Not sure where to start? These are the dishes our regulars come back for at our Newark and Seaside restaurants, with what's in each and who it suits best. Current prices are on the full menu.

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 and comes with miso soup or salad. It's the platter we recommend to first-time guests; compare it with the other three 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 East Bay restaurant, this hibachi combo brings steak, chicken and shrimp together on one plate with soup, salad, grilled vegetables and rice: a land-and-sea combination built for hearty appetites.

4. Wakatobi Seaside Hibachi Combo

The seafood-forward counterpart, named after our original Seaside restaurant, pairs steak with shrimp and scallops. Torn between the two? Our hibachi guide explains how hibachi is cooked and served at Wakatobi.

5. Volcano Roll

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

6. Dragon Roll

From our basic rolls, the Dragon Roll wraps cucumber and unagi (grilled eel) and is topped with avocado, eel sauce and sesame. It's a classic for a reason, and because the eel is cooked, it's a great pick if you're new to sushi.

7. Wakatobi Seafood Noodle

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 the hibachi plate built around one great cut of Zabiha beef: an 8 oz New York steak, grilled to order and served with soup, salad, vegetables, two pieces of shrimp and rice.

9. Gyoza

A simple but essential order from our appetizers: five vegetable potstickers. A good way to start any meal while you decide between hibachi and 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, a cool contrast to 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.

What should I order on my first visit to Wakatobi?

Try one hibachi plate and one sushi platter to share, such as the Wakatobi Newark combo and the Wanci platter, so you taste both sides of the menu. On weekdays, lunch hibachi (Monday to Thursday, 12:00 to 3:00 PM) is the lower-priced way to start.

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

Yes. Both locations share the same menu, including every dish on this list. See our Newark vs. Seaside guide for how the two restaurants compare.

Is everything on this list Halal?

Yes. Every dish at Wakatobi Japanese Grill, including everything on this list, is Halal, with Zabiha beef and chicken and no alcohol. Read our Halal guide for details.

Try Them Yourself

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