Hakata Japanese Restaurant

Contributor

Citysearch

The Scene
This narrow, handsomely decorated space in the core of the Theater District is host to an array of out-of-towners and business diners, drawn by the convenience of the site. Service can be disorganized.

The Food
Though the restaurant promises "creative Pacific Rim cuisine," dishes are more likely to be familiar Japanese dishes. The centerpiece of the menu is a range of sushi and sashimi "sets": standard pieces and rolls that are adequately fresh and reliable. Also available are a host of hot entrees: grilled steak, teriyaki chicken and broiled fish--snapper or striped bass--in a sweet brothy sauce. Some offerings exhibit the occasional nod toward Hawaii, such as the taro chip that the bland tuna and salmon tartares are served on. Caramel profiteroles make for a surprisingly satisfying dessert.