I am OBSESSED with sushi. I crave it ALL THE TIME, and on some nights i even dream about it. And i've never had bad sushi (well except for the stuff they sell at the super market). I've never had bad sushi so I never fully appreciated the good sushi I've always eaten . . . that is, until now. Everyone talks about the quality of the sushi and I figure, as long as it's all sashimi grade fish, what's the difference? ohhhh, there's a difference all right. I came here for my sushi fix because it was a budget friendly alternative to places like Haiku, Baba sushi, and Zipango that offer nigiri (2 pieces of fish on rice) for about $5.75 a pop. This place was more decently priced at $4.25 each. And they had a great deal of 7 pieces of sushi for $10!!!! AWESOME! Anyway, my friend and I went and I got my sushi appetizer (which unfortunately is chef's choice - i didn't get to choose which sushi i wanted). I ended up with a plate of salmon, tuna x 2, white tuna, mackerel, shrimp, and squid. I'd never had the squid, white tuna and mackerel before so i was happy to try them. and now i know i won't be ordering them again. the squid was super chewy and the white tuna and mackerel had a stringy quality that didn't allow me to bite the fish cleanly. weird. the tuna was fine and so was the salmon, but they didn't have that melt in your mouth quality that i'm used to. i guess i know why this place is so affordable. so now i'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. do i spend a lot of money on better sushi less often, or do i spend less money on okay sushi more often? considering i have dreams of sushi, i'll probably be back. but this time i'm ordering what i want! read more

Not one of Worcester's finests. This place is not great for groups. If you're in a big group, you'll have to sit at the hibachi grills, whether you want hibachi or not. But with the grill in the middle, not to mention the guy standing in the middle squirting fire, you will not get a decent conversation across the table. They do have booths, but these do not fit more than 4. The sushi was ok. I've had better, much better. These rolls are not tightly wrapped, which is now my biggest pet peeve with sushi. It's a roll, it should stay that way until it made its way happily into my mouth. Such a mood killer if fish and other ingredients start falling apart before I get to taste it. Then, the taste won't matter much. The rice isn't evenly spread either. There are gaps in the rice cover, and that leaves big gaps in my experience as well. The presentation was lacking. I know you can't eat pretty dishes and flowers and those other garnish, but please have them so it makes a nicer meal for your customers, especially at the price you're charging and with a full bar in place. You're not a fast food sushi joint, the dishes should represent as much. Overall, the food wasn't bad. But I probably won't come back. There are plenty of options for sushi in Worcester. read more

Wow, this place has gone downhill. We used to go here regularly - the kids really enjoyed it, and the food was OK. However, our last trip a few nights ago convinced me that our visits were at an end. We were seated promptly enough, but it took awhile for the waiter to take our drinks, and even longer for them to arrive. The "hot" sake was luke-warm, but I just figured that it was a busy night, and things would hopefully get better. I was wrong. He took our order, and the maki/sashimi portion of our order arrived promptly enough. It was just OK, in keeping with previous visits. The teppenyaki was a different story. We only got the soup portion of the appetizers (they completely forgot the salad). The fried rice and vegetable portions were very tiny - much more paltry than they've been in the past. I made a point of asking for rare steak. The server actually made a joke of putting the uncooked steak on my plate, and my wife commented "almost... just cook it a bit... really!" Anyway, it was medium-rare by the time he was done with it. The calamari portion of my meal was simply awful. Instead of the calamari steaks they used to cook, it was half-cup of rings. They clearly hadn't been cleaned properly, either - if you've ever prepared it before (I have..), you know the little shrimp-shell-like stuff on the insides needs to be removed. Our drinks went un-refilled, and the waiter never came back to ask if we wanted refills. I even made a point of moving the empty sake decanter to the side of the table as a hint - no dice. Even the glasses of water were conspicuously empty. Finally, at the end of the main meal, the server made a mistake and put another guy's order of scallops on top of my wife's plate, with her chicken. We all looked at each other, and he realized his mistake, but I couldn't believe that he said to my wife, "can I take all that back?" I pointed out that the guy who should've gotten the scallops probably wouldn't enjoy picking my wife's bits of chicken out of it. The server did cook up another batch of scallops, but I could tell the other guy wasn't pleased. After the meals, I was still hungry, so I asked for my salad, which they did bring. Alas, the story doesn't end there. I was willing to chalk everything up to an off-night. But I tried to pay with some American Express Traveler's checks, and was told that they don't accept them. I'm pretty sure that if a business accepts American Express as payment (this place does), than they need to accept the Traveler's checks. So, I used my AX for the last time here and we left. I don't know if they've changed ownership or what. But I can tell you that there are a ton of other, better, options now in the greater-Worcester area. Too bad. read more

