Jason Zheng’s journey into the Asian culinary world was sparked during his upbringing in New York City and while working in his family’s restaurants. His passion for blending cultural artistry with cuisine flourished as he honed his skills at popular sushi establishments across the city. After relocating with his wife Tina to South Florida in the mid-2000s, they envisioned bringing an authentic Japanese dining experience to the region. Their dream materialized in 2010 with the launch of Yakitori Sake House in east Boca Raton. Today, as part of the Unisolo Restaurant Group, the couple oversees five distinct restaurant brands across Broward and Palm Beach counties, including Yakitori Sushi House in Delray Beach and Koi Japanese Cuisine Sushi House in Fort Lauderdale.
“We are both very involved in all of our restaurants and take extreme pride in developing menus that are authentic to the flavors of Japan,” Tina says. “As a team, we find joy in creating flavorful and beautiful dishes that are true to Japanese culture.”
Yakitori Sushi House at 7959 W. Atlantic Ave. in Delray Beach adds a unique twist to its menu by giving creative names to its sushi rolls, adding a touch of fun and helping diners to pinpoint the flavors they can expect. Among the popular choices is the ‘Out of Control’ sushi roll, which includes tuna, salmon, yellowtail, avocado, tempura flakes, tobiko (flying fish roe), kimchee, and eel sauce. Another hit is the Volcano Fried Rice, featuring jumbo shrimp, scallops, calamari, and spicy XO sauce, flambeed tableside. The signature ‘Sex on the Moon’ roll combines shrimp tempura, asparagus, avocado, spicy tuna, tempura flakes, and sweet chili sauce. For those not keen on sushi, the Crispy Pipa Duck stands out as a favorite, showcasing fried marinated duck with seasoned vegetable sauce.
“Our distinctive flavor combinations and complimenting names definitely make us stand out,” Tina says. “Even though we are known for our rolls, there really is something for everyone here.”
Yakitori Sushi House not only provides an outstanding Japanese culinary experience but also takes pride in presenting a diverse menu to cater to every customer’s palate. The filet mignon with shishito peppers is a standout dish that expertly combines tender beef with a subtle heat, complementing the richness of the meat. This dish is sure to satisfy the cravings of traditional meat enthusiasts.
“You don’t have to love sushi to dine with us,” Tina says. “We are known for our rolls, but there really is something for everyone here. We also have Mongolian Beef, Red Curry Tofu, Poke Bowls and so much more. We ensure that all our guests leave happy, full and eager to come back.”
Naturally, any Japanese-inspired menu includes a selection of traditional sake offerings, and Yakitori Sushi House’s Lychee Saké-Tini, made with imported sake, vodka, and lychee juice, presents a remarkably flavorful blend. The Cucumber Saké-Tini, featuring cucumber, imported sake, vodka, and sweet syrup, offers a refreshing and well-balanced taste. In line with its commitment to catering to all preferences, Yakitori also showcases a range of classic cocktails. Happy Hour runs daily from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering the classic margarita and Moscow mule, crafted using traditional recipes, for just $8 each.
“We have a deep appreciation for combining cultural artistry with cuisine,” Tina says. “Merging this passion with our extensive knowledge of Asian foods has been our primary form of inspiration.”
Photo credits: Gabriel Cuesta and Libby Vision
