The popularity of this chain - there are two branches in London but more than a hundred around the world - lay in its 'food as theatre' concept. It's teppanyaki dining, which means diners sit around a hot plate (a teppan) where a chef - all flips and tricks with some very sharp knives - creates Japanese stir-fries and staples. Sushi, understandably, comes separately.
Dishes range from edamame, prawn tempura and chicken yakitori appetisers to hibachi teriyaki sirloin steak, miso black cod and the signature 'seafood palace' - lobster, scallops, black cod and salmon. Each of the teppanyaki dishes comes with salad, hibachi vegetables, Japanese onion soup, a prawn appetiser and steamed rice.
Set lunches, sushi combos and bento boxes prove popular, too.