Ukai Japanese Steakhouse – Japanese
Ukai Japanese Steakhouse pulses with a vibrant energy where the aroma of toasted sesame and the golden crunch of tempura set the stage for a spirited communal feast. Guests dive into a tapestry of textures, from the chilled, vinegary brightness of sunomono and seaweed salads to the savory warmth of pan-seared gyoza and zesty spicy tuna poppers. It is a destination where the artistry of the kitchen meets the joy of the table, creating an immersive experience that celebrates the bold, clean flavors of Japanese cuisine.
2167 West Grand River Avenue, Okemos 48864 https://iloveukai.com/location/grand-river/Rating: 4/5 (1 reviews)
Cuisine: Japanese
Price range: $
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, keto, low-carb, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, renal, tlc, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb, soy-free
Diet fit at Ukai Japanese Steakhouse
Dairy-Free at Ukai Japanese Steakhouse
Ukai Japanese Steakhouse in Okemos has 8 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Vegetable Tempura, Edamame (Plain) and Spring Rolls (6). Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at Ukai Japanese Steakhouse
Ukai Japanese Steakhouse in Okemos has 1 gluten-free-tagged dish on its current menu, including Seaweed Salad. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at Ukai Japanese Steakhouse
Ukai Japanese Steakhouse in Okemos has 25 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Vegetable Tempura, Edamame (Plain) and Pick 3 Combo. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at Ukai Japanese Steakhouse
Ukai Japanese Steakhouse in Okemos has 2 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Gyoza (6) and Sunomono. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Keto at Ukai Japanese Steakhouse
Ukai Japanese Steakhouse in Okemos has 1 keto-tagged dish on its current menu, including Seaweed Salad. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at Ukai Japanese Steakhouse
Ukai Japanese Steakhouse in Okemos has 1 low-carb-tagged dish on its current menu, including Seaweed Salad. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at Ukai Japanese Steakhouse
Ukai Japanese Steakhouse in Okemos has 7 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Edamame (Plain), Spring Rolls (6) and Avocado Roll. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegetarian at Ukai Japanese Steakhouse
Ukai Japanese Steakhouse in Okemos has 8 vegetarian-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Vegetable Tempura, Edamame (Plain) and Spring Rolls (6). Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at Ukai Japanese Steakhouse
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Bulgogi Beef Bowl | 27.3 g | 94.8 g |
| Gyoza (6) | 19.9 g | 39.7 g |
| Shrimp Tempura | 29.1 g | 33.1 g |
| Sunomono | 8 g | 24 g |
| Sushi & Sashimi Lunch | 42.6 g | 23.2 g |
| Smelt Egg (Tobiko) | 0.6 g | 19.5 g |
| Shrimp Bowl | 38.5 g | 18.3 g |
| Escolar Tataki | 0 g | 12.4 g |
| Sashimi Lunch | 0 g | 12.4 g |
| Chicken Bowl | 44.1 g | 9.8 g |
| Vegetable Tempura | 19.9 g | 9.5 g |
| California Roll Combo | 9.8 g | 6.8 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently closed
Hours
- Monday - Saturday
- 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Sunday
- 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM
What diners are saying
Guests celebrate the kitchen's clear pride in their craft, specifically raving about the tender appetizers that showcase high-quality preparation and attention to detail. Reviewers highlight the welcoming and pleasant atmosphere that makes it a standout neighborhood addition, further complemented by service that is consistently described as accommodating and timely.
