Sakura

Evenings gathered around a hot iron griddle naturally start best with lighter bites that set the pace for the meal. At Sakura in Kawasaki, a lineup of olive-oil skewers lets diners sample combinations of pork and vegetables, from pork-wrapped tomatoes or green peppers stuffed with cheese to scallions and zucchini. Teppan-cooked meats such as salt-sauce chicken seseri, top tripe, and samgyeopsal round out the starters, building anticipation over a glass of beer or wine while the griddle heats up.

The centerpiece of the evening is monjayaki and okonomiyaki cooked directly on the teppan. Monjayaki selections branch out from familiar classics like spicy cod roe, mochi, and cheese or assorted seafood to inventive options like basil-and-tomato Genovese monja or spicy Tom Yum monja. For okonomiyaki, the house standout is the Sakura Special Tama, generously packed with domestic pork, prawns, and octopus, then finished with a shower of scallions. Twists such as the tomato, garlic, and cheese pancake or pork and kimchi can be customized further with extras like Baby Star ramen snacks, cheese, or rice cakes.

To finish, yakisoba tossed with raw egg or fragrant garlic rice makes the most of the lingering teppan heat. With a relaxed, casual dining room well suited to groups around a table, the restaurant also accepts table reservations. Open for evening service, it offers an engaging setting to debate flavor combinations and cook together over the grill.