Katana Introduce
For those in Norfolk, Virginia, seeking a taste of Japanese cuisine, Katana presents an option that combines the dynamic experience of a hibachi steakhouse with the artistry of a sushi bar. In a city with a diverse culinary landscape, Japanese restaurants often stand out for their fresh ingredients and unique preparation styles. Katana aims to offer a broad appeal, catering to both those who enjoy the theatrical flair of hibachi cooking and those who prefer the delicate flavors of sushi and sashimi.
Dining at a Japanese restaurant can be an exploration of flavors, from savory grilled meats and vegetables to meticulously crafted raw fish. Katana positions itself to provide these experiences under one roof. While individual dining experiences can vary, the restaurant aims to offer a comprehensive menu that includes a variety of traditional and modern Japanese dishes. This approach endeavors to ensure that whether you're looking for an entertaining meal with friends and family or a quiet evening enjoying fresh sushi, there's an option available.
Understanding what to expect from a local establishment is key for Virginia residents. This article will provide a factual overview of Katana Japanese Restaurant, covering its location, the services it offers, its distinct features and menu highlights, and essential contact information. The goal is to equip local users with the necessary details to decide if Katana is the right choice for their next Japanese dining adventure.
Katana Japanese Restaurant is conveniently situated at 520 W 21st St # E, Norfolk, VA 23517, USA. This address places it in a notable and accessible part of Norfolk, a city known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse neighborhoods. West 21st Street is a well-trafficked area, contributing to the restaurant's visibility and ease of reach for residents across Norfolk and the wider Virginia Beach metropolitan area.
The restaurant's location within a commercial strip typically offers straightforward access. For patrons driving, parking options in the vicinity of West 21st Street are generally available, which is an important convenience factor in urban dining. Its position in Norfolk's Historic Ghent, as noted by some sources, suggests it's part of a popular and recognizable district. This area is often well-serviced by local transportation, providing alternatives for those who prefer not to drive.
Being centrally located makes Katana a practical choice for various occasions, from a spontaneous lunch outing to a planned dinner. The ease of reaching the restaurant contributes to its suitability as a local dining option for many in Virginia.
Katana Japanese Restaurant provides a range of services designed to offer a comprehensive Japanese dining experience to its customers in Norfolk, Virginia. Their offerings aim to cater to diverse preferences, from interactive dining to convenient takeout:
- Dine-In Service: Customers can enjoy their meals within the restaurant, whether at a hibachi table for an entertaining culinary show or at the sushi bar for a more intimate experience.
- Hibachi Dining: A key offering where chefs prepare meals directly in front of diners on a teppanyaki grill, providing entertainment alongside the meal. Hibachi dinners typically include soup, salad, vegetables, and steamed rice, with options like chicken, steak, shrimp, and filet mignon.
- Sushi Bar: For sushi enthusiasts, Katana offers a dedicated sushi bar serving a wide array of sushi rolls, nigiri, and sashimi. The menu includes classic rolls like California Roll and Spicy Tuna Roll, as well as specialty rolls such as Christmas Tree Roll and Spicy Couple Roll.
- Takeout and Delivery Options: Recognizing the demand for convenience, Katana facilitates takeout orders. They also partner with third-party delivery services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Seamless, allowing customers to enjoy their food at home.
- Appetizers and Sides: A variety of Japanese appetizers are available, including Miso Soup, Clear Soup, Fried Dumplings (Gyoza), Shumai, Seaweed Salad, and various Tempura dishes (Shrimp Tempura, Vegetable Tempura).
- Desserts: The menu often includes sweet endings such as Ice Cream, Cheesecake, Moochi, and Banana Tempura with Ice Cream.
Katana Japanese Restaurant in Norfolk highlights several aspects that contribute to its appeal within the local dining scene:
- Dual Dining Experience (Hibachi & Sushi): One of Katana's main draws is its ability to offer both a lively hibachi experience and a traditional sushi bar. This allows patrons to choose their preferred style of Japanese dining, from engaging chef performances to fresh, artfully prepared sushi.
- Extensive Sushi Selection: The sushi menu is diverse, featuring a wide array of rolls, from common favorites to more unique special rolls, alongside nigiri and sashimi options. This variety caters to different tastes and encourages exploration of Japanese flavors. Reviews mention delicious options like the Christmas Tree Roll and Spicy Couple Roll.
- Convenient Location in Ghent: Situated in Norfolk's Historic Ghent area, the restaurant benefits from a recognizable and easily accessible location, making it a convenient stop for many residents.
- Late-Night Sushi Bar Access: For those looking for a later dining option, the sushi bar at Katana can be a suitable choice, as indicated by a customer who enjoyed late-night sushi service.
- Service-Oriented Staff: Despite varying feedback on food, multiple reviews indicate that the staff at Katana are friendly and try hard to provide good service, which can significantly enhance the dining experience.
While specific, continuously running promotions for Katana Japanese Restaurant are not consistently advertised across all public platforms, many local eateries, including Japanese restaurants, often offer deals to attract and reward their clientele. To get the most accurate and current information on any special offers, it is highly recommended that residents in Virginia contact Katana directly or check their active online presence (such as their website or social media, if available).
Based on typical restaurant practices and some available menu information, potential promotions might include:
- Sushi Roll Specials: Some menu listings indicate "2 Sushi Rolls Special" and "3 Sushi Rolls Special" for set prices ($10.95 and $13.95 respectively), which could represent a continuous value offering for sushi lovers.
- Lunch Specials: Many Japanese restaurants feature special lunch menus, often at reduced prices, making them appealing for midday dining. Hibachi lunch specials, for instance, are common.
