Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more? Wakatobi Japanese Grill, nestled in the heart of Newark and Seaside, California, invites you to explore a world of exquisite flavors and Halal-certified culinary craftsmanship. Here are the 10 dishes our regulars order again and again — see the full menu with current pricing here.

1. The Wanci Sushi Platter

The most approachable of our Wakatobi Special Sushi platters, the Wanci pairs 5 pieces of chef's-choice nigiri with a California roll. It's the platter we recommend to first-time guests. Compare it to our other special platters in our sushi platter guide.

2. The Kaledupa Platter

For guests who want to try both sashimi and nigiri in one order, the Kaledupa combines 4 pieces of each with a California roll — a favorite for anyone still deciding which style of sushi they prefer.

3. Wakatobi Newark Hibachi Combo

Named after our original Bay Area location, this hibachi combo brings together steak, chicken, and shrimp on the same plate, served with soup, salad, vegetables, and rice — a land-and-sea combination built for hearty appetites.

4. Wakatobi Seaside Hibachi Combo

The seafood-forward counterpart to the Newark combo, pairing steak with shrimp and scallops. If you're torn between the two, our hibachi guide explains what to expect from the tableside cooking experience either way.

5. Volcano Roll

One of our most popular deep-fried rolls, packed with salmon, tuna, crab, cucumber, and avocado, finished with spicy mayo and eel sauce.

6. Dragon Roll

Cucumber and unagi rolled together and topped with avocado, eel sauce, and sesame — a classic for a reason, and a great order if you like eel but haven't tried it as nigiri yet.

7. Wakatobi Seafood Noodles

From our noodle menu, this dish loads shrimp, scallops, and green mussels into a spicy seafood broth you can order mild, medium, or hot.

8. New York Steak Hibachi

For guests who want the hibachi experience built around one great cut of beef, the New York Steak hibachi dinner comes with soup, salad, vegetables, shrimp, and rice — cooked and plated right at your table.

9. Gyoza

A simple but essential order from our appetizers: five vegetable potstickers, pan-seared and ready in minutes. A good way to start any meal while you decide on hibachi or sushi.

10. Green Tea Ice Cream

The way almost every meal at Wakatobi ends. Our green tea ice cream is the classic finish to a hibachi dinner or sushi platter, balancing the richer, savory dishes on the menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular dish at Wakatobi Japanese Grill?

The Wakatobi Newark and Wakatobi Seaside hibachi combos and the Wanci sushi platter are consistently our most-ordered dishes across both locations.

Are these dishes available at both the Newark and Seaside locations?

Yes. Both locations share the same core menu, including all the dishes on this list. See our Newark vs. Seaside guide for what else differs between the two.

Is everything on this list Halal?

Yes — every dish at Wakatobi Japanese Grill, including everything on this list, is prepared to Halal standards. Read our Halal certification guide for details.

Try Them Yourself

Ready to try them yourself? View the full menu or order online for pickup from Newark or Seaside.