I love Japanese food. Regardless as to whether it is sushi, udon, ramen or hibachi, Japanese food is one of my go-to’s. In fact, living in San Pedro, my parents frequented this little Japanese restaurant down the street for years. I grew up on sashimi and miso soup – I’ve even had the pleasure of slurping udon in Tokyo at the airport (it’s still considered Tokyo)!! But one of the more difficult things is finding top grade sushi and hibachi within a specific budget in Springfield, Missouri. This was a challenge, all until one fateful weekend and Monday evening.
Kobe Hibachi Grill and Sushi & Sushi Express
I am not going to lie – I’ve done a few reviews for restaurants in SW Missouri, and I’ve always had the feeling that they “do up” their food fanfare when Celine and I pop in…that’s why a few days BEFORE I popped into Kobe to review their lovely establishment, I went in and sampled their cuisine the previous weekend…a Saturday to be exact.
The place was cozy and quaint. The decor was simple, the restaurant and dining areas were clean, and I took my seat.
I opened the menu and was shocked – the prices were significantly lower than other Japanese Restaurants and Hibachi Grills in the area. I am one of those people who believe you get what you pay for, and if the price is too low you are probably getting substandard food or service. And then my meal was served and my worries were put to rest. My mouth was ecstatic. My stomach, even more so. If that wasn’t enough, the quantity they served was abundant – way more than any other Japanese Restaurant I’ve frequented.
As you could imagine, I couldn’t wait to meet Celine at Kobe the following Monday evening to sample a wide-range of their sushi, hibachi and sake. I ate my weight in Japanese food, and I had no regrets.
Celine looking gorgeous, as always!
Interesting Facts About “Kobe Hibachi Restaurant”
- Kobe Hibachi Grill and Sushi Express is located on 3050 S National Ave #108, Springfield, MO 65804, and they are open every day (except Tuesdays) from 11am – 9pm!
- All the sauce used, aside from their lite sodium soy sauce, is made in-house. That’s right! Their yum yum (seafood) sauce, their ginger sauce, their salad dressings and everything else is made by the hands of Kobe or one of his chefs!
- Kobe’s menu prices are lower because they have lower overhead. Kobe Hibachi Restaurant has anywhere from two to four employees working. On top of that, while they are a hibachi restaurant, they do not have the hibachi tables where they cook in front of their patrons like other restaurants. This not only cuts down on costs but passes the savings onto their guests.
- They use only AAA grade sushi – the highest grade available. As stated above, their overhead is low so they can and do purchase and use the highest quality meats and seafood in all their meals. If that isn’t enough, during the spring and summer, Kobe purchases his fruits and veggies from Springfield’s own farmers market!
- Kobe pours his heart and soul into every aspect of the meal – from food preparation to presentation – and you can taste his passion in every bite.
First up – Kobe Hibachi Grill’s signature steak and lobster hibachi.
The lobster was cooked perfectly, and the steak was tender, juicy and divine. It was a tough act to follow, but Kobe’s sushi was some of the best I’ve had. It makes sense seeing as the owner, who lovingly calls himself Kobe (his Vietnamese name may be too difficult for American eyes and ears), studied the art of sushi and hibachi in Texas and Florida before moving to Springfield, Missouri with his wife. The next part of our meal was the sushi….and I assure you I had a couple rolls from each masterpiece Kobe created!
“Monkey Fingers” sushi roll
Next came a totally different kind of appetizer – it was 2 parts crab Rangoon and 1 part delicious fried batter with yum yum sauce. The name? Dragonball!
The food was amazing, the service, impeccable, but best of all was the company Kobe invited to our little review. There was Henry, King “Kong”, Gary and Miguel – all lovely gentlemen and local business owners here in Springfield, Missouri. We laughed, we cried (because our tummies were so full), and we schmoozed.
Not only were we wined and dined, but we laughed in merriment and rejoiced in new friendships which were made. It was a fabulous evening, and guess what, I will definitely be back again! I’ll see ya there, Springfield!
Cheers,
Jana Moreno
