Tonight Kim and I made reservations for Osaka Seafood and Steakhouse located in the heart of Apple Valley right near the famous Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers.
I called at 4:30 to see about reservations tonight. I was informed that reservations are highly suggested but they had times open all evening. I chose 7pm and we headed over there at about ten till.
I had been doing some preliminary research about Osaka and according to the Pioneer Press, “it instantly became Apple Valley’s most elegant dining location.” I had also read numerous comments that Osaka serves the best sushi in all of Minnesota and especially outside of the downtown area. Now Kim and I are far from Asian food experts but I have eaten sushi numerous times including at the famous Fuji Ya in Minneapolis. Reading all this buzz made me fairly excited to see what Osaka Seafood and Steakhouse had hidden behind its extremely humble (and fairly lame) strip mall exterior in what I consider to be one of the most dilapidated and “cheap” strip malls in town.
We arrived at about 10 to 7 and walked inside. The Pioneer Press was right about the decor. It is *very* nice. The hardwoods and deep rich colors are a nice touch. It seems that Osaka either wasn’t approved for the wine and beer license that they were looking to get on the February 8th agenda or they haven’t responded after getting the go-ahead as the bar is there but not stocked with anything.
We were quickly seated and our drink orders taken while we took a look at the menu. I had already given the menu a once over online at home and while I would have preferred the hibachi dinner, I didn’t think it would be good for two people and I’m certain Kim would not be comfy eating with a group of people she didn’t know. Soon after receiving our drinks our food order was in.
Both Kim and I went with their $19.99 “Completed Dinner Box” which comes with tempura, shrimp shumai and a California roll (I asked the server if it would be all right if I substituted their tuna roll for the California and after explaining to her that they were both the same price on the ala carte menu, she said she’d check with the chef and whatever appeared would be what was ok with him). The meal also included an order of Miso soup and a salad.
The Miso soup and salad came out quickly and while I’m not a huge fan of Miso it was decent. I have never had a salad at an Asian restaurant so I’m not sure if the watery ginger dressing is a staple of the Asian diet but that’s what was offered and even though it was swimming it was still decent to eat as it was very similar to Thousand Island.
While we were eating our first course we noticed that they were playing American elevator music at a fairly unreasonable volume. It sorta reminded me of the volume that a sports bar would keep their jukebox at before 9pm while people were eating wings. It was a bit uncomfortable to speak over and you were treated to everyone else’s conversations as well.
While all of that was a bit annoying and certainly detracted from the Pioneer Press’ statement about Osaka being “elegant”, nothing and I mean absolutely fucking nothing prepared us for what happened next. Out of the corner of my eye I caught a glimpse of dimming lights in the hibachi area and as I turned my head I was blasted with randomly floating colors of lights descending from one of four disco balls hanging from the ceiling. Just as I registered this, my ears were filled with even louder music than the previously mentioned elevator music which was nearly screaming “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY…..”
It’s obvious to me that the Pioneer Press writer didn’t get to experience this event even once during his visit. Lucky for Kim and I, we were treated to this yet again 5 minutes later. Now, when it was happening the first time I was in such a confused state of awe that I wasn’t able to look around and see the reactions of the other patrons. The second time, however, I was able to observe many others staring in disbelief that this was actually occurring (Kim later said it was perfectly stereotypical American media portrayal of the Japanese — elegant and cheesy all at the same time) while several others (apparently sitting through at least their third rendition) were smiling strangely and bouncing up and down to the sickening music as if they were at Chucky Cheese celebrating a six year old’s birthday with $5 in game tokens in their pockets.
Let me tell you… If you know someone having a birthday and you want to either scare the shit out of them as well as the rest of the people in the restaurant or if you feel like getting wasted and having a huge laugh — make sure you have the staff pull out the birthday song. It’s quite the spectacle (even though that word doesn’t even come close to conveying the absolute fucking craziness that these light and sound shows brought with them).
