Shirasoni Japanese Restaurant

Hello, Californians! When you're looking for a Japanese dining experience that goes beyond just great food, offering entertainment and a lively atmosphere, Shirasoni Japanese Restaurant in Alameda is a name that often comes up. Located on 5th Street, Shirasoni is known for its engaging teppanyaki grills where skilled chefs prepare your meal right before your eyes, creating a memorable show alongside delicious dishes.

Shirasoni Japanese Restaurant prides itself on delivering a fun, friendly, and family-oriented experience, with many patrons consistently praising the "fun and engaging" chefs and the "perfect" portion sizes. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for an interactive dinner, the hibachi grill is a definite highlight. However, like any popular spot, experiences can vary. While many laud the quality of the food and the entertainment, some recent feedback has highlighted concerns regarding service efficiency and additional charges. This article aims to give you a comprehensive and factual overview of Shirasoni Japanese Restaurant, helping you decide if this Alameda establishment is the right fit for your next Japanese culinary adventure.

Shirasoni Japanese Restaurant is conveniently located at 2660 5th St, Alameda, CA 94501, USA. This address places it within a commercial area of Alameda, a popular island city known for its scenic waterfront, historical charm, and a variety of local businesses. The restaurant is easily accessible from various parts of Alameda and the wider East Bay.

The location on 5th Street provides relatively straightforward access by car. For those driving, parking is generally available in the vicinity, often within designated parking lots or street parking spaces, which is a convenience in the Bay Area. It's always a good idea to factor in a little extra time to find parking during peak dining hours, especially on weekends or for special events.

For those relying on public transportation, Alameda is served by AC Transit bus lines, which may offer routes with stops relatively close to 5th Street, making the restaurant reachable without a personal vehicle. Its placement within a commercial zone means it's often an easy stop for those already in the area for shopping or other activities. The restaurant also prides itself on having an ADA-compliant entrance and restrooms, ensuring accessibility for all guests.

Shirasoni Japanese Restaurant offers a diverse menu that caters to a wide range of tastes, primarily focusing on entertaining hibachi-style dining and a variety of sushi options. Here's a detailed look at their services and menu offerings:

• Teppanyaki / Hibachi Dining: This is a major draw, where "fun and engaging" chefs cook meals on an iron griddle (teppan) right in front of diners. They offer a variety of Teppanyaki Dinner Single Entrees (e.g., Hibachi Vegetable, Chicken Teriyaki, New York Steak, Filet Mignon, Shrimp, Scallop, Salmon, Tuna) and extensive Teppanyaki Combination Dinners. These include pairings like Chicken and Shrimp, NY Steak and Shrimp, Filet Mignon and Scallop, and even luxurious options like Lobster and New York Steak (Samurai Combination) or two lobster tails (Oy-Shee Lobster Combination). All Teppanyaki dinners typically come with generous helpings of favorite entrees and an entertaining show.
• Sushi & Sashimi: Shirasoni features a large selection of sushi rolls, hand rolls, nigiri, and sashimi. Popular sushi rolls mentioned include Shrimp Tempura Roll, Dragon Roll, Kintai Roll, Tokyo Roll, and the "Lion King" roll. They also offer various sashimi (e.g., Tuna, Salmon, Yellowtail) and nigiri (e.g., Tuna, Salmon, Unagi).
• Appetizers: The menu includes a wide range of appetizers such as Vegetables Tempura, Chicken Tempura, Shrimp Tempura, Gyoza (chicken potstickers), Shrimp Saute, Chicken Karaage, Agedashi Tofu, Baked Green Mussels, Edamame (including Grilled Garlic Edamame), Crispy Calamari, Garlic Chicken Wings, Jalapeno Poppers (stuffed with spicy tuna), Hamachi Kama, and Seared Tuna.
• Noodle Dishes: They offer Japanese stir-fried noodles like Yakisoba Noodle (with chicken and mixed vegetables) and Seafood Noodle.
• Donburi (Rice Bowls): Options include Unagi Donburi (BBQ eel), Maguro Donburi (fresh tuna), Salmon Donburi, Hamachi Donburi, and Chirashi Donburi (mixed sashimi over rice).
• Salads and Soups: Available options include Miso Soup, House Salad, Seaweed Salad, Cucumber Salad, Ahi Poke Salad, and Tako Kim Chi Salad.
• Desserts: To complete the meal, they offer sweet indulgences like Mochi Ice Cream (various flavors: strawberry, chocolate, green tea, vanilla, mango) and Fried Ice Cream.
• Full Bar & Specialty Martinis: Shirasoni has a "full bar" and offers an extensive "Martini menu with over 75 varieties," providing a wide range of drink options.
• Dine-In Service: The restaurant offers a "pleasant, modern Japanese atmosphere" for dine-in guests, complete with the interactive teppanyaki experience.
• Takeout and Delivery: They offer online ordering for both pickup and delivery, ensuring convenience for those who prefer to enjoy their meals at home.
• Event Catering & Party Platters: Shirasoni caters to all occasions, from intimate gatherings to large events, offering party platters and larger portions of their dishes.

