When I think of Japanese grills, my mind instantly goes to that scene from The Office where Andy takes Michael to Benihana to cheer him up. Michael complains that nothing the chef is doing is making him feel better and Andy says, “Wait for the onion.” Whether it’s the onion volcano, the shrimp-catching contest, or the banter between the chef and the table, there are plenty of things at these grills to make a person happy, even before the food comes. Here are a couple of my favorite traditional grill options, as well as a couple of “fast food” versions.

Traditional Grills

Sumo – Duh. Can anyone really argue about the awesomeness of Sumo (11233 E 13th Street North)? I went for the first time on my 25th birthday, and have been hooked ever since. I usually start with the sushi, but that’s another article, so I’ll skip to the hot food options. The scallops here are a must-have for me, and the volcano chicken and steak are always good choices. I think what sets Sumo apart from other grills is the atmosphere. I love all the natural light that comes in through the large windows, and the openness of the restaurant is really nice. If you’re going to head here on Friday or Saturday night, be sure to make reservations.

Kobe’s Steak House of Japan – Kobe’s (various locations east, west and south) was my first exposure to this type of food. When I was in Girl Scouts, we had our annual Christmas dinner here. I loved getting a virgin strawberry daquiri and the grilled chicken, but didn’t have much use for the vegetables or salad that came with the meal. Since I’ve been back to Kobe’s as an adult, I appreciate it more. The fried rice is excellent, and I especially like the atmosphere of of the west side location.

Fast Food Grills

Samurai – If you’ve never had the “Japanese ranch” sauce at Samurai (6605 E 37th Street North), you are seriously missing out. This stuff is addictive, so don’t say I didn’t warn you. You can get meat and fried rice here, or you can get the yakisoba noodles, which I recommend. The Yakisoba Scallops are my favorite. The sweet carrots are really good too. Samurai is great, because you can get food that is very similar to Sumo or Kobe’s, but in half the time and at half the price.

Emperor’s – I haven’t been to this grill yet (two locations on North Ridge and East Central), but it comes highly recommended by my grandparents, the same ones who introduced me to Red Mesa. Apparently, the amount of food you get for the money is pretty amazing, and it’s tasty too.

What local Japanese grills are your favorites? Sound off in the comments!

Related posts:

1. [eat] 10 Fantastic Wichita Lunch Spots
2. [think] East vs. West: The East Side = The Best Side
3. [eat] Best Hummus Options in Wichita
4. [eat] Exploring Wichita’s Mediterranean Scene
5. [eat] Where to Get Brunch in Wichita