You’d Never Guess This Japanese Meal Came From a Small-Town Missouri Strip Mall

When my in-laws first suggested eating at Tokyo Hibachi Grill and Sushi Bar in Marshfield, I was skeptical. I asked, “Are you sure?” After all, its location in a strip mall in a small Missouri town with a population under 8,000 people didn’t exactly scream high cuisine. However, our experience far exceeded everyone’s expectations. Despite its basic exterior, you will find a clean and homey restaurant inside, offering outstanding food and service. Even if you don’t live nearby, this hidden gem is a quick jaunt off Interstate 44, should you happen to be passing through Missouri east of Springfield.

Though I initially doubted my in-laws, I turned to Google for reviews and saw a lot of love for the Tokyo Hibachi Grill and Sushi Bar and its sister food truck, convincing me to try it. Then, as we pulled up to the strip mall, I again had a rush of doubts; but once inside, I found a roomy restaurant with cozy elements like a large fireplace, modern wall art, and an open sushi bar. This strip-mall restaurant is surprisingly date-night worthy.

Before we delve too deeply into this review, I must confess that I am not an expert on Japanese cuisine, so I cannot comment on the authenticity of the food. I’m sure the Midwest version of sushi and hibachi has its particular quirks, starting with our fondness for deep-fried rolls. After all, this region is home to the unique Springfield version of cashew chicken, which has transformed a traditional Chinese meal into a somewhat Southern down-home dish featuring fried chicken topped with a brown gravy. 

Authenticity aside, the menu at Tokyo Hibachi Grill and Sushi Bar is extensive, featuring numerous variations of popular Japanese dishes, including sushi, bento boxes, lo mein, ramen, and hibachi. You can start your meals with appetizers like crab rangoon or bang bang shrimp. The sushi menu alone features 40 rolls, including the expected California roll as well as more unique options like the St. Louis roll.

Though there are many options, my husband and I usually opt for those in the restaurant’s name: hibachi and sushi. While the sushi is good (to my admittedly pedestrian palate), the hibachi is what makes this restaurant worthy of a drive off the interstate or from one of the nearby towns.

The meal starts with the house salad and soup. The sweetness of the ginger salad dressing offers a pleasant contrast to the salty miso soup. For our sushi, we recommend the fried California roll, which features a nice crunch to complement the softness of the rice, avocado, and cucumber.

The overloaded plates of hibachi come with piles of rice, colorful vegetables, and the protein of your choice. We’ve had the chicken, steak, and shrimp, all of which have a savory sauce that pairs nicely with a sweet drizzle of yum yum sauce. The steak is always tender enough to cut with a fork, which is something not always typical of our local hibachi spots. The vegetables are perfectly grilled, making them soft enough to be cooked while still having a fresh snap. Each bite has a burst of flavors.

One thing to note: Though this is a hibachi restaurant, it doesn’t seem to offer the performance element found at many others (there’s a spot for this in the back of the restaurant, but it hasn’t been open on any of our visits). Honestly, I’m more into the food than the show, so that’s fine by me. 

Interestingly enough, Marshfield shares another connection with Japan, an annual cherry blossom festival now in its 20th year. Each spring, the town fills with colorful pink and white blooms from cherry trees that were planted to help beautify the city. The celebration often includes traditional small-town fun, like a pageant, square dance, and quilt show. Special guests have ranged from television stars to first ladies and presidential descendants.

While you may not be as lucky to live as close to the Tokyo Hibachi Grill and Sushi Bar in Marshfield as I do, it’s truly worth a trek off Interstate 44 to find some of the Springfield region’s best hibachi at a great price. Don’t let the location fool you. This strip-mall surprise may not look like much on the outside, but your taste buds will thank you for opening the door.