At Wakatobi Japanese Grill, we believe great food should be accessible to everyone. As a fully Halal Japanese restaurant, we combine authentic Japanese flavors with Islamic dietary principles across the whole menu. Whether you're craving a sizzling hibachi plate or the artistry of fresh sushi, here's a tour of what's on the menu at our Newark and Seaside restaurants.

A Culinary Journey Through the Wakatobi Islands

Our special sushi platters pay homage to the Wakatobi archipelago of Indonesia; read the story behind how the restaurant got its name. Each is a chef's-choice platter served with miso soup or salad. For a side-by-side comparison, see our guide to the Wakatobi Special Sushi platters:

  • The Wanci: our most accessible chef's-choice platter, 5 pieces of nigiri with a California roll.
  • The Kaledupa: 4 pieces each of sashimi and nigiri with a California roll, perfect for comparing the pure flavor of sashimi with the balance of nigiri.
  • The Tomia: 5 pieces of nigiri with both a California roll and a tuna roll, for a wide variety of textures.
  • The Binongko: 10 pieces of nigiri with a California roll, a showcase for traditional nigiri: seasoned rice topped with sliced fish.

Beyond the platters, the sushi menu runs from 2-piece nigiri orders and sashimi to basic, spicy and deep-fried rolls. If you're just starting out, our sushi for beginners guide explains what's what.

The Art of Hibachi

Our hibachi is the American-style hibachi plate: steak, chicken, seafood or tofu grilled to order with zucchini, carrots, onions and broccoli, served with soup and steamed rice, or fried rice or noodles if you prefer. It's cooked in our kitchen rather than at a tableside show; our Hibachi vs. Teppanyaki guide explains the difference.

Our signature hibachi platters include:

  • The Wakatobi Newark: a land-and-sea combination of steak, chicken and shrimp, served with grilled vegetables, steamed rice, soup and salad.
  • The Wakatobi Seaside: a seafood lover's combination of steak, shrimp and scallops, with the same sides.

For something different, try the Calamari Steak from the dinner hibachi menu, or visit Monday to Thursday between 12:00 and 3:00 PM for lunch hibachi.

Noodle Specialties and More

Our noodle selection covers hot soups and stir-fries:

  • Wakatobi Seafood Noodle: shrimp, scallops and green mussels in a spicy seafood broth, mild, medium or hot
  • Curry Udon: thick, chewy udon in a curry broth with sliced beef and vegetables
  • Nabeyaki Udon: udon with shrimp tempura, chicken, vegetables and a poached egg, served hot enough to finish cooking the egg at the table
  • Tempura Udon: our classic udon soup with crispy shrimp tempura
  • Yakisoba: stir-fried noodles with vegetables, with chicken, beef or shrimp added if you like

From Start to Finish

Begin your meal with appetizers and soup and salad:

  • Edamame
  • Gyoza, five vegetable potstickers
  • Miso soup with tofu, seaweed and green onion
  • House salad with our special house dressing

Complete the meal with our signature dessert, green tea ice cream, with a perfect balance of sweetness and authentic matcha flavor.

Modern Ambiance, Timeless Tradition

Our restaurants in Newark and Seaside are cozy, combining contemporary design with subtle Japanese touches: warm lighting, natural wood and Japanese-inspired art. It's a relaxed setting for family dinners and catching up with friends, and at the sushi bar, our chefs shape every roll by hand; meet the team. Planning a group celebration? See our guide to hosting a hibachi birthday party.

A Commitment to Inclusive Dining

Every dish on our menu is Halal: beef and chicken are Zabiha, hand-slaughtered; there's no pork; and no alcohol is served or used in cooking. We take pride in making Japanese cuisine accessible to our Muslim community, and to everyone who shares a table with them, without compromising quality or authenticity. See our full Halal dining guide for details, or our vegetarian guide for meat-free options.

Refreshments and Beverages

Hot tea and assorted soft drinks. We don't serve alcohol.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the food at Wakatobi Japanese Grill Halal?

Yes. Every dish on the menu, from hibachi steak to sushi rolls, is Halal: beef and chicken are Zabiha, hand-slaughtered, and no pork or alcohol is used. Read our full Halal guide for more detail.

What is the difference between hibachi and sushi at Wakatobi?

Hibachi is a hot plate of grilled meat, seafood or tofu with vegetables, soup and rice, cooked to order in our kitchen. Sushi is prepared by hand at the sushi bar as nigiri, sashimi and rolls. Many guests order both in one visit; a Wakatobi Special Sushi platter pairs well with a hibachi entrée.

Do I need a reservation at Wakatobi?

Walk-ins are welcome at both locations, but reservations are recommended for larger groups, birthdays and weekend dinners. Reservations are by phone: call Newark at (510) 894-6155 or Seaside at (831) 713-2223.

Visit Us Today

Experience our approach to Japanese cuisine at either of our California restaurants. See our Newark vs. Seaside guide for directions, hours and what makes each one special:

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a weekday lunch or simply craving Japanese food, Wakatobi Japanese Grill welcomes you. For reservations, contact your preferred location, or order online for pickup.