Branson Restaurant Review:The Japanese Kitchen – is small on size big in value and taste

The Japanese Kitchen, “Branson’s” newest Japanese Restaurant is really located in Hollister at 1965 S. Business Highway 65, next door to the Post Office, about two minutes from the Branson City Line. The small building, formerly the Hob Knob Restaurant, seats about 20 people and is owned, managed, and run by John and Jeanie Kim. John used to manage Shoguns at the Falls on Highway 165 in Branson.

The Japanese Kitchen is a two person operation. All the food is cooked by John and served by Jeanie. All the entrees and appetizers, except possibly the fried rice, are cooked fresh to order. We have had the Shrimp Tempura and egg roll appetizers and both were excellent. Even if you get the egg roll, and an Ole Seagull recommends that you do so, get at least get an order of the Shrimp Tempura so that everyone can at least try one. They are excellent.

The menu is not a grandiose as some but it has enough of a selection to satisfy just about everyone. The trade off on the menu size is that the quality of the food and its preparation is excellent and consistent from trip to trip. Lois and I have eaten there four times in less than a month and have never been disappointed.

We have had various entrees but my favorite is the Hibachi Strip Steak and Lois likes the Hibachi Chicken. Last trip she made a meal out of the Egg Roll, Shrimp Tempura, and Fried Rice appetizers. Each entrée comes with a side of fried rice, vegetables, and a small shredded oriental type salad with an excellent light cream style dressing. With an egg roll the bill for the Hibachi Strip Steak is about $11.00. Most entrees are less.

A word of caution, don’t go in expecting fast food. Each order is cooked to order by John so there will be a short wait but it’s worth it. In terms of price point, quality of the food, and service this unique restaurant provides excellent value. The Ole Seagull gives the Japanese Kitchen 4.5 feathers out of 5.

After or before you eat you should walk down historic Downing Street in Hollister. You will see the back of the building as you exit the rear entrance of the parking lot. Turn right out of the back of the parking lot go down to your first left and turn left. It’s a neat two block area of shops etc. based on the “old English style architecture.” There is plenty of parking on Downing Street so if you are going to do this please don’t leave your car at the parking lot of the Japanese Kitchen as it is very small.

The Japanese Kitchen is opened Monday through Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The phone number is 417-348-0105.

Originally Published In the Branson Courier on May 30, 2005.