Japanese Teppanyaki Chain Opens First East Coast Location in Pinellas Park

Pepper Lunch launched its first East Coast spot in Pinellas Park this year. The cook-at-the-table teppanyaki concept arrived at 4699 Park Blvd., serving meals throughout the day.

Dishes arrive on 500-degree plates. Customers cook everything themselves right at their seats. Since the doors opened, more than 80% of orders have been variations of beef pepper rice. That signature dish comes with beef, chicken, tofu, shrimp or salmon.

Diners pick their protein first. Then they select sauce, vegetables and base. Everything gets mixed on the hot plate. The cooking happens in front of you, letting you control spice levels and doneness.

This teppanyaki concept has thrived in Japan for decades. West Coast eaters have enjoyed similar restaurants for years, but Pinellas Park brings it to the East Coast for the first time.

Mix-your-own pasta dishes fill out the menu. Steak plates sit next to curry choices and teriyaki options. Seafood selections round out the proteins. Miso soup comes as a side. Sweet potato wedges and onion rings don't require any cooking.

The local operation has caught on since spring. It's different from what most St. Petersburg area diners know.

Sunday through Thursday, doors open at 11 a.m. and close at 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday hours stretch to 10 p.m. The website shows the full menu.