Shirasoni Japanese Restaurant in Alameda offers several distinctive features and highlights that contribute to its appeal, particularly for those seeking an entertaining dining experience:

• Interactive Teppanyaki Experience: A major highlight is the live cooking show. The chefs are consistently described as "fun and engaging," providing entertainment as they prepare meals right at the table. This interactive element is a significant draw for groups and families.
• Generous Portion Sizes: Customers frequently comment on the "perfect portion sizes" and "generous helpings" in their Teppanyaki dinners, indicating good value for the price.
• Wide Range of Combinations: The extensive menu of Teppanyaki Combination Dinners allows diners to pair various meats and seafood, offering great flexibility and choice. This includes premium options like Filet Mignon, Lobster, and Scallops.
• Sushi Bar Offerings: Beyond the hibachi, they offer a "large selection of sushi rolls," sashimi, and nigiri, ensuring that sushi enthusiasts also have plenty of options. Specific rolls like the "Lion King" are noted as local favorites (though mentioned in reviews for other Shirasoni locations, suggesting consistent quality across the brand).
• Full Bar with Extensive Martini Menu: The presence of a "full bar" and "over 75 varieties" of martinis is a significant feature, catering to those looking for a diverse drink selection to complement their meal.
• Accommodating Service (Mixed Reviews): While some experiences vary, one positive review noted a manager providing a "complimentary drink for everyone" during a long wait, showcasing a willingness to address customer experience. Some online reviews also highlight "excellent service."
• Suitable for Groups and Celebrations: The nature of teppanyaki dining makes it "good for groups" and a popular choice for "birthday parties" and other celebrations, fostering a lively and communal atmosphere.
• "Never Had a Bad Meal Here" (for some patrons): This indicates a consistent positive culinary experience for a segment of their clientele, highlighting the quality of the food.
• Accessibility: The restaurant is ADA-compliant, ensuring that it is accessible to all guests.

Based on the provided information and general public data, Shirasoni Japanese Restaurant in Alameda offers certain value propositions, though specific, widely advertised "promotions" in the form of discounts or limited-time deals are not explicitly detailed in the customer reviews for this specific location.

However, information from their broader online presence (which covers multiple Shirasoni locations) suggests some consistent offerings:

• Happy Hour Specials: While not specifically confirmed for the Alameda location in the provided text, Shirasoni's other locations have been known to offer "happy hour specials." It would be advisable to check directly with the Alameda restaurant for their current happy hour offerings.
• Weekday Lunch Specials: Shirasoni locations typically offer **lunch specials** during weekdays (e.g., 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM). These might include Teppanyaki Lunch Single Entrees or Bento Boxes, offering a more affordable way to experience their cuisine during the day.
• Value in Portions and Entertainment: The inherent value provided through **generous portion sizes** and the **entertaining live cooking show** by the hibachi chefs can be seen as an ongoing "special offer." Customers often feel they receive a comprehensive dining experience that justifies the price.
• Birthday Celebrations: While not a discount, Shirasoni is a popular spot for "birthday parties," and many teppanyaki restaurants offer special acknowledgments or a small treat for birthday celebrants, which acts as an informal promotion.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on any specific promotions, daily specials, or loyalty programs, it is highly recommended to contact Shirasoni Japanese Restaurant directly or visit their official website.

For those interested in experiencing the culinary and entertainment offerings at Shirasoni Japanese Restaurant in Alameda, here's how you can reach them:

• Address: 2660 5th St, Alameda, CA 94501, USA
• Phone: (510) 239-4285
• Mobile Phone: +1 510-239-4285

General Hours of Operation (may vary, please call to confirm):
Monday - Friday: 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM (Lunch) & 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Dinner)
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Given the popularity of their hibachi tables, especially for groups, making a reservation by phone is highly recommended to avoid potential long waits, particularly during peak dining hours.

For residents of Alameda and the surrounding California Bay Area, Shirasoni Japanese Restaurant offers a distinct and often celebrated dining experience that makes it a suitable choice for various occasions. Its appeal for locals lies in its unique blend of culinary offerings and interactive entertainment.

The most compelling reason for locals to visit is the **engaging teppanyaki experience**. The "fun and engaging" chefs, who cook right at your table, provide not just a meal but a captivating show, making it an ideal spot for family outings, birthday celebrations, or a lively dinner with friends. This interactive element transforms dining into an event, something highly valued by those seeking more than just a standard meal. The generous portion sizes further ensure that diners leave feeling fully satisfied.

Beyond the hibachi, Shirasoni's comprehensive menu, which includes a **wide selection of sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese entrees**, caters to diverse tastes within a single establishment. This versatility means that whether you're craving fresh sushi or a perfectly grilled steak, there's something for everyone. The presence of a full bar with an extensive martini menu also enhances the adult dining experience, providing a sophisticated accompaniment to the meal.

While experiences with service can occasionally be inconsistent, the positive feedback regarding food quality, entertainment, and a manager's willingness to rectify issues suggests that the core value proposition remains strong. For Alameda locals looking for a fun, flavorful, and memorable Japanese dining adventure that doubles as entertainment, Shirasoni Japanese Restaurant is a well-established destination that continues to draw crowds seeking an engaging culinary escapade right in their backyard.

Shirasoni Japanese Restaurant

2660 5th St, Alameda, CA 94501, USA