Wasabi Japanese Restaurant

Wasabi is fairly new and most certainly unique to the Shawano area dining scene. Dare I say a rather progressive venture for a restaurant of this type situated in a community the size of Shawano. I've driven by too many times to count and finally have one visit under my belt.

Wasabi is not like the typical hibachi experience in that they do not cook the food in front of you. It is somewhat lacking when you don't get the flaming onion volcano experience. The interior resembles an old fashion dinner and that's likely what the place used to be.

That's about it for the negatives. We ordered goyoza dumplings as an appetizer and they had great flavor with just the right amount of spice. I had the hibachi steak & shrimp. The order was just the right size and well prepared. My daughter ordered the Godzilla roll and it was equally as well prepared as my dinner.

Our server was attentive throughout our meal. It's obviously a family run establishment as we could see (quiet/well behaved) children seated on the other side of the restaurant.

Being located in Shawano, Wasabi is likely the only place to get hibachi/sushi without driving to Appleton, Green Bay, or Wausau. I wish them well and hope the community gives them a chance, diner atmosphere aside.

Wasabi is the newest restaurant in Shawano. It is the first and only restaurant in town that serves sushi and hibachi. Let me break it down for you.

First and foremost, this sushi restaurant is not "pricey." I've heard from locals that it is expensive. I'm not sure if many people in Shawano go to sushi so I don't know what they are comparing the pricing too. Or what they are paying for a typical meal out. But in my opinion this restaurant's pricing is in line with other sushi restaurants in bigger cities like Green Bay, Appleton and Milwaukee. It is also close to what you'd pay for a good meal at some of the supper clubs and other places in the area.

Second, the sushi is really good! I have to say I was nervous because as mentioned in a previous review small town sushi is questionable. But I wanted to come here and disprove my own bias. I'm really glad we did. I was pleasantly surprised by everything. We ordered rolls from the lunch menu and one specialty roll. The lunch rolls came with soup or salad. We both opted for miso soup. The broth had a nice flavor and contained lots of nori and tofu. The sushi was plated in a delightful way. The rolls looked so well prepared. Everything tasted fresh and delcious.

Third, exterior and interior are great. Intially I thought it would be strange because this location a 1950s diner. They didn't do anything to it except add Japanese touches on the interior. It oddly all works together in some kitsch American Japanese theme. I felt like it was a movie set. At the same time it's all clean and not worn out.

Fourth, service is fast and friendly. Our waitress helpful and available when needed. Also quick with drinks and refills. Sushi was prepared fast and had a wonderful presentation.

Go try this restaurant if you are in the area and enjoy sushi. Highly recommend. The food is very good, service is fast and friendly, and it is all reasonably priced.

Gave this place a second chance. While I'd rather spend a little extra at Sakura in Oshkosh or Nakashima in Green Bay, it was still pretty decent. We ordered for take out this time and I think that helped because the atmosphere inside Wasabi is just cheap and uncomfortable. The building was a 50's style diner previously with the full works of uncomfortable booths, cheap tables, glass block walls, and mint green color. Wasabi kept all of this and added some Japanese decor.

The food was pretty good for the price range ($10-15 less than the other Japanese Restaurants mentioned above), I ordered the Salmon and Steak Hibachi Dinner and everything was cooked well and flavorful, I didn't get any sushi this time. I really feel if it were a more comfortable and appropriate atmosphere it would make a better experience. Atmosphere is all part of the dining experience unless you're looking for a quick bite in a standard family restaurant.

This is a great sushi place! We had a lunch special that was 3 rolls for $11-something. It was a great deal money and taste wise! The sushi was freshly made and well put together. I really could not believe how great it was. The restaurant itself it pretty interesting. It was very clean. I would call it eclectic...50's/60's American diner meets traditional Japanese style. I will stop by for lunch anytime I'm in the area!

Sushi in Shawano! It's great. Cool old school car hop motif inside is so in clash with the sushi being served that it kinda weirdly works together. The kids love the chicken teriyaki kids meal. And they have this cool melon soda that my girls love. I get the chasu ramen. It's huge and delicious. All of the sushi rolls I have had have been good. And the apple saki is tasty. Please support this local restaurant so that it can thrive!! Kids eat free Saturday too!

It was all very delicious! I was happy we decided to stop for dinner. We order the sushi for two, it was artistically plated and looked and tasted amazing. I thought the Lucky Buddha beer was pretty cool. It's brewed in China and was pretty good. I asked if I could keep the bottle and the server said I could. I just wish I would have remembered to grab it on the way out lol.

Grossest fucking place ever. They ruined RAW FUCKING SQUID. Dont ever eat hear. Their sticky white rice was dry and chewy

My favorite is the seaweed salad. Delicious and healthy. The food is fresh & tasty. Service is hit or miss but the food is awesome!

Husband and I just stopped by as we recently moved to Shawano. Started out with appetizers Shrimp Shumai and Shrimp Tempura then decided to try out the Spicy Lover Roll and Shawano Maki. I thought I was in an upscale restaurant with the plating and the food was delicious. We will definitely be back again