Kim and I spent the next 20 minutes or so while waiting for our food to arrive talking about and making fun of the HAPPY BIRTHDAY shout. I was actually thinking about how I could write about this particular tidbit without having people think I’m just making the shit up. I just can’t imagine that occurring anywhere else. Even the World Buffet in Apple Valley has more class!
Our food came out and was fairly impressive in size. Mine did come with the tuna roll which was nice and it gave Kim and I some opportunity to share the different items. She had ordered her box with the beef teriyaki and mine came with salmon and shrimp teriyaki (there is also a sashimi option). I thoroughly enjoyed mine but Kim, not being a big sushi fan, stuck to the tempura and beef. I took her California roll and gave her some more of my tempura.
The food was good but it’s no where even close to what Fuji Ya offers. Granted, for a fairly similar meal at Fuji Ya, you’re going to pay close to $100 (we paid $44.62 before tax) but for people to claim that this is the best sushi in Minnesota is just plain bullshit. In fact, the tuna rolls we had at both Enjoy! and Houlihan’s beat out what they had at Osaka tonight.
Overall I enjoyed our time at Osaka but I won’t be back unless we go with a larger group and eat hibachi. I would also make certain we don’t have any birthdays in our group that the staff knows of and I would cross my fingers that no one else in the restaurant did either. I don’t want to find out if I have Epilepsy the hard way.
Check out all the pictures from tonight at Osaka here (camera).
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March 12th, 2007 at 7:58 pm
The address is actually 7537 148th St W but Google Maps puts that way off in the wrong part of Apple Valley.
I added coordinates to give the exact location as well as the intersection where it is closest to.
April 2nd, 2007 at 5:21 pm
Osaka’s liquor license including Sunday sales was approved by the City Council on 3/8. I guess because it had just passed the day before, Osaka hadn’t had the opportunity to walk next door to the liquor store and stock up :)
At least now, if you’re looking to be drunk when the Happy Birthday song comes on, you don’t have to go anywhere else first ;)
April 2nd, 2007 at 7:47 pm
At least there is finally some where in the Apple Valley/Lakeville/Burnsville area to get some sushi other than Target and Byerly’s.
Osaka has great food and atmosphere (the happy birthday song is a bit outrageous). The staff is fun to watch! If you actually order sushi (come on california and tuna rolls!!!) is outstanding. Very similiar and better in pricing than Sushi Tango in Calhoun Square.
April 2nd, 2007 at 7:53 pm
SLC,
No worries, there’s another one coming to the “Legacy Park” area named Kami Japanese Steakhouse.
May 18th, 2007 at 9:54 am
You didn’t even mention the creepy mask or hat they give you with the happy birthday song. Well, maybe they didn’t have that when you we’re there. I hope the next time you go they do a birthday song just so you can see this mask. It completely adds to the hilariousness. I will say that you have to go back and try the hibachi grill. It is a fun experience and very tasty.
May 18th, 2007 at 1:54 pm
jf, sorry, missed that one ;)
June 5th, 2007 at 2:22 pm
Bill- You sound like you must be about 80 years old and maybe a lump on a log too. Maybe you should stick to Perkins if you like that quiet stale environment. I’m sure you could think of other things to wine about than one celebrating their birthday. Maybe you should go do a tour in Iraq and then see what you have to wine about.
Sorry-But I really expected to hear something bad, and that is really not bad. Not “F” word bad for sure like you had put it.
June 5th, 2007 at 2:29 pm
Amber,
I haven’t a fucking clue what the fuck you are on about but it is apparent that your understanding of the situation is definitely different than I intended.
I wasn’t complaining about people having a birthday celebration, I was complaining about the way it was handled by the restaurant.
Go to Iraq? WTF? :roll:
June 6th, 2007 at 12:57 pm
Go to Iraq? WTF? :roll:
I have heard they have REALLY bad sushi in Iraq… I haven’t heard much about Iraqi wine though.
