Otani Japanese Cuisine

For those in Gambrills, Maryland, seeking an exceptional Japanese dining experience, Otani Japanese Cuisine stands out as a true local gem. This restaurant has quickly garnered a reputation for its combination of exquisite, freshly prepared dishes, ranging from intricate sushi rolls to flavorful hibachi, all served in a welcoming and intimate setting. Whether you're planning a delightful family dinner, a romantic evening, or a casual get-together with friends, Otani Japanese Cuisine offers a culinary journey that promises to impress. Let's explore what makes this Gambrills establishment a highly recommended destination for Japanese food enthusiasts in Maryland.

Otani Japanese Cuisine is conveniently located at 1153 MD-3 K, Gambrills, MD 21054, USA. This address places it directly on Maryland Route 3 (Crain Highway), a major thoroughfare, ensuring excellent visibility and easy access for residents throughout Gambrills and the wider Anne Arundel County area. Its strategic position makes it a straightforward destination whether you're coming from nearby communities like Crofton, Odenton, or even Annapolis. The restaurant's location typically provides ample parking, ensuring a hassle-free arrival for all guests. Being easily accessible from main roads also makes it a convenient stop for both planned outings and spontaneous dining decisions.

Otani Japanese Cuisine offers a comprehensive range of services designed to provide a memorable and satisfying dining experience:

• Dine-In Service: Otani provides a cozy and intimate dining space that is both welcoming and clean. It’s perfect for various occasions, from family dinners (it's notably child-friendly) to more intimate gatherings. The attentive and observant wait staff ensures a high level of service.
• Extensive Sushi & Sashimi Menu: A core highlight of Otani is its wide selection of fresh sushi and sashimi. This includes traditional favorites, specialty rolls like the "Playboy Roll," "Mojito Roll," "Dancing Eel Roll," "Rainbow Roll," "Cherry Blossom Roll," "Spicy Santa Roll," "Dragon Roll," and even unique options such as "White Tuna Truffle" and "Yellowtail Jalapeno." They also offer sushi and sashimi a la carte, as well as sushi and sashimi platters.
• Hibachi Grill Specialties: For those who enjoy grilled Japanese fare, Otani offers a full hibachi menu with a range of proteins including chicken, shrimp, salmon, steak, scallop, filet mignon, and lobster. These can be ordered individually or as combo entrees, such as "Shrimp/Scallop Hibachi" and "Filet Mignon/Lobster Hibachi."
• Full Kitchen Entrees: Beyond sushi and hibachi, the menu features a variety of other Japanese dishes, including teriyaki options (chicken, salmon, shrimp), tempura dinners (shrimp tempura, vegetable tempura), and unique main entrees like "Golden Salmon Asparagus" and "Saffron Miso Salmon."
• Noodle and Soup Selection: Otani offers various ramen noodle soups (Pork Belly, Seafood, Char Siu, Shrimp Tempura, Tonkatsu Pork, Torikatsu Chicken) and Udon Soup Bowls, perfect for a comforting meal.
• Appetizers and Salads: A wide array of appetizers is available, including Edamame, Spring Rolls, Crab Rangoons, Gyoza, Yakitori, Rock Shrimp Tempura, Crispy Calamari, and more. Their garden salad with ginger dressing is also highly praised.
• Beverage Menu: To complement your meal, Otani offers a selection of alcoholic beverages including beer, wine, and sake, as well as cocktails like their "delicious Cosmo."
• Takeout/Carryout: Customers can enjoy Otani's cuisine from the comfort of their home by ordering for takeout.
• Delivery Services: Otani partners with various third-party delivery platforms, allowing customers in the Gambrills area to have their favorite dishes delivered directly to their doorstep.
• Supreme Omakase: For a truly special experience, Otani offers a supreme omakase, which is an original special recipe platter utilizing fresh Japanese seafood air-shipped from Tokyo's Tsukiji market. Available for one, two, or three persons, it can feature sushi, sashimi, or both.
• Reservations Accepted: Given its intimate space and popularity, reservations are available for a smoother dining experience, especially during peak hours.

