Fuji recently opened in Needham in a building that housed one of our least favorite restaurants. We were happy to see it arrive and after dining there, we hope it does well. Although there are many entrees and loads of sushi selections (and a sushi bar), the main focus of this Japanese eatery is the Teppanyaki table. Diners are seated in groups of 5 or 6 along a table surrounding a grill. The chef comes in and performs a little act with his cooking utensils and then flames the grill (for effect) and prepares a colorful meal. First miso soup and then a salad are presented. Then shrimp are fried and a special sauce is added. Three a piece are delivered to the hungry diners. We know they must be hungry because the wait to get the meal started is long. We do not recommend going to Fuji if you want instant service! After the shrimp, the main meals for the table are brought out and grilled to perfection.

RESTAURANT:	FUJI STEAK HOUSE
	1430 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA
DATE:	April 2005
MEAL:	Dinner
DECOR:
BREAD:
SALAD:	The usual Japanese salad with the usual Japanese dressing. Very ordinary but tasty. Miso soup was not hot and was watery with little flavor.
APPETIZER:	3 Grilled Shrimp - very nice.
ENTREE:	Tempura Deluxe ( $16.95) Excellent - 4 shrimp, an onion ring, broccoli, squash, etc. A good sized serving perfectly prepared.
	Shokado Special (Steak and Scallops) ($19.95) Excellent - Steak was wonderfully tender and cut into bite sized pieces. Scallops had a very pleasant sauce. The accompanying Japanese vegetables with bright and crunchy. Fried rice chosen instead of white rice. It was prepared on the grill with a lot of fanfare with eggs tossed into the air that landed and cracked in half on a spatula. Impressive!
DESSERT:
OTHER:	Easy street parking or in a lot behind the restaurant
	Dress is casual
	Food served on huge plates
OVERALL:	A- A fun experience for the whole family. Plenty of good food with a lively presentation.