Niwa Japanese BBQ

"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

"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

"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?" - 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