Peniku Japanese Hibachi Grill — Restaurant in Clinton

Absolutely delicious Asian food for a small Missouri town. Although not many American sushi and/or hibachi restaurants are exactly "authentic", this is probably the closest you will find in mid-Missouri, and the sushi chef we had on our visit was extremely skilled, and I imagined undervalued for his skill around here. The miso soup was excellent and had a good flavor for a miso.

The sushi was absolutely delicious, and the squid was actually quite fresh-tasting considering how far inland Missouri really is. The sushi chef did not try to cover or hide the flavor of the fish and sticky rice with too many sauces. He let the delicate choice of sauces slightly compliment the flavor of the sushi which was nice, considering the fresh quality of the fish.

When I say "fresh quality", of course I don't mean even nearly equal to the freshness of the sushi one would find in Japan because of how far Missouri is from any major sources of saltwater fish, octopus, squid, etc. But I will say it is the freshest fish and seafood for the location, which is quite an achievement, and very much worth 5-stars.

My wife had the beef hibachi and it was very good, very good quality meat and good-tasting.

I do wish they would offer dessert choices, at least 2-3 options would be nice, but the (adult) drink menu is absolutely divine!!

The service was also absolutely wonderful - though we came during a very quiet time for the restaurant, our server was a lady who recognized us and our garden as we lived down the street from her. She was so kind and lovely to meet, and was very accommodating to any requests, and was extremely attentive as a server.

We would highly recommend Peniku Japanese Hibachi Grill (and sushi!) to visitors from out of town coming through Clinton, Missouri, and also to town residents looking for fantastic Japanese food and delicious drinks in Clinton, down South 2nd Street across the street from Casey's South in the small building near the Samaritan Center. We will go there again as a treat whenever we can afford it. It is a bit on the expensive side, but completely worth it in quality of food...

I don't even know where to begin. The service is ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE, I can name a couple employees, but out of respect for the spelling of their name, I won't butcher it. They are ALL amazing, I've had a SUPER positive experience with everyone in there. The food is absolutely amazing and 100% consistent, prices are not the cheapest but far from expensive, and have very large portions. I truly gorge myself getting 1 sushi roll and a hibachi meal. The atmosphere is pleasant and the restaurant is always 100% clean. It is absolutely insane that I say "Peniku" and occasionally people don't know the place instantly, this place deserves to be a staple in MO dining. Absolutely phenomenal place to eat and spend your time. And Barbie...

Food tasted good. However, we found a bug leg in the shrimp shumai. Did not make a big deal paid for food anyway. Saw server cough into her hands and not wash before handling plates. Both of us ended up throwing up a few hours after we ate. The “fresh” salmon did not have a fresh texture, and was slightly warm. We are a HUGE sushi and nigiri eating family. Who pay upwards of 150 for a nice sushi dinner for 2. There’s definitely a difference between fresh fish here and other places we’ve been. This was not great quality and the special sauce was severely salty. Will not be eating here again unfortunately even tho the food tasted decent. We love hole in the wall places, but the outside of the building really did represent the food...