WHERE: Tuscany Shoppes, 7959 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach
PHONE: (561) 501-6391
WEBSITE: www.yakitoridelray.com
1. A DREAM COME TRUE:
Jason Zheng’s passion for the Asian-inspired culinary scene began when he was growing up in New York City and working in his family-owned restaurants. His love of combining cultural artistry and cuisine further developed as a chef at sushi hot spots around the city. So, when Jason and his wife Tina moved their family to South Florida in the mid-2000s, they dreamed of launching their own authentic Japanese restaurant. The dream came true in 2010 with the opening of Yakitori Sake House in east Boca Raton. Nearly 15 years later, under Unisolo Restaurant Group, the couple owns five independent brands throughout Broward and Palm Beach counties, including Yakitori Sushi House in Delray Beach and Koi Japanese Cuisine Sushi House in Fort Lauderdale. “We are both very involved in all of our restaurants and take extreme pride in developing menus that are authentic to the flavors of Japan,” Tina says. “As a team, we find joy in creating flavorful and beautiful dishes that are true to Japanese culture.”
2. NAMING IS EVERYTHING:
A unique touch to the menu at Yakitori Sushi House in Delray Beach is the naming of the sushi rolls, which adds a little fun and identification to the type of flavor diners experience. A couple of fan favorites are the ‘Out of Control’ sushi roll with tuna, salmon, yellowtail, avocado, tempura flakes, tobiko (flying fish roe), kimchee and eel sauce. The Volcano Fried Rice with jumbo shrimp, scallops and calamari, with spicy XO sauce, is fired up with a torch. The Sex on the Moon signature roll features shrimp tempura, asparagus, avocado, spicy tuna, tempura flakes and sweet chili sauce. For non-sushi lovers, a favorite is the signature Crispy Pipa Duck entrée featuring a fried marinated duck with seasoned vegetable sauce. “Our distinctive flavor combinations and complimenting names definitely make us stand out,” Tina says. “Even though we are known for our rolls, there really is something for everyone here.”
3. SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE:
While Yakitori Sushi House delivers an exceptional Japanese culinary experience, the restaurant prides itself on offering a diverse menu to meet each customer’s preference. The filet mignon with shishito peppers perfectly pairs the tender beef with a mild heat that complements the meatiness of the filet. The dish ensures traditional meat lovers can satisfy their food cravings. “You don’t have to love sushi to dine with us,” Tina says. “We are known for our rolls, but there really is something for everyone here. We also have Mongolian Beef, Red Curry Tofu, Poke Bowls and so much more. We ensure that all our guests leave happy, full and eager to come back.”
4. SAKE AND COCKTAILS:
Of course, any Japanese-inspired menu will feature traditional sake options, and Yakitori’s Lychee Saké-Tini, with imported sake, vodka and lychee juice, delivers an exceptionally flavorful concoction. The Cucumber Saké-Tini, with cucumber, imported sake, vodka and sweet syrup, perfectly blends together for a refreshing taste. Sticking to its goal of providing something for everyone, Yakitori also features traditional cocktails. Happy Hour is served from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and you can’t go wrong with ordering the classic margarita or the Moscow mule concocted with conventional recipes for only $8 each.
5. WHAT’S IN THE BOX:
Yakitori offers its lunch service until 3 p.m. every day. Customers can choose from various dishes, including a Bento Box with pad thai, chicken red curry, or Yakiniku beef. The restaurant also provides ramen selections and Sushi Bar Lunch options comprising poke bowls, sushi and sashimi combos. Sticking to its Japanese roots, the restaurant’s Yakitori skewers are an homage to Japan’s official street food. “We have a deep appreciation for combining cultural artistry with cuisine,” Tina says. “Merging this passion with our extensive knowledge of Asian foods has been our primary form of inspiration.”
SHORT TAKES
- Among other restaurants in the Unisolo Restaurant Group is the recently relaunched Peking Duck in Pompano Beach, which specializes in authentic Chinese fare.
- It now manages five brands and eight restaurants, occupies over 60,000 square feet of retail space in Palm Beach and Broward counties and employs over 100 people.
- Seating at Yakitori features a full bar with indoor and outdoor seating options. It is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Photo credits: Gabriel Cuesta and Libby Vision
