Bites Nearby: Yasai

You could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. Each week, Cerritos-Artesia Patch picks a great restaurant either in town or nearby that is worth checking out. Here's this week's choice:

Overview: Yasai offers fresh and delicious ingredients grilled and served with salads,  rice bowls and complemented with several succulent varieties of sushi rolls.  Perfect for catering, colorful party platters radiate with a sampling of each of its best delicacies.

Décor: Located in the Cerritos Town Center, Yasai is clean, contemporary and simple, accentuating the flavorful aromas and tastes presented to every patron.

The Drinks: Classic selection of sodas, as well as Arizona teas, Melon Soda and Green Tea ($1-$1.75).

Sides & Appetizers: Classic complementary dishes such as Shrimp & Veggie Tempura ($4.50). Or snap up addictive favorites such as fresh Edamame Soybeans ($ 2.50). Or savor delicious Yakitori ($4.99) shish-ka-bob style skewers of zucchini, bell peppers, beef, chicken and mushrooms. For the culinary curious new to sushi, smaller samplers are available such as a four-piece Crunch Roll ($3.25)  shrimp tempura covered in crab meat, cucumber and avocado wrapped in sticky rice then sprinkled with crunchy tempura flakes.

Entrees: A variety of beef, chicken, salmon or pork are tastefully marinated in Yasai’s special teriyaki sauce of sesame seeds and green onions, then charbroiled and served on a bed of rice along with a refreshing salad and veggie skewers ($6.50-$7.25). There are even larger sampler meals such as the Chicken Breast Combo Special, served with Tempura, four pieces of California Roll as well as the standard sides of rice, salad and veggie skewers all for ($8.50). Great for sushi lovers or for everyone to share, there are several elaborate sushi rolls such as the colorful Rainbow Roll ($7.99) filled with crab meat, cucumber, avocado, tuna, salmon, white fish and shrimp.

Soups and Salads: Fresh vegetables, assorted nuts and flavorful dressings are weaved into delightful salads such as the Sumi Salad ($4.99) with green/purple cabbage, carrots, green onions, almonds, crunchy noodles and sesame seeds.  And lets not forget a staple in every classic Japanese cuisine, Udon noodles. The Shrimp Tempura Udon Soup ($5.99) is so savory and wholesome it can warm any heart along with your taste buds. 

Service: Service is fast casual, with patrons ordering in line as you see the cooks behind the counter quickly preparing meals, taking no more than 5-7 minutes.

Signature Dish: Beef Teriyaki Plate, Crunch Roll or Grilled Chicken Breast Salad.

Yasai Cerritos

12751 E. Town Center Drive

Cerritos, CA. 90703

562-809-5088