June 8th, 2007 at 8:02 am
Went to Osaka last night and delighted. We had a very entertaining hibachi chef and the food was marvelous.
June 8th, 2007 at 8:15 am
AV Local,
But did they sing the Happy Birthday song?! :)
July 11th, 2007 at 12:55 pm
LOL The birthday thing sounds hilarious! I might go there just to see that.
I’m glad to learn there are Japanese restaurants popping up in the southern suburbs.
July 12th, 2007 at 3:33 pm
Osaka is really a diamond in the rough. We happened upon it one day by total accident and have been there weekly ever since. The staff was so friendly and recognize us all the time now. We recently had a birthday party at the hibachi tables and it was probably the most entertaining thing we have seen!! I encourage people to go there notjust for the staff and atmosphere but for the food as well. This is the freshest sushi I have found in Minnesota. I’m not saying it’s Minnesota’s BEST but it is the best sushi restaurant I have been to here. And I should know a little about it, since I’m Japanese:)
July 13th, 2007 at 6:55 pm
I tried last weekend with my wife, and we really enjoyed it. The birthday celebrations got annoying (we had three during our meal) but at least we weren’t in the hibachi area while they were going on.
I’ve been to some of the other Japanese restaurants in the area and the food stacks up very well to those (haven’t been to Fuji Ya, or Origami, but I’ve been to Koy, Sakura, Yumi, and Tiger Sushi). The sashimi in particular is as good or better than the sashimi I’ve had at all of these places.
It’s a nice change to be able to go to a sushi place and actually be able to park for free right outside. :)
August 1st, 2007 at 1:57 pm
I love Osaka…have been there a few times for the Hibachi. Took my husband there for his birthday and we had a great time, even with the birthday song. My brother-in-law is a huge sushi fan and goes to a lot of sushi bars downtown and he said that the sushi at Osaka was just as good as anywhere downtown (he then went to the Kami steakhouse and said their sushi was horrible). The experience is all that you make of it.
August 19th, 2007 at 5:12 pm
I stumbled into Osaka one day for lunch, and while I can’t speak for their dinner service, lunch was delightful. At $10 an entree and plenty of food, it was hard not to enjoy.
My friend and I even showed up after 2pm when the restaurant is typically closed, and the staff served us anyway. (We didn’t realize that it closes from 2-5pm until we left the restaurant.)
I wish I could have seen the birthday song though.
September 4th, 2007 at 9:32 pm
We went to Osaka this evening and truly enjoyed ourselves. I was a little hesitant after reading your review, but I’m glad I ignored it. We all (4 of us) ate off the hibachi menu. They worked especially hard to entertain my 7 year old daughter. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone. I rather enjoyed the birthday song - perhaps they toned it down after your comments.
September 4th, 2007 at 9:35 pm
We all (4 of us) ate off the hibachi menu.
We didn’t.
I rather enjoyed the birthday song - perhaps they toned it down after your comments.
If it was “enjoyable” then I can only assume they did.
December 1st, 2007 at 9:40 am
In the most recent print issue of Thisweek newspaper there are three coupons for Osaka which have no expiration date:
1. $9.95 lunch specials from 11AM - 2:30PM M-F
2. 10% of lunch or dinner
3. Dinner for two ($39.95 for chicken, steak and shrimp or $45.95 for lobster, shrimp and filet mignon)
We’ve been chatting about going there to celebrate our birthdays (back-to-back days heh, yes, we’re dorky like that) and take video of the whole birthday spectacle in the hibachi room ;)
December 8th, 2007 at 6:40 pm
Osaka is definitely our favorite restaurant, and we were so excited to see a Japanese restaurant open down here. I work in Minneapolis, so go out for sushi for lunch a lot, but it’s a long drive to have dinner with my family. The “special rolls” on the white board are usually our favorite. As to the Happy Birthday song, I admit we are those people with the stupid grins bouncing along. My little boy especially loves it, I am going to take him there on my birthday so that he can experience it as the table of honor! I took my parents to sit at the hibachi table (they are not into anything as “exotic” as sushi) and they thought it was the most fun they had eating out in a long time. All in all, my favorite place to eat in the Twin Cities!
