Bites Nearby: Teppan Hibachi Steak House

Outside, the has the unified strip-mall façade of the Dorneyville Shopping Center. Inside, the spacious Japanese restaurant presents several different seating areas outfitted with eclectic, colorful décor and contemporary spirit.

Patrons may gravitate towards the cocktail bar, the sushi bar and lounge area, or one of the numerous hibachi tables.

For some, half the pleasure of eating teppanyaki-style is the flashy showmanship; the meal is prepared before patrons' eyes.

At the hibachi tables, people from multiple parties (up to 18 guests) sit on three sides facing a central griddle. There the chef wields sharp knives with surgical precision, plays with fire, and tells the occasional joke while grilling vegetables, shrimp, scallops, salmon, swordfish, chicken, pork, steak and lobster, all with perfect timing.

Teppan’s hibachi dinners also include a three-piece shrimp appetizer, soup, house salad, Oriental vegetables, white rice and ice cream.  

A more serene experience awaits at the sushi bar. Sashimi (thin slices of fresh, raw fish) and sushi (small hand-prepared bites with or without fish, but always with vinegared rice) quietly capture attention, arranged just so on stark white plates. An abundance of rolls -- about 50 different combinations of ingredients -- are made principally with vegetables, seafood, rice and sauces.

For the uninitiated, Teppan offers a few beginner’s sushi platters, which are samplers of pieces of cooked sushi. (It’s not always raw fish!)

For those who prefer, the restaurant also offers “traditional” dinner entrees (prepared in the kitchen rather than on the griddle), which may feature teriyaki sauce or be served as tempura, lightly battered and deep fried.

For starters, the menu is replete with dozens of appetizers -- some sushi, and some other classically Japanese dishes such as edamame (fresh soy beans), coconut shrimp and harumaki egg roll.

3227 Hamilton Blvd., South Whitehall, PA 18103. 610-841-4799.