I went on a Saturday with my family. The restaurant was very busy. The attention we received was bad. The cook took care of the other party only. We got served the rice and vegetables first, wait too long to get the steak and the chicken that we had finished the the first two courses. Both, the steak and the chicken were overcooked, tasting bad; to make this worst, we got just a small portion of them, less than the usual amount. After I talked to the manager in charge things turned even worst. She started yelling at me. With that experience I won't come back to this place. read more

My boss invited me to her son's 9th birthday party and he decided that he wanted Japanese hibachi (what 9 year old isn't easily impressed by fire??). When we drove up to Shrewsbury and I saw the strip mall location, I will admit that I put my judgmental hat on. I sat down around the duel hibachi table, questioned the large HD flat screen behind the 50s style ceramic countertop, and steeled myself for disappointment. Along with my perfectly cooked teriyaki beef and savory fried rice, I had a big sushi boat filled with California Rolls, Spicy Tuna and Sweet Potato/Cream Cheese (that last one, I thought would be nasty...it was hands down delicious). For dessert, I ate a big piece of humble pie because Osaka was very good. The staff was good. Our hibachi-grillmaster-entertainer galore was funny, engaging and quick to fix little things that came up. The bus boy/drink server was a little slow, but well-meaning and tried to keep everyone happy. I'm not going to drive all the way out to Shrewsbury for my next hibachi/sushi experience - but it didn't disappoint. read more

I've been going here for 14 years. Johnny and tahj are amazing and make you feel like family. I love the food. Portions are huge and the price is right! I always have enough to share with my kids AND have leftovers for work the next day. I'll always be back and will continue going back! My only suggestion is they should get some new dessert ideas! read more

Oh man, what can I say about Osaka that I haven't already said before after drinking a few too many Osaka Specials, Mai-Tais or Scorpion bowls before the Teppanyaki show even begins? How about "Yes please, I'll have another" and "medium rare thank you". Osaka is located in White City plaza West, behind that awful Bugapoo Stink steakhouse along Lake Quinsigamond. They have a great long bar almost the full length of the restaurant. One of these days I am going to eat at that bar but I can't keep myself from sitting at the Teppanyaki tables. The wait staff is awesome, always smiling and friendly. The same goes for the Teppanyaki chefs...whether a grasshopper in the making or a seasoned pro these guys put on an exceptional show. For the naysayers, not all flaming volcanoes are considered equal. read more

This place is your typical Japanese steakhouse. The purpose of our trip was to let our 7 year old enjoy the experience, which he did. The food was as expected, the "show" of the chef was decent. The super annoying female customer sharing our table kinda ruined the experience for me, but not much you can do about that. read more

