Shiro this place is not. Let's start with the rice, it was to sweet and not enough seasoning. It's probably because of the different recipe for the yum yum sauce, less spice and more sugar. Not good. I had the filet mignon which was very good, only reason not less stars. The vegetables came last and we're a smaller portion than before and not seasoned well. Overall this visit was not as good as it was when Shiro owned it. I am not sure we will go back.
(3)
Deborah H.
Very disappointing. For a long time, Shiro had our favorite sushi chef and a great menu. We went to Osaka not knowing about the change. The sushi was just OK and now they charge for soup and salad. The soup wasn't miso, but the watery mushroom with scallion. The Osaka near Springfield Mall is much better so we'll continue going there.
(2)
K C.
Since this change from Shiros to Osaka, we noticed a change to new waiters & a loss of our favorite waitresses. The soup was like warm water with one mushroom, no scallions, & tasteless. The steak was overcooked & not tasty especially by replacing the yum yum sauce with a very sweet & not good tasting recipe. Portions are smaller, not very good. Hoping another restaurant takes over this spot since much better restaurants in the area. Do not recommend.
(2)
Sara S.
I AM NEVER GOING BACK HERE AGAIN. This place has been open 2 days, and replaced Shiro that used to be in it's place, I wish Shiro would come back. We had made a reservation for 7pm, not only did the fail to tell us it WASN"T shiro when me made the reservation, but they also had 3 other REALLY big groups (about 10-15 people) made a reservation at the same time. They had us wait for about half an hour AFTER our reservation, along with the other groups because THEY over booked the place. They changed the menu, and if you don't know what your ordering, then you're getting something you don't want because their menu isn't clear at all. I'm nervous that if someone isn't careful, someone could have an ALLERGIC REACTION while eating here. My brother in law is allergic to shell fish, we told them that when we ordered, TELL THEM BEFORE ANYTHING! They didn't have any of the beverages for the adults in the group to drink with dinner, gave the beer they did have in bottles that when put too close to the open flame would have caused more problems since they cook in front of you, it was poorly planned on their part. Then when dinner was over the RUSHED US out of our seats, taking plates while most of our family and friends were STILL eating because they had made too many reservations for 8 PM as well so they decided to rush us out after we waited 30 minutes for them to seat us in the first place. We used to go to Shiro every year for my daughter's birthday, but even last night she HATED it. They wouldn't play the happy birthday song, because we had gone a day early for her birthday, because her sister travels our of state and wouldn't have been there to celebrate with her. Heaven forbid that my daughter didn't bring her photo ID with her, when she isn't old enough to drink and didn't drive to the restaurant, she shouldn't need to show it. We didn't want the discount just the fruit thing they used to do, and the song. Three generations of my family WILL NOT be returning here. I'm so sad to see Shiro go because that was a wonderful place, and a family tradition.
(1)
Kathy H.
so disappointed. Shiro was bought out by Osaka and they aren't even close to the same. The yum yum sauce was horrible and their water tasted like sprite. Never going back...now need to find a new japanese place.
(1)
Brian T.
Dynamite! I was a little bit leery of when they switched ownership just recently, but the sushi/hibachi is just as good; if not better.
We loved Shiros and didn't know of the change of ownership until we got there. The food was good but not the same quality as before, and portion size was smaller for the same high price. Lacked the right amount of seasoning and flavor. Also, the timing of serving everything we ordered could be improved. The seafood was cooked and served long before the meat was even put on the grill. So, people who ordered just meat had to sit and watch for a long time while others ate their meals. We still liked the restaurant and will go back but we will wait a while until the new managers a staff settle in...and hopefully by then, the volcano onion will be back (we liked that part of the show).
(3)
Wyette D.
I can't comment on the hibachi because we always come here and eat at the sushi bar. I think that their Shashimi is excellent and I have high standards when it comes to raw fish quality. The sushi chef, the waitress, and manager are always super nice, attentive, and even remembered what we ordered the last time we were there. We eat here at least once a week and food/service is very consistent.
