By contributing writer Carrie Phyliky Rimes
Oh’s Osaka in Downtown Medford is a feast for the eyes. From the moment you enter the restaurant, your imagination is captured by the stone Buddha statue in the entranceway. The decor is reminiscent of Japan and includes a small waterfall, fountain, and rock garden feature; goldfish tank; paintings; paper lanterns; umbrellas; calligraphy; and wall hangings. There is a sushi bar, a conventional dining area with wooden tables, and six metal teppanyaki tables. The various areas are separated by partial walls topped by faux Japanese roofs. Everything felt authentic and interesting. The restrooms were neat and clean. We took some time wandering around the large restaurant space, taking it all in before sitting down at our reserved teppanyaki table, which was already set for our arrival.
We arrived promptly at 5pm on a Tuesday night, and were the first ones through the door. During the evening, groups of families, friends, and couples arrived to share the expansive space. Oh’s Osaka would make a great setting for a large party, an intimate get-together, or even a casual date. There was nothing fussy about this place. The atmosphere was relaxed and playful. The teppanyaki tables were spotless and the teppanyaki chefs were both competent cooks and entertaining showmen. The waitstaff was helpful and accommodating. This particular evening, both the owners were on hand overseeing the action. Everyone worked together to ensure the diners had a good time.
I came with two of my children—a 20-year-old and a 15-year old. Two of us have food restrictions, and the third is a picky eater. So, we presented a challenge for the waitstaff and chefs. I’m happy to say, they fully lived up to our requirements. The restaurant offers both tamari sauce and house-made gluten free teriyaki sauce on request. They asked us right away if we had any food allergies or special requirements and were happy to accommodate all of our needs.
The food was good. We started with a lemonade, a lavender lemonade, and green tea. They offered me a selection of sweeteners for my tea and gave the kids free refills on their lemonades. It was nice to have refreshing tasting ice water in addition to the other beverages. Their miso was delicious—the best miso soup I’ve had in years. The edamame was hot and salty, just as it should be, and they even gave us a bowl for the empty edamame husks. We were happy to see they offered sushi on the menu. My daughter ordered a Warrior roll and I ordered a New York roll. Both rolls were tasty and well-made. But the real piece de resistance of the evening was the teppanyaki.
Our chef entertained us with food trivia, dad jokes, and little stories as he put on a culinary show for our family. The flaming onion was a hit, as well as his impressive knife skills. It was fun watching the chef prepare and cook our dinners. Even better than watching him cook the food was eating it. We ordered the fried rice, eight vegetable stir fry, chicken teriyaki, and salmon teriyaki. We loved every bite of it. There was so much more to choose from on the menu—over two dozen teppanyaki options alone (including children’s plates), eight different types of sushi rolls, gyoza, tempura, rice, and salads. They offered a generous selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well vanilla ice cream and fried ice cream for dessert. The portions were generous. We were all hoping for dessert, but by the time we were done eating our dinners, no one had any room left.
We all ordered to-go boxes before we left, and everyone finished off their food for lunch the next day. As we headed out the door, I asked the kids what they thought. My daughter said she’d happily come back again. My son said he planned to bring his friends along next time. I resolved to invite my busy husband to eat there with me sometime. I’m sure he’d love it, too.
Oh’s Osaka offers reservations, online ordering, and catering. They are wheelchair accessible and accommodate most food restrictions. Their menu includes vegetarian fare, seafood, and meat dishes. We gave this restaurant two thumbs up. I’m sure you will, too.
Oh’s Osaka Japanese Cuisine | Website | 123 S Front St, Medford, OR 97501 | 541-282-2334
Hours: Mon – Tue 5-9pm | Wednesday – Closed | Thur – Sun 5-9pm