Queens Tribune

Shiro Of Japan
80-40 Cooper Avenue at 80th Street, Glendale
(718) 326-8704
CUISINE: Japanese
HOURS: Lunch noon to 3 p.m. daily; dinner 5 to 10 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday.
PARKING: Garage
CREDIT CARD: Yes
TAKEOUT: Yes

Because you’ve been looking for an excuse to check out the Shops at Atlas Park, I’ll give you one.
Shiro of Japan is a unique Japanese establishment set in the beautiful, idyllic, but somewhat impractical, outside mall in Glendale.

While some of the shops are still trying to find their niche, Shiro is a tried-and-true extension from a famed Long Island establishment. The restaurant knows what it is and what it does best.

Situated on the second tier of the mall, walking into the restaurant, with its light wooden walls accenting the entirely Japanese atmosphere, it’s impressive. In the foyer, you have your first of many choices afforded to you. To the left is a chic sushi bar with subtle neon lights and sushi chefs diligently working on their masterpieces. To the right is the hibachi grill, one of the only in Queens.

Hibachi, so everyone is clear, is a Japanese grill surrounded by a u-shaped table, where patrons get the unique opportunity to watch the chef prepare their food in front of them. But this is no Benihana, the chefs at Shiro have been taught by masters and will not only dish out a delicious teriyaki steak or, its specialty, a Long Island Duck with Pear Sauce, they will entertain their table with style and pizzazz.

Because of its entertainment value, Shiro is an ideal place to bring the family. Even your aloof teenager glued to their cell phone will appreciate real-life interaction for the evening – the car ride there and back is still up in the air.

Don’t forget to tell the waitress when it’s someone’s birthday. Not only does the birthday boy or girl get the traditional song and dance, but they are also wrapped in a beautiful kimono (a Japanese robe). This idea will surely make your little girl feel like a princess and your boy feel like a samurai. It will also make your friend feel like a goof and afford many great pictures throughout the evening, don’t forget the sake.

The sushi bar is more intimate and feels a bit more grown up, but by that I don’t mean boring. It has a restrained sophistication and serves some of the best sushi you’ll find in the borough. This is likely because the restaurant owners also own a fish distribution company.

The sushi is so fresh it melts in your mouth like butter. Shiro is also very sharp at adding an interesting mix of traditional and nontraditional Japanese sauces and seasonings.

Moderately priced, the sushi can be ordered as an appetizer or a full meal served on a large platter easily shared with friends and a couple rounds of a Japanese beer or plum wine.
Shiro is a hidden treasure just waiting for you, your family and your friends to excavate.