Ohana Steak House
| Address » | 2900 University Ave, West Des Moines IA (Map) |
| Phone » | (515) 225-3325 |
| Website » | http://www.ohanasteakhouse.com/ |
| Downtown » | No |
| Type » | Restaurant |
| Tags » | Japanese |
| Avg User Rating » |
  (based on 8 reviews) |
| Details » | American food cooked Japanese style |
| User Reviews | |
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User Reviews (8 reviews)
Dec 18, 2007 
Jeff
I've been going to Ohana's for over 10 years. It was called Shogun when I first started going there. The resteraunt has gone through many changes, but the food has always been great. BTW Natalie, sticky rice is the way it is supposed to be served, it shows that it was steamed not boiled in water like the minute rice you're probly use to. Ohana's has the best Calamari I've ever tasted, and I'm not a sea-food person. I suggest Ohana's to anyone who likes a japanese twist on american food.
Sep 09, 2007 Natalie
This was the absolute worst japanese restaurant I've been to. The food was disgusting, how do you over cook rice, so that it sticks together? There was no show whatsover. The wait staff was terrible. You should drive to Coralville, IA (2 hours away). It took me half an hour to get a refill on my ice tea. They didn't know how to serve saki bombs, and this is a japanese restaurant?! No entertainment at all! Show, about 10 minutes altogether, I give no props to the restaurant at all. I would highly recommend, three samuri in Coralville, IA, for the true Japanese Culture. I give this restaurant a zero, on a rating of one to ten.
Feb 06, 2007 me
i had to write. i was there with my "other", so it may seem inappropriate to some, but i must say that i am smitten with our chef, andy. what a sweet, funny guy, and great chef. i should stay out of there, but i won't.
Feb 01, 2007 elizabeth goyke
excellent!!
Jan 13, 2007 broox
I visited Ohana for the first time this weekend. The reviews here, along their impressive website had me pretty excited for the visit. In fact, they may have set my expectations too high.
Once I got there, the first thought in my mind was, "where's the front." I wanted to take some photos of the sign and entryway to post on this site. However, it turns out that Ohana's just has a "front" that looks like the "back." They really need to upgrade signage and make the entry more inviting.
Inside, I felt the same way. Being in that part of town, they really should upgrade the decor. It litterally feels like you're in a cheap asian restaurant. I'd suggest dimming the lights, and doing some more contemporary remodeling. The little rocky, picket fenced ensemble in the middle of the room was odd.
Decor aside, the experience was a good one. It wasn't spectacular like I'd heard, but it was definitely good.
The bar was nice while we waited for the rest of our party. Being a family oriented place I didn't expect a full bar. Speaking of which, expect kids at this restaurant and possibly at your table. And don't expect sake bombs with the chefs. If you'd like to guarantee an adult crowd at your table, bring a big group (8 or 9) or eat late.
Once at our table we were provided warm wash cloths, which was nice because we were seated back in the corner where it was freezing. Plus, I always love it when japanese-style restaurants provide warm washcloths.
As for the food, it was good, and there was a lot of it. The way the food is given, it seems like you eat about 8 courses. Soup, Salad, a few pieces of shimp, some veggies, rice, your entre, some mushrooms, and finally some noodles. Each of these things were delivered to our plates one by one. On top of all that we also ordered some more mushrooms. They were called Hen of the woods Mushrooms; I'd never seen them before - they were super rich and excellent cooked with the applewood bacon. Share an order between a few people.
For my entre I ordered the royal combination with filet mignon and scallops. I heard the scallops were amazing here - they were good, but not amazing. The scallop sauce that everyone raves about is a mayo-based sauce, which I'm not a huge fan of. I like my seafood with lighter sauces... But, if you like mayo and scallops, you will love these. They'll even sell you a small bowl of the sauce if you'd like to take some home, but I honestly wasn't that impressed.
The meal provided a nice steady pace of food presented in a fun way. We saw some chefs that looked more fun than others, but every table was having fun for sure. It should also be noted that Ohana's doesn't have sushi, so don't expect that.
Aug 19, 2006 Brandi Larson, Indianola
Ohana Steakhouse has the BEST food in Des Moines! Our dining experience is always wonderful!!! I have been eating there since it was Shogun Steakhouse and I have to say the quality of food at Ohana's is sooo much better than Shogun or Tokyo Steakhouse ever were. The shrimp & scallops and scallop sauce are fabulous, along with the vegetables and fried rice!!! We always get korean chicken wings too!!! Very good! The filet will melt in your mouth! You really can't go wrong with anything you order!!! A great experience for everyone!! LOVE OHANAS!!!!!!
Apr 05, 2005 chrisitna
Amazing food, wonderful chefs, great atmosphere. These guys are the best in the business. I have been there at least 50 times, and although I usually get the same chef, he is always entertaining. Here's a tip, if you like wasabi-order the wasabi steak appetizer, it's not on the menu, and you have to order it in advance, it's incredible. Oh and it's a great time for kids as well, mine always have a blast and in fact, request we go there every birthday. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
Feb 18, 2005 anthony
They cook right in front of you-it's a good time!