House of Yoshida, located at 25 Grassy Plain Street in Bethel, has been operating since 2002. The restaurant serves up traditional Japanese cuisine as well as dishes that are mixed with European flair.

Connecticut Magazine named House of Yoshida in its Best Restaurants edition, where it won Best Sushi, Best Hidden Gem, Best Japanese Restaurant, and Best Overall Value in Connecticut for 2022.

Owner Aki Arai grew up in Japan and learned how to make sushi while working at his uncle’s restaurant in Tokyo. He continues to visit Japan often and always posts about his trips, along with House of Yoshida’s weekly specials, on the restaurant’s social media pages.

He likes to keep the sushi bar authentic to how items would be prepared in Japan, but he has more flexibility in the kitchen because of his love for European food.

As a chef at House of Yoshida, Arai is always accommodating customers’ requests. If there are specific dietary needs or preferences, he can make ingredient substitutions for customers and even create completely new dishes that are off the menu.

“As long as we have ingredients, we can make it,” he said with a smile.

Arai’s laid-back, pleasant attitude and culinary skills are what draw customers to frequent House of Yoshida. Many regulars can be found striking up a conversation with the owner.

Arai explains that the atmosphere at his restaurant is casual, saying, “It’s a very comfortable place. I’m friends with everybody.”

The restaurant currently seats 30 guests in the dining area, which features a variety of Japanese décor.

Catering options are also available for all occasions.

Sample Of The Menu

Soups: House of Yoshida offers a variety of soups, including Spicy Seafood Bouillabaisse made of shrimp, salmon, clams, cod, and mixed vegetables in a creamy, spicy broth.

Appetizers: A popular seafood appetizer is the Pile of Mussels, PEI mussels simmered in a smoked sake garlic butter broth. A staff favorite under their meat appetizers is the Chicken Kara-age, their crispy fried chicken fries with a side of homemade honey mustard. In addition to their vegetable appetizers, you will find Edamame that can be done in three ways: sea salt, garlic and anchovy or pepperoncini with Parmesan cheese, garlic, red pepper flakes and olive oil.

Salads: There are more than ten different salad options available on the menu. The Tuna Tartare is a standout item, made with diced tuna and avocado, served with a creamy garlic vinaigrette.

Specials: Every week, House of Yoshida posts its latest specials menu on its social media accounts with photos and a brief description of the dish. You will often find Aki’s creations land outside the realm of traditional Japanese cuisine, one of his favorites being Italian cuisine.

Main Courses: Among the different items made from the kitchen, House of Yoshida offers three tempura options: shrimp, vegetable, and fish, each dipped in tempura batter and deep fried until light and crispy.

Sushi: Both an À La Carte and Chef’s Choice menus are available for sushi and sashimi. The three top-selling sushi items are tuna, king salmon, and yellowtail. The sushi is fresh, sliced, and served over seasoned rice.

Fried Rice and Noodles: One of Arai’s personal recommendations, noted on the menu, is the Hoisin Duck Fried Rice, made with slow cooked duck and a fried egg on top. If you’re looking for a hot bowl of Ramen, you can choose between a Traditional Soy, Tonkotsu, or Spicy Miso broth, all served with pork belly, ramen noodles, seaweed, scallions and a poached egg.

Japanese Fondue: Groups can share the Shabu Shabu, with thinly sliced sirloin steak, vegetables, and noodles served raw to be cooked by diners in a savory broth. Sesame and ponzu dipping sauce come on the side.

Desserts: In 2016, House of Yoshida brought in a pastry chef who creates items such as fried cheesecake with raspberry sauce.

Drinks: House of Yoshida offers an assortment of wine, beer, cocktails and sake. The latter comes in cold, hot, and specialty varieties.

House of Yoshida is open Wednesday and Thursday, from 4 to 9 pm; Friday and Saturday, from noon to 10 pm; and Sunday, from noon to 9 pm. The kitchen closes 30 minutes before the service area, so plan accordingly if ordering to go.

Takeout, catering options, and seating reservations are accepted by calling 203-798-8128. For more information about the restaurant and Aki Arai’s trips to Japan, visit houseofyoshida.com — and for Arai’s newest weekly specials, follow the restaurant’s Facebook @House Of Yoshida and Instagram @houseofyoshida. All featured food photos come courtesy of House of Yoshida customer Jaida Li.