Owned and operated by Janet and Heinz Yee, Otani Japanese Restaurant was Cleveland's first sushi bar when it opened in 1978. For the past 28 years, Otani has served excellent Japanese cuisine at its Golden Gate plaza location. In those years, Otani has received many accolades for its service and originality. Today, Cleveland's original Japanese restaurant continues to receive awards, including Best Sushi in Cleveland from the Free Times Reader's Poll in 2005.



Eating at Otani is a unique experience. There is a choice of a traditional and a hibachi dining area. The traditional side features a quiet, Zen atmosphere. Food is prepared in the kitchen and brought out to individual tables or traditional Japanese tatami floor seats. The hibachi dining area has a more fun atmosphere. Diners are seated in groups and are able to watch as their food is cooked on a hibachi grill right in front of them. In addition, the restaurant features a sushi bar and a full service bar which serves a variety of mixed drinks. There is also an extensive wine list that features, in addition to white and red wines, several varieties of the Japanese wine: sake. Whether one sits at the sushi bar, the traditional dining area, or in the hibachi room, eating at Otani Japanese restaurant is always a rewarding and exceptional experience.