Osaka is a small Japanese steakhouse/sushi bar in the White City plaza in Shrewsbury. My brother chose this place for his birthday dinner, quite a culture shock to my meat and potatos family. My mom thought that because it was a sushi restaurant, everything was going to be raw fish. She was pleasantly surprised to learn there were options other than raw fish to eat, like the teppanyaki and noodle dishes. To her disgust and my delight, I opted for a variety of sushi. As with most other sushi restaurants I go to, they were all pretty good, but nothing gave me that "wow, this is amazing" reaction we all hope to have. I'm beginning to think my sushi palate is not so refined and that what I really love is just wasabi and soy sauce. Either that or I need to stop going to moderately priced sushi places and suck it up and drop the dough to go to a place like Fugakyu. Several people in our party chose to get teppanyaki dishes. I'm not a huge fan of teppanyaki cuisine, but to those new to Japanese food, it's a good way to start. Unfortunately, the teppanyaki service here was not as amusing as I've seen at other restaurants. The chef had a real opportunity to make my mom uncomfortable with his antics, as this was her first time at a Japanese steakhouse, but he was very G rated. She seemed to have a good time, though. There are a few other sushi restaurants in the Worcester area, so I may want to try a couple more before picking my go-to for when I'm out there, but I would definitely give this place another try. read more

I have only ordered carryout but the food is absolutely delicious and very reasonably priced. The staff packs all of the food and soup well and they are very courteous on the phone and in person. I'd recommend ordering lunch if you can, the portions are still good and is less expensive than dinner. They are open late and that's very helpful for those of us who eat late dinner. read more

As always, Osaka is always such yummy food. Whether you order off the hibachi or sushi menu. The staff is always friendly and accommodating. And for birthdays they always make you feel a little special. The space is comfortable. read more

the drinks are strong. The food is great. The service is good. What more do you want. Grab a scorpion bowl, sit down at the hibachi, and let the magic happen. Make sure you ask for extra white sauce for the steak and seafood. So damn good. read more

I would say that the food here is good but by no means great or something you would make a regular spot....for the record....they have sushi but it is remarkably average and I would steer clear of it....here's why I have a hair across my ass about this place....Tepanaki and Hibachi does not mean you can only serve tiny shrimp, 5 oz steaks for $20.00 with the saltiest teryiaki sauce on all of the chicken and beef. Plus, why not use a healthier fat as opposed to butter? I would gladly come back if the food tasted like something other than the store brand teryiaki sauce. Plus....there is no reason why they only serve onions, button mushrooms and zucchini as the stir fry vegetables. A little bit of egg plant, some greens and shitaki would make this food significantly better. Don't get me wrong, it is not bad....but for my money I would rather have something authentic. read more

Hands down the best hibachi place I have been to. Whenever I come visit back home I am sure to make an appearance. Best maitais and fried rice around. read more

Went here for New Year's Eve and it was incredible. The service was amazing. Everyone went out of there way to make sure we had a great time. The kids loved it too. The food was absolutely delicious. Drinks awesome too! read more

Not great for the price. I love sushi, so I try it pretty often at a variety of places, and I just feel that the price isn't quite in line with the sushi quality. Thats not to say that the sushi is bad, just a bit overpriced. read more

Would have loved to try the sushi, but my comfort level just isn't there yet. So I ordered the teriyaki beef and rice combo. Can you say rice!!! I am a fan of this dish and am almost always looking for more rice, not here. That hit the spot. The meat was cooked perfectly and was more tender than I was expecting. Reasonable prices and good food! read more

My favorite place in the whole wide world. Amazing food and staff will never stop going here!!!

Hard to actually rate the place as it was full of little kids running everywhere, and we left before we had dinner. A little kid was behind me hitting my chair before we even had our drink order in-- and then they sat a party at our table with an infant and our two couples, 50 -60 year olds, we decided that was enough and we bailed and went to Chumlees's for a lovely dinner. read more