(5)
Luis V.
The best Japanese food in town. Whether it's sushi/ sashimi or hibachi this is the place to come and have some!! The staff is friendly, meals are a good size and the atmosphere is great! I've been to other Japanese restaurants where I got my meal after some had finished theirs! Well, not here. Service is very good, and seals the deal for me as the best place! If you want Japanese food or a nice place to enjoy a few drinks at the bar this is it.
(5)
Janet H.
4.5 stars. I took my son to eat here dinner last night and we both left as fans. We were warmly greeted upon arrival and seated at the sushi bar. Haven eaten both my and my son's salad (their version of ginger dressing is yummy!), I was full before the sushi arrived. I ordered the special, black dragon rolls, and was happily surprised by the size of the platter and by the taste. The friendly chef gave us complimentary flame-grilled salmon skewers--delicious! We didn't try the hibachi, but my son had fun watching the hibachi chef prepare food for another table of diners. From what I saw, Osaka doesn't prepare plates as artfully eye-catching as Kumo (think plates arranged with tropical flowers surrounded by fog wafting from dry ice), but it does offer delicious and filling Japanese fare and friendly service. We look forward to going back!
(4)
April Y.
I've been coming here ever since they changed the name...and I love here! Hibachi is exceptional and the ingredients are fresh!! :) Nigiri and rolls are great too, so please try them. Also t, the service is awesome here. Come here with family, lover, and friends
(5)
Juan R.
I've been coming to this place since before when it was shiro's. I don't think it's worth it's price, we noticed that the meals are skimp $22 for fried rice, few pieces of chicken & burnt vegetables - I think I can make this at home for $10. I wouldn't recommend anyone to go there unless you're celebrating something or have never been to a Japanese steakhouse before and don't want to drive far.
(3)
Erica P.
I ve been coming here since it was Shiro, but i think it is better now with the new management. Food is great, staff is great and its good to see that the manager works just as hard as the servers! Will def come again and recommend to my friends.
(5)
Tanya F.
I'm pregnant and currently easy to please, but this place is the worst Japanese steak house I've ever been to. My waiter was nice but the cook was boring, the fried rice was more like steamed rice with a little sauce, the filet wasn't very good quality and all the steaks were up against the raw chicken the whole time, and had just a bunch of pepper on it. The soup wasn't very warm and the sauces looked gross so I didn't bother. I can't wait to walk next door to Starbucks and get this taste out of my mouth. Extra disappointed because I thought I was coming to Shiro, which had good reviews. Nope. And then the chipmunks sang happy birthday over the sound system to an adult. No.
(1)
Troy P.
The fact that nearly everyone in my party (9 people) around the table had their food served at the exact same time and it was perfectly cooked as ordered sealed the deal for me -- Osaka rocks. The service -- from the bartender to the waitress to the chef -- was friendly, professional and prompt. The food was tasty, reasonable priced, and portion sizes were generous. As a matter of fact, a few of my friends took home leftovers. In addition to my NY strip and shrimp combo (which was good), a friend and I split a spicy tuna roll and Supreme Spicy Crunch roll. The rolls were excellent (check out the pic). The only item that fell short was the miso soup -- mostly dashi with very little miso and few solid ingredients.
(4)
Toni R.
Budget Benihana without the sucky drive from Kingstowne My husband loves Benihana. We have a pitcher we put change in. When we lived in West Coast Washington, when it got full we traditionally went to Benihana. When we lived in AZ, we'd drive three hours to Phoenix to go to Benihana. I go because I like my husband, not so much Benihana - though I am a big fan of their fried rice. The yelp reviews for East Coast Washington Benihana weren't so good, so a Benihana substitute within five minutes of the house sounded promising. Food was good, but the fried rice just wasn't on the same level as what you get at Benihana. Loved the salad. Soup needed to simmer a lot longer and reduce down to actually have some flavor. Dinner for three was about $100 which includes 2 non-alcoholic drinks and 1 punch-type drink. Portion size was generous. They give you a bigger variety of vegetables than Benihana which I really appreciated. We ended up taking quite a bit home. Same dinner at Benihana would probably be $150 and I'd be crabbier for the hour drive.
