OC Restaurant Quest: Hibachi House in Downtown Rochester

(Crystal A. Proxmire, April 9, 2024)

Rochester, MI- The quest to try every restaurant in Oakland County continues with a visit to Hibachi House in Downtown Rochester. Here guests are treated to the fun of having a traditional Japanese meal prepared on grills right in the middle of the tables. In addition to hibachi, the restaurant has deliciously crafted sushi as well as a bar for patrons to enjoy.

My friend and I started with Lobster Delight Roll which had tempura fried Maine lobster in a tempura fried roll over Green River dressing, topped with spicy mayo, sweet soy, and kani crab garnish. This indulgent roll was an amazing choice, with the rice soaking up the various flavors of the sauces, and the crispy tempura adding a buttery flavor. There are only occasionally meals where I think about an item days later, and resolve to go back again sometime for it, and the Lobster Delight Roll is one.

The hibachi itself is also top notch. I ordered a Strip Steak Bento Box, which comes with a sampling of items that we shared. The Cali Rolls were a classic to include, made with kani crab, cucumber, and avocado. The gyoza were little fried dumplings filled with what I presume was pork and vegetables, and fried for a crispy exterior. And there was also a side of edamame, plus a side salad topped with ginger dressing. And then of course there was the main selection of steak, rice, and veggies grilled before my eyes to the perfect level of seasoning and doneness. It was fun to watch, and even more fun to eat.

My friend ordered scallop hibachi with brown rice, which was also prepared with care on the grill, with the scallops getting just the right amount of goldenness to the finish.

Table-side preparation was pretty exciting. As was learning something new. To drink I ordered a strawberry Ramune, which is a carbonated sangria that comes in a codd-necked bottle. The bottle is glass and instead of a metal cap or a cork, it’s sealed with a glass marble that is held against a wax ring by the pressure of the drink’s carbonation. One the patron pushes the marble down from the ring, it’s caught by indentations in the bottle which cradle it and allows for the drink to flow around it. The fizzy soda itself is made with real sugar and strawberries, for an exceptionally sweet beverage.

The entire experience of Hibachi House was fun and the food was delicious.

Hibachi House is located at 335 S. Main in Downtown Rochester. Check them out online at https://www.hibachihouserochester.com/

Oakland County Times is on a QUEST to enjoy every local restaurant in Oakland County. This long-term project is a labor of love, supported by our friends at White Castle. White Castle is a family-owned company that is proud to be one of only 20 large employers to make the Fortune Best Places to work list in 2022. With steam-grilled sliders, crispy golden french fries, fantastic slides like onion chips or fried clams, and the best chocolate shakes, White Castle is a by far our top choice for a fast food meal. Check out their website at www.WhiteCastle.com.