Can I give zero stars? I came with my friend to dine here for dinner this evening. All started well. Our server was kind and polite and willing to make an adjustment to my friends roll omitting bacon bits. Moments later, we were approached by multiple staff members asking to clarify our order. The hostess/manager/tyrant (she's the one with an ear piece) called the server over and literally began shouting at her. So much the entire restaurant fell silent and turned to stare. Apparently something was entered incorrectly into the computer. Appalled by such arrogant and abusive behavior and language, my friend and I stood up asking why the server was being accosted publicly. The manager turned on us, 10/10 obscene, shouting, "you don't even know. Just listen. She makes this mistake. If we enter it incorrectly the chefs make it wrong." We made very clear we were unhappy and uninterested in conversing any more regarding the topic, and simply requested to cancel our sushi, pay for our soup and soda, and explained that, "it doesn't matter the reason. You don't speak to people that way. You've humiliated your server and made all your guests uncomfortable." She then CALLS OVER THE SERVER who was still visibly upset from the initial confrontation with the crazy lady in order to convince us that "she is fine". We told the server she could leave and she did. We stated again we wanted our bill to which the manager/hostess/tyrant lady reluctantly obliged. We paid the check, with support from all neighboring tables who were equally disturbed by the events that unfolded. P.S. Who puts bacon bits on a sushi roll? read more

Thach is by far the best waiter I've ever had, in any restaurant. He's attentive and knowledgeable. The sushi is fantastic! I would definitely recommend lobster tempura or classic California Roll. Thach made a delicious alcoholic beverage. Six Stars! read more

This place is so dank. Always get the steak teriyaki dinner, which comes with fried rice, a side salad and miso soup. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The steak dinner is very good. Especially with the special white sauce. Got my steak cooked medium-well, and it was a tad overcooked, but still good. read more

Love this place! I have been going here for over ten years and have never had an issue. Staff are always welcoming and in good spirits. Sushi quality is excellent and worth the price you pay. Restaurant is always clean and orders are made correctly (even the to-go ones). read more

Chicken was bland. Not worth the price at all. Sushi was subpar. Service was mediocre.

BEST JAPPANESE PLACE I HAVE EVER BEEN TO Never had a bad meal there..the chefs are very interactive with the customers.. I have drove here from boston just for their food....I have been to many other places and none of the come close to the food at Osaka....... read more

Wow! Were we impressed. We came not knowing what to expect and we were pleasantly surprised. The volcano role was amazing and had so much fish we thought we got some other table's food. Service wasn't as bad as other reviews, but they were very caring about when things did run long. We will definitely be coming back! read more

Wow! This is a favorite restaurant of some of our friends, and I can see why! Today was hot and muggy, and a full dinner of sushi really hit the spot! We had some of their special rolls, and some of their "regular" ones, and both were delicious. I do have to give a shout-out to the (I think) Phoenix roll", which has amazing crispy tempura shrimp in a sushi roll. We did end up with a bit too much food- despite our friends' warnings- but we will eat them as a snack before going to bed. Our service was fast and attentive, and very thoughtful. I very much look forward to visiting again, and trying more of the menu! Even though tonight was perfect. read more

I've been here so many times and its always better then the last time I was there. Its affordable, delicious and one of the best sushi restaurants, it is so good I love it. The sushi, hibachi, and dumplings are amazing and outstanding. I influence everybody to go here!!! Anybody and everybody should go here. read more

My wife and I have been going here since the week they opened way back when. We haven't been since the virus outbreak though and decided to make our return. We went at about 4 pm as we skipped lunch and were the only one's in there we ordered drinks and the staff was so loud and obnoxious. After 20 minutes we asked for our bill, never got food, and didn't finish our beverages. Absolutely unacceptable! I have never had an experience like this at any restaurant in my life. You guys really let us down as your employees acted like they are there for dinner and fun as they ruined our night and basically stole our money for drinks which we never finished! I am embarrassed for your staff tonight. read more

Sit at the sushi bar for quick service. The servers are all fantastic. They remember me by name, which is always nice. The sushi is always fresh, and the experience is always pleasant. 5 stars for you, Osaka! read more

Absolute favorite place for sushi! Always delicious, always fresh! Clean restaurant with a friendly staff...."Tosh" always takes care of us. The sushi chef even comes by to explain his specials each time we visit. Excellent gluten free items also. My husband and I love sushi and have been to many places and Osaka is our #1 favorite! read more