(3)
Marissa O.
I can't compare Osaka to the previous restaurant because I had never been. That being said, I ate here without bias. The salad was good and I had no complaints. Typical small salad with ginger dressing. The soup I will say was not so tasty and kind of lukewarm. I'm not a huge complainer, so I took a few sips and carried on. Not a deal breaker. I will say I was annoyed that there was not an option to order noodles. I know I gave a really puzzled look when I was told they didn't have them. I would say that's what upset me the most. Probably a sign I didn't need them, but I digress. The fried rice was ok. I think it needed something extra. It's not so noticeable when I slathered on the yum yum sauce. Let's be real- I went there for the sauce. I was worried it was going to be awful and I was happy that it was the typical yum yum sauce that I'm obsessed with. I got the vegetables (no meat). They were good for the most part. I think veggies should be cooked more, but I'm just weird and don't like super crunchy veggies. The service was good and the waitress was attentive. I will say that I was most impressed with the fact that the chef asked if I was ok with eggs in the rice (he noticed I only ordered veggies). Not many people have the sense to ask something like that. Kudos to him! Would I go back? I might, no reason to turn it down if asked to go again. Get some noodles though and I'll be back for sure!
(3)
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Address :5860 Kingstowne Ctr
Alexandria, VA, 22315
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes
Daniel P.
Shiro this place is not. Let's start with the rice, it was to sweet and not enough seasoning. It's probably because of the different recipe for the yum yum sauce, less spice and more sugar. Not good. I had the filet mignon which was very good, only reason not less stars. The vegetables came last and we're a smaller portion than before and not seasoned well. Overall this visit was not as good as it was when Shiro owned it. I am not sure we will go back.
(3)Deborah H.
Very disappointing. For a long time, Shiro had our favorite sushi chef and a great menu. We went to Osaka not knowing about the change. The sushi was just OK and now they charge for soup and salad. The soup wasn't miso, but the watery mushroom with scallion. The Osaka near Springfield Mall is much better so we'll continue going there.
(2)K C.
Since this change from Shiros to Osaka, we noticed a change to new waiters & a loss of our favorite waitresses. The soup was like warm water with one mushroom, no scallions, & tasteless. The steak was overcooked & not tasty especially by replacing the yum yum sauce with a very sweet & not good tasting recipe. Portions are smaller, not very good. Hoping another restaurant takes over this spot since much better restaurants in the area. Do not recommend.
(2)Sara S.
I AM NEVER GOING BACK HERE AGAIN. This place has been open 2 days, and replaced Shiro that used to be in it's place, I wish Shiro would come back. We had made a reservation for 7pm, not only did the fail to tell us it WASN"T shiro when me made the reservation, but they also had 3 other REALLY big groups (about 10-15 people) made a reservation at the same time. They had us wait for about half an hour AFTER our reservation, along with the other groups because THEY over booked the place. They changed the menu, and if you don't know what your ordering, then you're getting something you don't want because their menu isn't clear at all. I'm nervous that if someone isn't careful, someone could have an ALLERGIC REACTION while eating here. My brother in law is allergic to shell fish, we told them that when we ordered, TELL THEM BEFORE ANYTHING! They didn't have any of the beverages for the adults in the group to drink with dinner, gave the beer they did have in bottles that when put too close to the open flame would have caused more problems since they cook in front of you, it was poorly planned on their part. Then when dinner was over the RUSHED US out of our seats, taking plates while most of our family and friends were STILL eating because they had made too many reservations for 8 PM as well so they decided to rush us out after we waited 30 minutes for them to seat us in the first place. We used to go to Shiro every year for my daughter's birthday, but even last night she HATED it. They wouldn't play the happy birthday song, because we had gone a day early for her birthday, because her sister travels our of state and wouldn't have been there to celebrate with her. Heaven forbid that my daughter didn't bring her photo ID with her, when she isn't old enough to drink and didn't drive to the restaurant, she shouldn't need to show it. We didn't want the discount just the fruit thing they used to do, and the song. Three generations of my family WILL NOT be returning here. I'm so sad to see Shiro go because that was a wonderful place, and a family tradition.
