Endless Hibachi & Sushi: Great Lunch Value

It's one of the Best Values for lunch north of Boston. I've dined there three times now, with three different groups of family and friends, and everyone was very happy with their food, marveling at the value of the meal. It's a relatively new restaurant as well, and worthy of exposure. 

At Endless Hibachi & Sushi, in Peabody on Route 1, from Monday to Friday, 11:30am-3pm, you can get an All-You-Can-Eat lunch for only $20.95. This includes Sushi (nigiri & maki rolls), Japanese appetizers (from Gyoza to Katsu), a Hibachi meal, and more! This is not served Buffet style, but rather you order off a menu, and then your food is delivered to you. This ensures your hot dishes are hot, and not lukewarm as you might find on some buffets. This system is also more hygienic than a buffet. When you finish your first order of food, you can then choose more selections from their menu. 

Please note that you cannot take any left-over food home, and if you leave food on your plate, you might incur a surcharge. This is done to help prevent food waste. 

There are Sushi Bar Appetizers, including Sashimi Salad, Salmon Tartar, Pepper Tuna, Squid Salad, Red Snapper Jalapeño, and Tako Su. The Red Snapper Jalapeño was a plate of at least six pieces of tender and flavorful red snapper, topped by a slice of jalapeño. There are 10 different types of Nigiri Sushi, including Tuna, Mackerel, Salmon, Shrimp, Octopus, and more. The sushi is good, the same quality you find at many other restaurants, where you might pay $5-$6 for two pieces of nirigi. So, it would be easy here to eat $21 of sushi alone. You'll also find 12 Maki Rolls, including California, Sweet Potato Tempura, Spicy Salmon, Eel Avocado, and more. Plus, there are 6 Specialty Sushi Rolls, including a Red Sox Roll, Caterpillar Roll and American Dream. 

If you were paying $21 for just this All-You-Can-Eat sushi, it would be an excellent value. However, your lunch here comes with much more!

The Kitchen Appetizers include 8 options, from Edamame to French Fries. Most of these items are ordered by the piece, so its easy to sample several options. The Chicken Katsu was delicious, a small piece of tender, fried chicken, cut into slices, with a BBQ-like sauce atop it. The Pork Gyoza, pictured above, were crunchy, with a nice interior blend of pork, veggie and spices. 

The Shrimp Shumai, which you can order steamed or fried, are tasty, similar to what you often find at many other Japanese restaurants.

I'm very particular about Tempura, and its often indicative of the quality of a Japanese restaurant. If a restaurant can't get their Tempura right, such as when the batter is too thick or heavy, then it's been my experience they often have issues with other dishes as well. The Shrimp Tempura here though was excellent, with a great, light and crunchy batter. Impressive.

They also have Sweet Potato Tempura, and it too was excellent, with a fine light and crunchy batter, and tender sweet potato inside.

The Menu also includes Soups & Salads, such as Miso Soup, Hibachi Soup, Seaweed Salad, and Spicy Kani Salad. And their From The Kitchen section, has dishes of Fried Rice, Yaki Soba, and Teriyaki. These dishes are larger, and you probably might want to split them with another person. For example, the Beef Teriyaki includes an ample portion of small cubes of tender and flavorful beef. 

Again, if you were paying $21 for the All-You-Can-Eat sushi plus all those appetizers, it would be an excellent value. However, your lunch here comes with even more.

You also get your choice of a Hibachi lunch, which includes vegetables and fried rice. You can choose from Sirloin Steak, Chicken, Calamari, or Vegetables, and you can even choose two selections if you want. Plus, you can add Scallops (for an additional $8) or Lobster Tail (for an additional $10).

Like other Hibachi spots, your Hibachi chef performs while cooking, from an onion volcano (pictured above) to tossing food to a guest's mouth. 

Portion size is what you will find at most other Hibachi spots, and they haven't reduced the quantity at all. Your plate will be full of meat, veggies, and fried rice. Consider this when ordering your sushi and appetizers so you have enough room left to eat a full Hibachi plate. 

If you don't leave full after this lunch, then you weren't trying hard enough. And at $21, you probably won't find a better lunch value anywhere. Dinner is only $34.95, and the menu is even larger, with more options available. They have a full bar, with beer, wine and spirits. Cocktails, ($9.95-$12.95), are available, from Mai Tais to Martinis. Service is very good, and there is a fun vibe to the place. Bring your appetite, bring your friends, and have a great time, all at an excellent value.