Can anyone recommend a nice, simple Japanese restaurant offsite?

[dragonflymom]

DS6 loves sushi (California roll) and udon noodles typically served in Japanese restaurants. Since he's a fairly picky eater, I'm wondering if there is a nice, simple, kid-friendly Japanese restaurant near Disneyland. We're willing to drive up to 20 minutes each way. I know there's a Japanese restaurant in one of the resort hotels but I'm hoping to find something that's less expensive. TIA!

 

[blackjackdelta]

The one in the PPH has closed. I love to eat at the Shiki, great sushi.

Jack

 

[mr.bungle]

Well, I don't know if this will fit your needs, but there is a great tepanyaki restaurant (and sushi) in Huntington Beach called Matsu. google maps:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&sou...18.044432&sspn=0.481311,1.229095&ie=UTF8&z=12

My wife grew up going there and I've been several times. Most kids enjoy the Tepan chef's "show"
http://www.matsusogood.com/

 

[Huff]

Theres a Benihanas Tepanyaki and Sushi on Ball rd a couple miles east of Disneyland. Always have a great time when we go there.

 

[spacemermaid]

I don't know if you'd consider it "simple" or not, but there's a HUUUUUUUGE Japanese sushi/seafood buffet about 15 min. away from the Park. The food is fresh & very high quality, and since it's a buffet, I'm sure your lil boy will find something he likes! They have not just a huge variety of sushi, but also other Japanese dishes like tempura, miso soup, gyoza, and an assortment of desserts. The restaurant is called Todai; here's the link: http://www.todaiorange.com/

 

[dragonflymom]

Thanks to everyone for your excellent suggestions! I didn't know the Japanese restaurant at PPH had closed, thanks for setting me straight. I checked out Shiki online and it fits our needs exactly! That they've been around for 34 years makes it even better.

As for the teppanyaki recommendations, both Matsu and Benihana, it's good to know they're close by the park becauase I plan to eat there when I'm only with DD, who's 12 and loves teppanyaki, but we don't go because DS hates sharing a table with strangers. For this upcoming trip, on the day that DH will be taking DS to Legoland, DD and I will have some bonding time and we'll probably try Matsu this time since Huntington Beach is on our itinerary. We plan to be back again for Mickey's Halloween party in October, just DD and I (DS hates dressing up...he's not your typical kid ), so we can try Benihana in Oct.

Todai is one of our favorite restaurants here at home! DH always wants his free birthday meal at Todai. It's good to know that's one near Disneyland. DD and I love the array of bite-sized desserts, especially the creme brulee! Todai definitely has something for everyone.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE GREAT RECOMMENDATIONS!

 

[blackjackdelta]

Thanks to everyone for your excellent suggestions! I didn't know the Japanese restaurant at PPH had closed, thanks for setting me straight. I checked out Shiki online and it fits our needs exactly! That they've been around for 34 years makes it even better.

Jack

As for the teppanyaki recommendations, both Matsu and Benihana, it's good to know they're close by the park becauase I plan to eat there when I'm only with DD, who's 12 and loves teppanyaki, but we don't go because DS hates sharing a table with strangers. For this upcoming trip, on the day that DH will be taking DS to Legoland, DD and I will have some bonding time and we'll probably try Matsu this time since Huntington Beach is on our itinerary. We plan to be back again for Mickey's Halloween party in October, just DD and I (DS hates dressing up...he's not your typical kid ), so we can try Benihana in Oct.

Todai is one of our favorite restaurants here at home! DH always wants his free birthday meal at Todai. It's good to know that's one near Disneyland. DD and I love the array of bite-sized desserts, especially the creme brulee! Todai definitely has something for everyone.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE GREAT RECOMMENDATIONS!

Good choice, large portion and VERY GOOD.

Jack

 

[Huff]

At most Tepanyaki restauants you can sit at a private table, often near the Sushi bar and order off the regular menu. Same food just no show and your own table.