THE SELDOM SEEN RICE NOODLE NINJA GRIP. A chef at Ninja Japanese House prepares a Sashimi Dinner – you can see the results of his efforts below.

The Eastridge Center is housing a delicious secret. In driving by the large building, it would be easy to miss the relatively small space set aside for Ninja Japanese House. But you would surely be the one missing out. What the restaurant lacks in size, it makes up for in heart. And that’s the way owners Binh and Andy like it. 

Here you will find all the amenities of a typical hibachi-style grill and sushi bar, with none of the added gimmicks. You might go to other local Japanese restaurants for similar food, but the atmosphere is really what they want to draw diners to their establishment. Area Japanese restaurants are generally larger, usually with teppanyaki grills and entertainment, whereas Ninja caters more to couples and families looking for a nice quiet dinner of authentic Japanese cuisine.

The atmosphere isn’t the only difference between Ninja and similar restaurants in the area. “We keep our menu slightly smaller, and try to only serve and specialize in traditionally Japanese food, rather than try to cover multiple Asian disciplines,” Binh says of the menu, which features more than 75 sushi and sashimi options, along with 30 or so hibachi grilled entrees.

It seems more often than not that Midwesterners get a little freaked out when their food isn’t cooked. Looking at slices of raw, unadulterated fish may be admittedly a little intimidating for newbies, and as such I would recommend a sushi roll before you begin to chart any new territory. But I can assure you that there is nothing to be worried about. Even the biggest sushi skeptic will be pleasantly surprised by the subtle flavor and textures in the genuine Japanese dish. And if there’s one thing to be said about the food at Ninja, it is as much an art form as it is nutrition. It’s almost a shame to eat it at all.

During my visit, we were treated to many various types of this sushi and sashimi – the cornerstones of any Japanese restaurant. Another specialty at Ninja is tempura, which is a special type of breading that turns delightfully light and fluffy when fried. And anyone searching for more familiar fare won’t have far to go, either, with plenty of hibachi and teriyaki options as well as traditional soup and salads. 

The décor found inside Ninja Japanese House is best described as simple, yet elegant, taking advantage of the whole space without being overly tacky. It adds to the atmosphere without taking anything away, making it a place that all can enjoy, from avid sushi enthusiasts to the casual Japanese diner. So stop on in for some old favorites, and possibly some new surprises.