Osaka: Great on a Good or a Bad Day

Well first of all, I won’t claim to be a culinary expert. I mean I didn’t know what capers were until this weekend. However, I do love to eat, so I believe I can guide you in the right direction to good food.

Osaka is one of my “had a bad day” restaurants. It’s also one of my “had a good day” restaurants. Well, actually let’s just say I’ll eat there anytime!

Osaka is fairly typical looking for a Japanese restaurant. I do like that they give you a choice between hibachi and regular seating. Everyone should have the hibachi experience at least once, but for normal occasions, I prefer a regular table in which I can enjoy good conversation. Drew remarked that it needed a fountain only to be informed that he passed the fountain on his way into the restaurant. I’m sure he was just distracted by his two beautiful dining companions, so who can blame him?

Service is always great. I’ve actually taught two of the employees, so rest assured that they are not only efficient, but they are also well-educated. I’m a big fan of waiters who are present but who do not hover, and Osaka’s waiters always accomplish this.

Entrees can get a bit pricey, some as high as $20 per plate, but with some creative ordering, you can get a really good deal. I’m fond of ordering the fried rice and sushi. It’s plenty of food for two people well under $30. Their early bird special is a great deal and gives you a good variety of food. You MUST try the fried rice. I discovered the mustard sauce when I ordered steak one time, and now I ask for it whenever I order anything. I’d pretty much eat anything with their mustard sauce.

The selection is great, so rest assured that you will have plenty of items to try with your mustard sauce. I have been eating there for several years now and never gotten bored of the selection. Their sushi menu is extensive. They offer a few fried versions of sushi that are absolutely amazing.

Holly had: Rainbow Roll, Caterpillar Roll, Seaweed Salad
Melissa had: Chicken Fried Rice, Tornado Roll
Drew had: Chicken Fried Rice, Dragon Roll

Atmosphere:
M: 3 D: 3 H: 2
Service:
M: 4 D: 3.5 H: 4
Affordability:
M: 5 D: 5 H: 4.5
Selection:
M: 5 D: 5 H: 5
Food:
M: 5 D: 2.5 H: 3
Drinks:
n/a

Overall Score: 4 out of 5

Osaka Japanese Cuisine: 7164 Hacks Cross, Olive Branch, MS