Grilled dishes
First, distinguish a cooking method from a dining arrangement. A dish name does not tell you whether you will sit at a shared grill or a regular table.
- Teppanyaki
- Food cooked on a flat iron surface. American menus may use “hibachi” for this style of dining.
- Yakitori
- Grilled chicken, commonly on skewers, with seasonings such as salt or sweet-savory tare sauce.
Ask whether the dish is prepared in front of guests, whether sides are included, and how individual selections are served. Our hibachi guide explains the terminology in more detail.
Sushi & sashimi
- Nigiri
- Hand-shaped sushi rice with a topping.
- Maki & temaki
- Rolled sushi and hand rolls, respectively.
- Sashimi
- Sliced raw seafood without sushi rice.
A roll’s special name may not explain its filling or sauce. Ask for the ingredients, the number of pieces, and whether any part is raw or cooked. See our sushi guide for a closer look at the formats.
Noodles & rice
- Udon
- Wheat noodles, often served in broth or with dipping sauce.
- Soba
- Buckwheat noodles that may also contain wheat. Preparations can include a broth or separate dipping sauce.
- Donburi
- A bowl of rice with toppings. The topping often gives the dish its name.
Ask whether a noodle dish comes hot or cold, what is in the broth, and which toppings are included. If an ingredient matters to you, check the full preparation rather than relying on the category name.
Small plates & sides
- Tempura
- Seafood or vegetables coated in a light batter and deep-fried.
“Appetizer,” “side,” and “small plate” leave room for interpretation. Before sharing, ask how many pieces come in an order, whether sauces arrive separately, and whether dishes will be brought out together.
A vegetable dish is not a dietary guarantee. Ask the restaurant about stock, sauces, cooking oil, and preparation when these details matter to your meal.
Three questions before you order
- What comes with it? Check rice, soup, sides, and sauces rather than assuming they are included.
- How is it prepared? Confirm the ingredients and cooking method for the particular dish.
- How much should we order? Ask about portion sizes and serving order for your group.
For seating, reservations, accessibility, and dietary conversations, use the dining guide.