South 12th in Tacoma is very much a collection of houses and assorted businesses, so to succeed, the business really needs to be of great quality.  The Mandolin, located near Proctor and S. 12th has divided the building into an impressive balance of both the Japanese art of sushi and teppanyaki cooking.  Add a selection of beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages, and you have yourself a fun evening with a date, a group of friends, or with the family.

The Mandolin offers an exciting balance of sushi selections ranging from well-known dishes like the California roll, tuna roll, albacore sashimi, and several choices of nigiri as well.  But if you choose the sushi side of the restaurant, then allow the chefs to be a bit more creative with either one of the many daily specials or another unique plate like the Seattle roll of thinly sliced Pacific salmon and spicy tuna rolled in seaweed with steamed rice, avocado and cucumber.  For a little different twist on local flavors, you may also want to try the Seahawk roll of fresh crab, avocado and cucumber, or the Mariner roll which combines crab with avocado and cream cheese.  But what makes these two special is the fact that they are deep fried offering a crunch that you might not associate with sushi.  With such a variety of sushi, most of which may not be common household names, the staff here is always ready to help and guide you in the right direction.

Now, if you like a little entertainment with your meal, then step over to the steak house section of The Mandolin, where you are certain to be entertained by a cheerful hibachi chef complete with all the utensil drumming, fire, and corny jokes that are common at Japanese steak houses.  Because your entire meal is cooked before your very eyes, you also get to eat each portion of the meal in parts.  First comes the fried rice and vegetables that start every meal.  Here is where the chef really has fun with the diners, setting the vegetables on fire, rolling eggs across the hot grill, and most importantly knowing just when to serve the vegetables, fully cooked and maintaining just the right amount of crispiness.   For the main course, you have a choice between chicken, steak, calamari, scallops, shrimp, or nearly any combination of each.  These are also grilled with fire and flare until hot and tender, seasoned with soy sauce, ginger and sesame oil.

The Mandolin provides everything Japanese cuisine you could possibly ask for in one location.  Spend an evening out, or come for a quick and fun lunch with friends or family, while taking a break from your holiday shopping.  Additionally, sushi take-out is offered if you just need to grab and go.

THE MANDOLIN SUSHI AND STEAK HOUSE, 3923 South 12th, Tacoma, 253.301.4969