"At yakiniku spot Niwa, daters can avoid uncomfortable silences with a meal that they help to cook. If the night is going well, imagine locking eyes over the gently smoking grill; a too-hot bite can be cooled down with a sip of chilled sake. Tuesday nights are happy hour from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., and that’s a good excuse to get this experience of a meal for a bargain. Niwa is located in Deep Ellum, so the warnings about parking apply — allow time to arrive early and find a spot. Lots can be expensive, up to $30 on the weekends, so factor that price into your night as well." - Courtney E. Smith, Rachel Pinn
"Strengthen your relationship by doing a little work together — cooking delicious bites at this Deep Ellum Japanese barbecue joint, that is. The couple who barbecue together, stay together, right? The dark interiors and exposed brick walls come together to set the mood. The surrounding neighborhood has lots of second locations to stop after dinner for drinks or a concert." - Courtney E. Smith
"Diners can fill the grill at this DIY spot with pork jowl in a sweet marinade, short ribs, and top-notch Wagyu beef imported from Japan. Don’t sleep on the non-meat options, either — Niwa’s broccolini and king trumpet mushrooms with tofu feta for the grill are also excellent choices." - Eater Staff
"Avoid uncomfortable silences with a meal you help prepare! Imagine a steamy stare over the grill and a sizzling bite cooled down with a sip of cool sake. Niwa Japanese BBQ is perfect for sharing flavors and getting to know each other. Visit on the 29th of each month, where a $29 meat special will have you eating like kings." - Rachel Pinn, Leslie Chatman
"Diners can fill the grill at this DIY spot with pork jowl in a sweet marinade, short ribs, and top-notch Wagyu beef imported from Japan. Don’t sleep on the non-meat options, either — Niwa’s broccolini and king trumpet mushrooms with tofu feta for the grill are also excellent choices." - Eater Staff