Menu
Starters
- Sunomono - $9: Daikon radish, cucumber, avocado, shrimp, tamago, and crab seasoned with citrus vinegar Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Slow-Carb Available at: dinner, lunch
- Seaweed Salad - $4: Seaweed and asian veggies tossed in sesame oil Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Atkins, South-Beach, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Vegetable Tempura - $6: Sweet potato, onion, broccoli and zucchini Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Ika Salad - $8: Squid and Japanese vegetables tossed in a sesame oil marinade Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Shrimp Tempura - $8: Four pieces of shrimp and assorted tempura vegetables Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Spring Rolls (6) - $6: Crispy, fried vegetable spring rolls served with pineapple dipping sauce Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Edamame (Plain) - $4: Steamed soy beans Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb Available at: dinner, lunch
- Edamame (Spicy) - $5: Steamed soy beans with spicy seasoning Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Spicy Tuna Poppers - $7: Tempura jalapenos stuffed with cream cheese and spicy tuna Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Gyoza (6) - $7: Fried or steamed vegetable potstickers Dietary tags: High-Protein Available at: dinner, lunch
- Soft Shell Crab - $9: Lightly tempuraed whole crab with ponzu sauce Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- House Salad - $2: Fresh lettuce with house made ginger dressing and carrots Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Escolar Tataki - $15: Garlic seared escolar in a light garlic ponzu sauce served on a bed of radish Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, South-Beach, Renal, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
Sushi Bar Specials
- Veggie Roll Combo - $12: Choice of three rolls: cucumber, avocado, or AAC Dietary tags: Halal, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Sushi Lunch - $14: Six pieces of chef's choice nigiri and choice of one maki roll Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, TLC, Renal Available at: lunch
- Pick 3 Combo - $15: Choice of three maki rolls Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Sashimi Lunch - $14: Six pieces of chef's choice sashimi and choice of one maki roll Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Renal, Macrobiotic Available at: lunch
- Sushi & Sashimi Lunch - $15: Four pieces of chef's choice nigiri and sashimi with choice of one maki roll Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Cholesterol Available at: lunch
- California Roll Combo - $11: Three California Rolls Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, High-Fiber, GERD-Friendly, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Avocado Roll - $5 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Smelt Egg (Tobiko) - $6 Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Sweet Potato Tempura Roll - $7 Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
Specialty Bowl Entrees
- Katsu Chicken Bowl - $10: Panko breaded crispy chicken with Katsu sauce, grilled vegetables, and choice of rice or noodles Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chicken Bowl - $10: Grilled, tempura, spicy, or teriyaki chicken with grilled vegetables and choice of rice or noodles Available at: dinner, lunch
- Bulgogi Beef Bowl - $12: Thinly sliced ribeye (spicy or teriyaki) with grilled vegetables and choice of rice or noodles Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Shrimp Bowl - $12: Grilled, spicy, teriyaki, or sweet chili shrimp with grilled vegetables and choice of rice or noodles Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tempura Shrimp Bowl - $11: Japanese style shrimp and vegetable tempura with grilled vegetables and choice of rice or noodles Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Salmon Filet Bowl - $12: Grilled, spicy, or teriyaki salmon with grilled vegetables and choice of rice or noodles Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Cholesterol, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Veggie Bowl - $8: Grilled broccoli, onions, sweet potatoes, zucchini, and carrots with choice of rice or noodles Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
Little Ninja Meals
- Little Ninja Meal - $5: Japanese style tempura chicken strips with choice of rice or noodles and teriyaki or pineapple sauce Available at: dinner, lunch
Frequently Asked Questions about Ukai Japanese Steakhouse
- What are the most popular dishes at this restaurant?
- Popular dishes include tender appetizers, spicy tuna poppers, gyoza, sunomono, seaweed salads, and various tempura options.
- What type of cuisine does this restaurant specialize in?
- Ukai Japanese Steakhouse specializes in Japanese cuisine, featuring traditional dishes like tempura, gyoza, sushi, and various specialty seafood salads.
- What is the price range at this restaurant?
- Ukai Japanese Steakhouse is a budget-friendly ($) restaurant offering affordable Japanese cuisine and steakhouse dishes.
- Is this restaurant currently open and operational?
- Ukai Japanese Steakhouse is currently operational, with location details and an active website available at https://iloveukai.com/location/grand-river/.
- What should first-time visitors know about this restaurant?
- Visitors can expect a welcoming, budget-friendly Japanese steakhouse featuring high-quality appetizers, timely service, and a vibrant communal dining atmosphere.
- Does this restaurant have good options for group dining with mixed dietary needs?
- The restaurant accommodates mixed diets with vegan, gluten-free, keto, and high-protein options like spicy edamame, vegetable tempura, and sashimi.
- What is the overall customer sentiment about this restaurant?
- Rated 4.0/5, guests rave about the high-quality appetizers, welcoming atmosphere, and service that is consistently described as accommodating and timely.
- What are the main concerns mentioned in customer reviews?
- Customer reviews mention no specific concerns, instead focusing on the high-quality appetizers, welcoming atmosphere, and consistently accommodating, timely service.
- What type of diner would most enjoy this restaurant?
- Diners seeking a budget-friendly, communal Japanese experience with diverse dietary options like keto, vegan, and high-protein dishes would enjoy this restaurant.
- What makes this restaurant unique or special?
- Ukai Japanese Steakhouse stands out for its high-quality appetizers, welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, and exceptionally accommodating service at a budget-friendly price.
- Is Ukai Japanese Steakhouse dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. Ukai Japanese Steakhouse has 8 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Vegetable Tempura, Edamame (Plain) and Spring Rolls (6).
- What can I eat at Ukai Japanese Steakhouse on a dairy-free diet?
- Vegetable Tempura, Edamame (Plain) and Spring Rolls (6) carry the dairy-free tag, out of 8 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does Ukai Japanese Steakhouse have vegan options?
- Yes. 7 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Edamame (Plain) and Spring Rolls (6).
- Is Ukai Japanese Steakhouse gluten-free?
- 1 dish is tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at Ukai Japanese Steakhouse?
- Bulgogi Beef Bowl, at roughly 94.8g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
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