(1)Kathy H.
so disappointed. Shiro was bought out by Osaka and they aren't even close to the same. The yum yum sauce was horrible and their water tasted like sprite. Never going back...now need to find a new japanese place.
(1)Brian T.
Dynamite! I was a little bit leery of when they switched ownership just recently, but the sushi/hibachi is just as good; if not better.
(5)Rachel M.
My fiancé and I have been long time regulars at Shiro to the point where the waitresses and chefs knew our whole back stories. We went there tonight, but didn't know that Shiro had been bought by this place until we arrived. We saw some of the same employees so we gave it a shot. The food was not up to par, the yummy sauce was waaaay too sweet to even eat. Our chef barely spoke to us at all, and he overcooked the rice to the point where when we got it it had turned to mush. I'm disappointed, because we loved Shiro and this new place turned out to be such a let down. I don't know if we will be going back to give it another chance or not, but we're definitely going to miss all the staff more than anything at all. Before we could barely get enough food, and now we left about 2/3 of our meal on the plate... Waste of $55 for sure.
(2)Donna F.
We loved Shiros and didn't know of the change of ownership until we got there. The food was good but not the same quality as before, and portion size was smaller for the same high price. Lacked the right amount of seasoning and flavor. Also, the timing of serving everything we ordered could be improved. The seafood was cooked and served long before the meat was even put on the grill. So, people who ordered just meat had to sit and watch for a long time while others ate their meals. We still liked the restaurant and will go back but we will wait a while until the new managers a staff settle in...and hopefully by then, the volcano onion will be back (we liked that part of the show).
(3)Wyette D.
I can't comment on the hibachi because we always come here and eat at the sushi bar. I think that their Shashimi is excellent and I have high standards when it comes to raw fish quality. The sushi chef, the waitress, and manager are always super nice, attentive, and even remembered what we ordered the last time we were there. We eat here at least once a week and food/service is very consistent.
(5)Luis V.
The best Japanese food in town. Whether it's sushi/ sashimi or hibachi this is the place to come and have some!! The staff is friendly, meals are a good size and the atmosphere is great! I've been to other Japanese restaurants where I got my meal after some had finished theirs! Well, not here. Service is very good, and seals the deal for me as the best place! If you want Japanese food or a nice place to enjoy a few drinks at the bar this is it.
(5)Janet H.
4.5 stars. I took my son to eat here dinner last night and we both left as fans. We were warmly greeted upon arrival and seated at the sushi bar. Haven eaten both my and my son's salad (their version of ginger dressing is yummy!), I was full before the sushi arrived. I ordered the special, black dragon rolls, and was happily surprised by the size of the platter and by the taste. The friendly chef gave us complimentary flame-grilled salmon skewers--delicious! We didn't try the hibachi, but my son had fun watching the hibachi chef prepare food for another table of diners. From what I saw, Osaka doesn't prepare plates as artfully eye-catching as Kumo (think plates arranged with tropical flowers surrounded by fog wafting from dry ice), but it does offer delicious and filling Japanese fare and friendly service. We look forward to going back!
(4)April Y.
I've been coming here ever since they changed the name...and I love here! Hibachi is exceptional and the ingredients are fresh!! :) Nigiri and rolls are great too, so please try them. Also t, the service is awesome here. Come here with family, lover, and friends
(5)Juan R.
