Masa 8 in Lawrenceville 

STYLE

Japanese restaurant located in a strip mall. Table seating and a vigorous takeout business.

THE SCOOP

Opened in 2006, chef Owen Chen has been making inspired traditional Japanese dishes since, with ingredients sourced locally.

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THE MENU

Traditional favorites include starters like soups, dumpling dishes and edamame. Other apps include less conventional options like fried calamari and lettuce wraps. Sushi is the star on the large, diverse menu. The signature special rolls are generous and inventive. Favorites like the Godzilla roll (a deep-fried roll of white fish, salmon with tobiko, and a house-made sauce) and the Barbados roll (with soft-shell crab, avocado and cucumber topped with spicy tuna and seaweed salad) are highlights.

Main courses include hot dishes like a selection of Japanese-style fried rice, stir-fried noodles, and various hibachi offerings. À la carte sushi and sashmi, don buri and bento boxes are also available.

HEADS UP

Lunch special combos include bento boxes for $13.95, two- or three-roll meals, and $15.95-plus sushi-bar specials. A catering menu is also available.

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