I think this is the best hibachi place in the Worcester area. I've been probably 8 to 10 times. The quality of the food is consistently good. Attentive service. Great ambiance. I haven't tried the sushi but I can definitely recommend the chicken or steak teriyaki... the teriyaki sauce is phenomenal! read more

This place is pretty good. My sister and her boyfriend are the biggest fans of this place I've ever seen. I've had the sushi, hibatchi, and dumplings. All of which were delicious. I love the salad dressing on the house salads. The portions are generous and the prices are good. The last time I went I got dumplings and sushi for about 15$. The place is a bit run down, but the prices and food are worth it. read more

On rare nights that we have a babysitter, this is where the husband and I start date nights:) We always sit at the bar -- great flat screens --and order 2 hot sakis and a couple of sushi rolls. I have actually gotten DH to try a little of everything because of how fresh everything has been except eel -- maybe someday. His fave is the Tempura Shrimp roll and mine is anything spicy! The Sushi Chefs seem to remember us -- always smiling and always making sure that our rolls are to our liking. I love ALL sushi and have never been disappointed here. We also love their gyoza and edamame appetizers. Give them a try! We want them to be popular so they stay in business! read more

So happy that this place is open again. This is among the top 3 hibachi/sushi places in the area and that is saying a lot considering the amount of competition in this area now. Came here shortly after it opened back up with a huge sushi craving. Sat at the bar and was served by an awesome bartender.....forgot his name though. I told him how happy I was that they were open again. He was very grateful for the praise. Place looks great and modern now and the sushi was fresh and tasty. Always feel welcome when I come here. Thanks! Highly recommended. A+++ read more

I recently went to Osaka and I had an awful experience there. The server, I believe his name was Bobby was very impatient constantly hovering over us. That wasn't even the worst of it. When we got our check I paid my share of the bill and my friend put the rest on her card. We were planning on tipping on her card but I put some extra change in for an additional tip. The server came over harassing us that we never learned how to tip in school. He said our tip wasn't good enough. He demanded a tip from us when my friend was currently filling out her credit slip. It was an absolutely terrible experience. I love the food there but the service is not good at all. read more

This is the best restaurant in the entire world. The yum yum sauce is exuberant. Tosh is an elegant young man, carries himself with complete class. Very accommodating. Make sure u get extra yum yum sauce. No hibachi place will ever compare to Osaka. read more

Used to be my favorite place. Great food, bad service. Waiter yelled at my 14 year old friend for mistakingly leaving a shy tip. He confronted her with a nasty voice and called her a f*cking idiot for not being "educated enough" to leave a 20% tip. It was rude, inappropriate, and I am NEVER coming back to Osaka in shrewsbury. I am appalled at the behavior of this worker and I will not return if the service does not improve. read more

So I went with my girlfriend last night to the restaurant. Fairly packed except for a few open tables. We were hungry so went right into ordering our food. Drinks came by, but without straws until we had to spend five minutes flagging down our waitress. Our soup and salad were promptly brought out after the straws, which were ok except for the lettuce being a bit colder than it probably should have been. Next came the sushi, which was presented well but had very little flavor from the spicy tuna OR spicy salmon. Then came the real reasoning for the poor review. We waited at least a half hour for our entrees. Our table was checked twice in that time, without any mention of the delay. To say this was irritating at the time was an understatement. Finally, the food came, and our waitress had apologized that the kitchen was busy (well I would hope so). We took our first bites, and that did it for us. Overcooked scallops, cold steak with a pink center, and rubbery chicken and veggies. Quite pissed, we ate it anyway due to our hunger having grown in the hour we had been there. At this time, only about half the initial crowd was remaining. Restaurant servers reading this: Don't blame the kitchen for anything if it's evident that the food has been sitting under the heat lamp for a long period of time. It's your job to check in with the kitchen frequently and bring hot food out thats...dare I say, hot. Will not go here again, worst experience out of any Asian restaurant in MA read more

Love, love, love this place! The hibachi is great and so is the sushi. Consistently good food and service.