I've been coming to this place since before when it was shiro's. I don't think it's worth it's price, we noticed that the meals are skimp $22 for fried rice, few pieces of chicken & burnt vegetables - I think I can make this at home for $10. I wouldn't recommend anyone to go there unless you're celebrating something or have never been to a Japanese steakhouse before and don't want to drive far.
(3)Erica P.
I ve been coming here since it was Shiro, but i think it is better now with the new management. Food is great, staff is great and its good to see that the manager works just as hard as the servers! Will def come again and recommend to my friends.
(5)Tanya F.
I'm pregnant and currently easy to please, but this place is the worst Japanese steak house I've ever been to. My waiter was nice but the cook was boring, the fried rice was more like steamed rice with a little sauce, the filet wasn't very good quality and all the steaks were up against the raw chicken the whole time, and had just a bunch of pepper on it. The soup wasn't very warm and the sauces looked gross so I didn't bother. I can't wait to walk next door to Starbucks and get this taste out of my mouth. Extra disappointed because I thought I was coming to Shiro, which had good reviews. Nope. And then the chipmunks sang happy birthday over the sound system to an adult. No.
(1)Troy P.
The fact that nearly everyone in my party (9 people) around the table had their food served at the exact same time and it was perfectly cooked as ordered sealed the deal for me -- Osaka rocks. The service -- from the bartender to the waitress to the chef -- was friendly, professional and prompt. The food was tasty, reasonable priced, and portion sizes were generous. As a matter of fact, a few of my friends took home leftovers. In addition to my NY strip and shrimp combo (which was good), a friend and I split a spicy tuna roll and Supreme Spicy Crunch roll. The rolls were excellent (check out the pic). The only item that fell short was the miso soup -- mostly dashi with very little miso and few solid ingredients.
(4)Toni R.
Budget Benihana without the sucky drive from Kingstowne My husband loves Benihana. We have a pitcher we put change in. When we lived in West Coast Washington, when it got full we traditionally went to Benihana. When we lived in AZ, we'd drive three hours to Phoenix to go to Benihana. I go because I like my husband, not so much Benihana - though I am a big fan of their fried rice. The yelp reviews for East Coast Washington Benihana weren't so good, so a Benihana substitute within five minutes of the house sounded promising. Food was good, but the fried rice just wasn't on the same level as what you get at Benihana. Loved the salad. Soup needed to simmer a lot longer and reduce down to actually have some flavor. Dinner for three was about $100 which includes 2 non-alcoholic drinks and 1 punch-type drink. Portion size was generous. They give you a bigger variety of vegetables than Benihana which I really appreciated. We ended up taking quite a bit home. Same dinner at Benihana would probably be $150 and I'd be crabbier for the hour drive.
(3)Marissa O.
I can't compare Osaka to the previous restaurant because I had never been. That being said, I ate here without bias. The salad was good and I had no complaints. Typical small salad with ginger dressing. The soup I will say was not so tasty and kind of lukewarm. I'm not a huge complainer, so I took a few sips and carried on. Not a deal breaker. I will say I was annoyed that there was not an option to order noodles. I know I gave a really puzzled look when I was told they didn't have them. I would say that's what upset me the most. Probably a sign I didn't need them, but I digress. The fried rice was ok. I think it needed something extra. It's not so noticeable when I slathered on the yum yum sauce. Let's be real- I went there for the sauce. I was worried it was going to be awful and I was happy that it was the typical yum yum sauce that I'm obsessed with. I got the vegetables (no meat). They were good for the most part. I think veggies should be cooked more, but I'm just weird and don't like super crunchy veggies. The service was good and the waitress was attentive. I will say that I was most impressed with the fact that the chef asked if I was ok with eggs in the rice (he noticed I only ordered veggies). Not many people have the sense to ask something like that. Kudos to him! Would I go back? I might, no reason to turn it down if asked to go again. Get some noodles though and I'll be back for sure!
(3)