Hands-on dining comes to Holyoke with Daruma Japanese BBQ and Sushi

HOLYOKE ― Daruma Japanese BBQ and Sushi fired up its DIY grills Friday in Holyoke, bringing a new dining experience and a boost to the local economy.

Guests walking up to the doors can snap a selfie with a big Boston terrier dressed in a white sweater, gold chain, Adidas shell-toe sneakers and gold rings. The dog sits on a bench outside the restaurant at 241 Whiting Farms Road.

Inside, guests get a hands-on dining experience by cooking their own meats and vegetables right at the table.

Sushi Chef Ming Lin prepares dishes on the opening night of the Daruma Japanese BBQ restaurant in Holyoke. Dec. 5, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican)Douglas Hook

"We have three pricing options. We have one for $32.99; you can order anything from the stock-box. All you can eat. Then for an extra $5 per person they can order any sushi from the stock box, as well," said Yi Zhang, manager.

For $44.99, guests can enjoy all-you-can-eat dishes from a menu that mixes signature barbecue with classic favorites.

As for the do-it-yourself grills at the tables, "It's just like cooking at home," he said.

Zhang's menu recommendation is the scallion beef cubes.

"It takes a little longer to cook, but that's my favorite. They are very tender," he said.

Daruma Japanese BBQ and Sushi owner Eason Lin talks to his chefs on opening night in Holyoke on Friday. (Douglas Hook / The Republican)Douglas Hook

A few items — udon and soba noodles and fried rice — are prepared in the kitchen, and the sushi is made at its special bar, Zhang said. The menu includes starters, like Japanese salads, and other main dishes and sides, such as fried rice, curry, teriyaki and more.

Owner Eason Lin, who lives in New York, previously worked at a large upscale restaurant on the New Jersey coast, Zhang said. The chef there became his mentor and taught him everything about running a kitchen and a restaurant, he said.

After few years there, Lin wanted to open a restaurant in a smaller city to gain experience. He then heard about the building from friends, and after visiting the Holyoke site, he was interested, Zhang said.

"He thought Holyoke was more his speed," he said.

Instead of going full upscale, Lin chose to open a place that's more affordable for everyone, Zhang said.

"Everything is fresh, as much as you can eat. We are really trying to feed the community," he said.

Assistant Manager Jason Lu prepares a customer's food on opening night of the Daruma Japanese BBQ restaurant in Holyoke. (Douglas Hook / The Republican)Douglas Hook

Daruma Japanese BBQ and Sushi opened Nov. 1, becoming the first Japanese barbecue spot in Western Massachusetts.

The restaurant is open seven days a week and employs about 15 people from the local community, Zhang said.

The family-owned restaurant opened right around Thanksgiving, so business was mixed at first.

"Now it is looking steadier," he said. "We are hoping that we can bring more (to the) economy in the city. We are really here to invest in this community."

Nessalyn Neth, in a white jacket, and her sister eat at the Daruma Japanese BBQ and Sushi restaurant in Holyoke on Friday. (Douglas Hook / The Republican)Douglas Hook

During Friday's grand opening, Zhang said Lin is working with the state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission to get a liquor license, which could take about four months. Attendees included representatives from the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce and Mayor Joshua Garcia.

The grand opening adds to the city's diverse food culture, the chamber said.

Daruma Japanese BBQ and Sushi Assistant Manager Jason Lu takes the meat box to Nessalyn Neth and her sister on the opening of the restaurant in Holyoke on Friday. (Douglas Hook / The Republican)Douglas Hook

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