January 2nd, 2008 at 9:46 am
I just had the worst experience at Osaka, on New Year’s day. First off, I called New Year’s eve, to make sure they were going to be open on New Year’s day, and to make sure that we could get the lunch special. It was my sister, daughter and myself. Once we arrived we were sitted and immediately told, “no lunch special”. The Waitress was rude, (just real short with her response)no smile or nothing -This is just the beginning!!!
The cook comes out and performance his tricks, flipping food, spinning eggs, etc…but the worst part; he put the fried rice in a bowl, and ask my sister if she wanted to catch it, she’s thinking, he was just kidding around, who really would throw hot rice at a customer? so, she put her hands out, and he actually threw it!! it spilled all over her clothes, she was so embarrassed, and, he did not apologize, all he said was “someone caught it 10 years ago”. We were stunned. We couldn’t enjoy our food after that, other customers were staring, we were just humiliated.
We needed a refills on our drinks, the waitress not one time, can to refill our drinks. So, by this time, I had enough, i went to talk to the Manager, who was not in that day, i explained to the Hostess what had happend, and all she could say was sorry; like 10 times. The only compensation we received, was 10% off.
This was literally the worst experience that I have ever had!!!
I will be contacted the Manager today.
February 12th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
I have been to Osaka’s many times and have never had a bad experience. The food is great. The service has never been a problem. The different Hibachi chefs usually just like to joke with people. It is definitely not a place to go to if you are looking for a quite/boring night out. If you are looking for a good time with a lot of laughs, this is a great place.
February 20th, 2008 at 11:01 am
For a great comparison of Kami and Osaka, please check out this comment.
March 10th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
My friends and I go to Osakas every week for hibachi. The staff recocognizes all of us and the mananger always comes to our table to greet us. We like to bring a lot of people so we fill up an entire table, so we don’t have to sit with squares like you, BILL. We only get the top chef, “Tony” and he is amazing. It’s perfect food everytime. And we like the Happy Birthday song, it’s fun. I realy dont think anything about a hibachi grill is supposed to be “intimate”. So if you are looking for that, there is a Dennys near by. But Osakas is all about a good time and great food!
March 10th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Erin,
Wow, based on your online presence I can only say that I’m confident that your comment is nothing more than gibberish.
Bill
March 15th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Osaka is great. Hibachi is a must. The food is fresh, hot and served by the chef. The birthday celebration is nothing to fear (lasts for a minute). A great place to bring friends for food and fun.
PS: Poor taste to use foul language in reviews, EVER!
March 15th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
You sound like a shill.
PS, I’ll say whatever the fuck I want on my site. Don’t like it? Don’t read it.
March 15th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Osaka is great? Sounds like some folks need to get out of Apple Valley once in a while. Try Sakura downtown St. Paul. It’s excellent for real Japanese food instead suburban steak house.
March 16th, 2008 at 1:01 am
Sank, I’ve been to Sakura. Really, the food is equally good at both, though I know there’s some stuff that Sakura has that Osaka doesn’t. Sakura does beat Osaka on service and ambience, though Osaka’s better on location (for me, though of course that’s very relative), parking, and cost.
March 16th, 2008 at 7:05 am
You are right on the service at Sakura. It’s always pretty slow. Then again my last trip (and hopefully last) trip to Osaka it was over an hour from order to dinner. I thought it was over priced, but so is Sakura.
March 17th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
I thought Osaka kicked both Ichiban’s food, and Benihana’s service!!! They actually tossed the food into your mouth, and were more entertaining, could have just been the night, but both service and food were way better than expected for Japanese food in Apple Valley……… Has anyone been to Kami?