- Delivery Platform Promotions: Through partnerships with services like DoorDash or Uber Eats, Katana may participate in platform-specific promotions, such as free delivery on first orders or discounts on certain spending thresholds.
- Happy Hour: While not explicitly detailed in the provided information for Katana, some Japanese restaurants offer happy hour deals on appetizers and drinks, typically during off-peak hours.
For Norfolk locals interested in value, directly inquiring about these or other promotions at Katana Japanese Restaurant would be the most effective way to learn about any current deals.
For those in Norfolk, Virginia, looking to connect with Katana Japanese Restaurant for reservations, takeout orders, or general inquiries, here is their direct contact information:
- Address: 520 W 21st St # E, Norfolk, VA 23517, USA
- Phone: (757) 640-8898
These contact details provide a straightforward way to reach the restaurant's staff, ensuring you can make arrangements for your visit or obtain any necessary information.
For residents of Norfolk, Virginia, Katana Japanese Restaurant offers a multifaceted dining experience that can cater to various tastes and occasions. Its suitability for locals lies in its dual approach to Japanese cuisine, providing both the interactive entertainment of hibachi dining and the meticulous craftsmanship of a sushi bar, all within a conveniently accessible location.
The ability to choose between a lively hibachi show, where food is prepared with flair right at your table, and a more focused sushi experience at the bar, allows Katana to appeal to a broader audience. Whether you're planning a celebratory dinner with friends or a casual meal where you can simply enjoy fresh rolls, Katana aims to provide an option. The variety in its menu, encompassing everything from traditional sushi and sashimi to a range of hibachi proteins and appetizers, ensures that there’s likely something to satisfy different cravings within a single visit.
Furthermore, its location on West 21st Street in Norfolk places it within easy reach for many in the community. This accessibility, coupled with the convenience of takeout and third-party delivery options, makes Katana a practical choice for busy individuals and families who desire quality Japanese food without extensive travel. The reported friendliness of the staff also contributes to a more welcoming atmosphere, which is a valuable aspect for local diners seeking a pleasant experience.
While individual experiences with food quality can vary, the restaurant's core offerings—a blend of hibachi entertainment and sushi bar craftsmanship—present a compelling option for those in Virginia looking for a versatile Japanese dining establishment. For locals seeking a convenient and varied Japanese culinary journey, Katana endeavors to provide a comprehensive solution.
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Katana Reviews
I’ve had the privilege to dine at a number of hibachi restaurants and I’m sorry to report that this has got to be my least favorite ever.Aside from the decor and service the food was a total disaster. Our clear soup had a weird taste and the salad was extremely plain. The salad dressing tasted like straight up mayonnaise.We were also very disappointed with our entrees. Since when is fried rice just rice, egg and soy sauce? The veggies were completely tasteless and the proteins were very bland.Don’t get me wrong the staff tried very hard but even that was lacking especially since we were the only customers in the joint. The best thing about our food was the sushi rolls.In my opinion don’t waste your time or money here.
Oct 19, 2024 · Joshua LKatana is open until 10pm & stopped in for a late night snack! Service was friendly at the sushi bar!! The Miso was hot & full of flavor. My Christmas Tree Roll was so good, as was the Shumai appetizer! Friend enjoyed the Sashimi appetizer & chef's Spicy Couple roll with spicy crab, seaweed salad, spicy tuna on top.Will have to return earlier for HIBACHI!!
Nov 18, 2024 · Dwayne BlackwellMid.My fiancée wanted Chinese and we decided on hibachi. I’ve lived in Norfolk for 6y now and haven’t been to one in this city so Ghent and Katana was the closest (and also still open at 7p on a Sunday). First, the place is filthy. The walls have never been washed. Worse the surrounds of the grill have food and are full of gummy dry sauces.The waiter confirmed I wanted fried rice three times which, for the extra $2, we got to split an egg (more to follow). Soup was standard warm and tasty. The salad was iceberg and sauce, no other veg in there.Chef comes out and is dressed nicely so that’s a plus. He confirmed everyone’s order and got to work. His flare wasn’t flaring. He went through the moves as a necessity instead of adding pizzaz or fun antics you usually see during hibachi. He cooked the mixed veg with 4 helpings of oil (minimum) and was quite unnecessary. The rice which we all wanted fried, got two eggs and some soy. I felt like so much more could have been done with the rice. Next he put the chicken on the grill. The following part is what makes me most nervous. He was finished cooking the veg, flipped the chicken after 3m on the grille and then immediately plates us our veg. Cross contamination comes to mind and let’s hope tonight isn’t praying to the porcelain deities.Drink went empty before I found the waiter doing side work to ask for a refill. As soon as the chef was done we were handed boxes. The other party made the comment, “guess it’s time to go?” I felt like we weren’t allowed any time to eat although it’s 8p on a Sunday and not anyone else but our four top here.TLDR; dirty, staff tired and the food mid. Calling it one and done.
Jun 24, 2024 · JessicaOur food was delicious, the sushi too ! The chicken and steak wasn’t undercooked either. I always add soy sauce and yum yum sauce for even more flavor! The elderly couple was very nice and greeted me when I arrived to pick up my food.
Aug 24, 2023 · Raven T.I just left Katana and the fish selection is horrible! They served me spoiled sashimi. The tuna was discolored and rancid/ I didn’t even touch it and the salmon was also rancid. I didn’t notice until I bit into the salmon but it was obviously rancid. The smell was pungent and although the staff were nice, I told them about the rancid fish and they tried to argue with me about how it was fresh because they just opened it rather than smelling the fish for themselves. This is food poisoning waiting to happen!!!!
Apr 15, 2025 · Ashley Middlebrooks
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