Merriam-Webster defines shogun as “one of a line of military governors ruling Japan until the revolution of 1867–68,” but contrary to the imagery provided by its classical definition, Shogun Hibachi Grill and Sushi is a very modern teppanyaki restaurant. From the colored LED lighting under the bar to the bubbling water feature, decorative tile flooring and architectural ceiling, diners are shielded from the sensation that they’re in a suburban Folsom strip mall.

Featuring three U-shaped hibachi presentation tables, fans of teppanyaki-style dining can get up close and personal as a personal chef deftly chops, slices, flips and flies your dinner over and above the grill and ultimately, onto your plate. I recommend calling ahead for reservations, as the website doesn’t provide information regarding show times.

Rib Eye and Scallop Combination

After being seated and ordering a cup of hot green tea, I was given an option of soups. True to its name, Clear Soup looks like a bowl of consommé with a few shaved mushrooms and sliced scallions. Though simple in visual composition, the rich, almost smoky flavor was unforgettably perfect umami.

 Next was the Fried Oyster appetizer—a surprisingly traditional American preparation even down to the tartar sauce. I struggled not to eat the entire order of four pieces knowing there was more work to be done, but it may have been the best version I’ve had, Japanese or American. The first entrée was from their hibachi menu—the Rib Eye and Scallop Combination served with fried rice, sautéed vegetables and a shrimp appetizer. The thinly sliced squares of rib eye were cooked to a perfect, tender, medium rare, and the scallops were seared nicely and not overcooked. My server recommended the two “hibachi sauces”—one, a ginger sauce, was delicious on either protein; while the second, a kewpie (Japanese mayo) sriracha, was a bit rich for my liking.

The sushi chef then presented me with his beautiful Sushi and Sashimi Combo—an absolutely stunningly plated combination of five of their freshest crudo items including salmon, hamachi, maguro, albacore and unagi; each prepared as both nigiri and sashimi. So meticulous is the chef’s attention to detail that my to-go box was worthy of some social media posts…edible artwork at its finest!   

Hours:  Noon–9 p.m. (Sunday); 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (Monday–Saturday); 4:30-9:30 p.m. (Monday-Thursday); 4:30-10:30 p.m. (Friday-Saturday)

Try This:  Clear Soup, Sushi and Sashimi Combo, Hibachi Combination, Mochi Green Tea Ice Cream

Alcohol:  Beer and wine

Tab:  $$ (lunch); $$-$$$ (dinner)

Heads-Up:  Teppanyaki show; coupons in the Style Savings Guide and on Shogun’s website

Shogun Hibachi Grill and Sushi. 1870 Prairie City Road, Suite 600, Folsom. 916-985-9888.