April 4th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
my husband and I love Osaka because it’s way more fun than Ichibans and way cheaper too. I also like that they don’t serve chicken livers at Osaka like at Ichibans. My husband and I spent over $120 at Ichibans for 2 habachi dinners and 1 sushi roll.(tip included) We got the same ( better) items at Osaka for $70 including 20 percent tip. While it may not be the “best”, it’s certainly a great experience and a great value.
May 13th, 2008 at 9:10 am
We have been to Osaka several times and have had a good experience every time. The hibache room was fun to go to with a group of people. We usually just eat sushi in the dining room and have always had very good service. We have eaten sushi all over the country, and the sushi at Osaka is very fresh and good quality. We started with miso soup and edamame, then got the American ‘B’, which is 3 pieces of yellowtail sushi (our personal favorite) and 3 pieces of tuna sushi, plus a spicy tuna roll and a yellowtail roll. This was perfect because there were 3 of us. Then we got a Sumo roll, which was one of the best specialty rolls I have ever had. That could be a whole meal for 2 people. Emmy was our server - she was nice and put up with our joking around. We also liked the house wines: Robert Mondavi Merlot and Le Grande Noir Pinot Noir, and they weren’t ridiculously expensive, about $6.50 and $7 per glass. The manager is always nice and really seems to make sure that everyone is being taken care of. I recommend this place highly, and definitely over Nami. We ate at Nami once - the food was okay, but overpriced, and the employees did not seem to know much about sushi. We prefer the atmosphere, service and value of Osaka.
June 19th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
Was at Osaka last Saturday nite (6/21/08). First problem was trying to find the place from on-line directions - finally gave up and called to ask where they were, found them right away after that. Decided to try the hibachi since I had sushi the night before. Was a single with a group of four others so had a lot of elbow room which was nice. The hostess was very attentive and got me a small sushi order for befores as well as my beer and even remembered to pour it for me.
Got the steak and scallops with fried rice and it was good. The chef did a lot of fancy moves and flipping pieces of food into people’s mouths - something I didn’t participate in. The opening blast of fire though was almost enough to scorch your hair if you happened to be leaning the wrong way when it was set off. Rest of the chef’s show was pretty straightforward - seen all the same moves at Kabuki, Fuji-ya, Saji-ya, Ichiban, etc.
Next time I will be trying the regular dining and the sushi bar to see how they are. I will say that it is nice to have Osaka and Kami, as well as Satay2Go nearby rather then having to drive downtown.
June 20th, 2008 at 7:25 am
I’m going to Osaka tonight and by reading these reviews, I’m confident I’m gong to enjoy my meal. I plan to do the Hibachi dinner and also order some sushi. I love sushi and have had sushi at several places. Fuji-ya in dt st. paul is one of my all time favorite. The happy hour menu is delicious! As for Osaka, very excited to try it later tonight then I will be back to blog about it.
July 17th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Bill,
Your kind of lame. I mean seriously what kind of a grown adult curses about a song.
Kami is more expensive and the food is not as good. We stopped going to Fuji Ya after my daughter got a really slimy piece of bluefin in her Cherashi Sushi bowl.
Tuna Roll and Californa Roll are both Americanized versions of Sushi. Both can be found at Byerlys. I suggest you stick to the Sushi there, and the asian cuisine at Big Bowl, that can be found there as well. It seems well, honestly, more your speed.
Jale
July 17th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Jale,
What kind of grown adult acts like they’re fucking 5 years old? “Wah mommy, Billy’s using bad words.” Seriously, mind your own fucking business.
I apparently need a disclaimer that all people need to read before they post a comment that reads something like, “if you are a moronic douchebag who can’t handle a little foul language, please do the world a huge favor: go out and shoot yourself in the fucking head, we’ll all be better off without you and the rest of the nany-state assholes who think they should tell everyone else how to run their lives.”
Hope that clears it up for you, dumbass.
July 17th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
What kind of grown adult says your when they mean you’re or you are?
Bill, for some reason I’m quite defensive of you.