restaurant is tastefully decorated, and the food was pretty good but not spectacular. I ordered the beef sukiyaki. It probably was not the most authentic -- it sort of reminded me of Koji Osakaya in Portland, but a tad better -- but we were satisfied. The best part about the restaurant was the conversations we heard by sitting right next to (hey, this is New York) a very interesting couple of guys. Uhh... I think that's all I should say for this.

Dan Japanese Restaurant (Upper West Side)
2018 Broadway
New York, NY 10023
Mon-Sat Noon-2pm, 5pm-11pm
Sun 4pm-11pm

Yotteko-ya

Honolulu $ *****
This is possibly the best ramen I've ever had. Possibly. Also called Kyoto Ramen, this bright neon red restaurant is located at McCully Shopping Center. Its menu claims that their ramen will make you look younger due to their unique collagen rich stock. Alright, whatever you say. Regardless of whether I wake up looking like a 9-year-old the next morning, their ramen is amazing.

They offer three different broths: shoyu, paitan and tonshio (clear and salt-based). As usual, I ordered the shoyu and was glad I did. The noodles were the perfect texture, and the char siu practically melts in your mouth.

You will never go back to that Top Ramen crap you buy from the store.
Yotteko-ya (McCully)
1960 Kapiolani Blvd
Honolulu, HI 96826
Lunch: Mon-Tue, Thu-Sun 11am-2pm
Dinner: Mon-Tue, Thu-Sat 5-11; Sun 5-9pm

Gyotaku

Honolulu $$$ *****
My family and I went here because we had just watched a Pan-Pacific parade in Waikiki, so of course we were craving some Japanese food. Since we were already on our way home when we discovered our craving, we went the only direction we could go: onward east. East of Kahala is Niu Valley, and in Niu Valley there is a Japanese restaurant called Gyotaku.
It's a typical Japanese restaurant: sleek décor, adorable dishes, and not cheap. However, it's a good deal. We went at 8:00 (eating at 8- like in New York!), so it was pretty empty. I had the miso butterfish, something that I cannot get in Portland for some reason. Large portions and very tasty. I also love their green tea.

My brother got something from the kids' menu, and it came with a drink, ice cream, and a toy. I miss those days. Yep, this place definitely satisfied our post-parade cravings.
Gyotaku (Niu Valley)
5730 Kalanianaole Highway
Honolulu, HI
Sun-Thu 11am-9pm
Fri-Sat 11am-10pm

Zen Bistro

San Francisco $$$ *****
The best part wasn't the surprisingly good Japanese food, nor was it the ridiculously hip atmosphere. The best part was that I was with my two great-aunts when I came and realized they are more hip than I am.
Zen Bistro is a new restaurant in Millbrae (in the Bay Area). We ordered a bunch of appetizers and shared. The waiters were so excited when they heard we were from Hawaii because the chef is from Hawaii too. The menu was very interesting, food tasted great, and the atmosphere felt like you were in a lounge in Tokyo.Zen Bistro (Millbrae)
420 Broadway
Millbrae, CA 94030

Shirokiya

Honolulu $ *****
Undoubtedly one of the best deals in Ala Moana. Shirokiya is a huge Asian store with a mix of upscale clothing, home appliances, and entertainment. As if it didn't have enough, it also has a food section in which you can select from a buffet-style section or already-packaged meals. All are great bargains and authentically Asian.
Shirokiya Food Corner (Ala Moana)
1450 Ala Moana Blvd
Honolulu, HI 96814

Tani's Japanese Kitchen

Portland $$ *****
Tani's is perfect for my random Japanese food cravings when I don't have time/energy to catch a bus off campus. Conveniently located on Woodstock, this adorable Japanese restaurant serves simple, moderately-priced meals in a relaxing atmosphere. I usually order the grilled salmon smothered in teriyaki sauce or the tonkatsu (pork katsu). I love their tea, which is free. Their sushi is tasty but tiny compared to the massive sushi at Saburo's, another Japanese place I go to satisfy my cravings. The chefs are actually Japanese and you can chat with them if you sit at the sushi bar. Great service and reliable food every time.



Tani's Japanese Kitchen (Woodstock)
4807 SE Woodstock Boulevard
Portland, OR 97206
Monday-Saturday 10:30am-8:30pm

Koji Osakaya

Portland $$ ***
I come here when I'm in downtown, craving convenient Japanese, and not yet willing to settle for the food court variety. That's exactly how to describe Koji Osakaya - convenient Japanese. It's not the best Japanese, but it's decent enough for the price, and it's located on Broadway, my favorite street in downtown because it's actually busy - like a real city! It's a Portland chain, and I think there's even one located in Seattle now. The donburi is a good deal, and so are their lunches.

Koji Osakaya (downtown)
606 SW Broadway
Portland, OR 97205-3401