Otani Japanese Cuisine has garnered consistent praise for several key features and highlights that set it apart in the local dining scene:

• Fantastic and Friendly Service: A standout feature, customers consistently rave about the "phenomenal" and "very friendly" staff. Waiters are described as "on point with everything" and "very observant," ensuring dishes are cleared promptly and orders are taken efficiently.
• Fresh and High-Quality Ingredients: Reviews frequently mention the freshness of the ingredients, particularly for sushi and sashimi. The shrimp tempura is noted for being "so fresh," and ingredients for poke bowls are consistently fresh.
• Delicious and Varied Menu: From "delicious sushi rolls" (including popular specialty rolls like the Playboy Roll with its "fun presentation") to "good" hibachi dishes and "very tasty" spicy edamame and crab rangoon, the menu offers something for every palate.
• Child-Friendly Environment: Otani is specifically noted as a "very child-friendly place," making it a great option for families dining out.
• Intimate and Cozy Ambiance: The dining space is described as "small intimate" and "cozy," creating a warm and inviting atmosphere suitable for various occasions.
• Attention to Detail: Even dishes like the mochi dessert are noted for their "exquisite presentation and taste," highlighting the restaurant's attention to detail in all aspects of its culinary offerings.
• Unique Specialty Rolls: Rolls like the "Playboy Roll," "Mojito Roll," and "Dancing Eel Roll" are repeatedly mentioned as unique and highly enjoyable, drawing customers back for more.
• Consistent Positive Experience: Many reviews reflect a desire to "definitely be back" and acknowledge the restaurant as a "hidden gem" or a "secret spot," indicating high customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Women-Owned Eatery: Otani is a charming, women-owned establishment, which adds to its unique character and appeal within the community.
• Environmental Responsibility: The restaurant utilizes plastic-free packaging and reusable tableware, showcasing their dedication to environmental consciousness.

Otani Japanese Cuisine periodically offers specials that enhance the dining experience and provide value to their customers. While specific promotions may vary, here are some common types to look out for:

• Happy Hour Specials: Otani offers happy hour specials, providing a great opportunity to enjoy favorite rolls and drinks at a better price. It's recommended to inquire about their happy hour times and offerings.
• Supreme Omakase: While not a discount, their Supreme Omakase, featuring air-shipped Japanese seafood, is a unique and premium offering that could be considered a special culinary experience. It's priced for one ($50) or two ($70) people, offering an exclusive taste.
• Lunch Specials: Many Japanese restaurants offer lunch specials, such as a lunch box with teriyaki and tempura options, typically including soup or salad, a California roll, rock shrimp, and rice. It is advisable to check their current lunch menu for specific deals.
• Delivery Platform Promotions: Otani may participate in promotions offered by third-party delivery services like DoorDash or Uber Eats. These could include discounts on first orders or free delivery for a limited time.

For the most up-to-date information on any ongoing promotions or special offers, it is best to visit Otani Japanese Cuisine’s official website or inquire directly with the restaurant.

To make a reservation, place a takeout order, or inquire about their menu, you can easily reach Otani Japanese Cuisine:

• Address: 1153 MD-3 K, Gambrills, MD 21054, USA
• Phone: (410) 721-7338
• Mobile Phone: +1 410-721-7338

Their official website also offers convenient online ordering for both pickup and delivery, providing a seamless experience. Otani Japanese Cuisine's hours are generally: Monday-Friday: 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM & 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM; Saturday: 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM & 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM; Sunday: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM. (Note: A separate source indicates slightly different hours for Mon-Thurs evening and Fri/Sat evening, and Sunday opening at 12pm. It's best to confirm by calling for precise hours.)

For residents of Gambrills and the wider Maryland region, Otani Japanese Cuisine presents a compelling choice for an authentic and high-quality Japanese dining experience. Its blend of exceptional service, fresh ingredients, and a diverse menu featuring both beloved classics and innovative specialty rolls makes it a standout. The intimate and child-friendly atmosphere ensures it's a versatile spot, perfect for everything from a lively family dinner to a more relaxed and elegant meal.

Despite being a smaller space, the attentive staff ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience, making guests feel valued and well-cared for. While some minor flavor adjustments might be a personal preference for certain dishes, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with patrons consistently praising the quality of sushi, hibachi, and appetizers. Otani's commitment to freshness, presentation, and customer satisfaction truly sets it apart. For Maryland locals seeking a reliable, high-quality Japanese restaurant that offers both traditional tastes and exciting new flavors, Otani Japanese Cuisine in Gambrills is a definite must-try that promises a delightful culinary journey time and again.

Otani Japanese Cuisine

1153 MD-3 K, Gambrills, MD 21054, USA