A team photo of the staff for Nanlangka Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar. City of Porterville photo

Owne and Sushi Bar was honored as an Outstanding Business Honoree by the City of Porterville during the Sept. 5 city council meeting.

The award recognizes the business’ contributions to the revitalization of downtown Porterville, and coincides with the launch of the Downtown Main Street reconstruction project, which will enhance the downtown business district.

Opened in 2017, Nanlangka Teppanyaki and Sushi Bar was Porterville’s first teppanyaki restaurant, offering Japanese-style dining featuring meals grilled in front of diners over open flame. Owner Chanh Nanlangka acquired his skills while working as a chef at Benihana in San Francisco.

Nanlangka purchased Tokyo Bowl in 1997 and in 2013, started converting nearly 4,000 square feet of space – formerly Carmen’s Mexican Restaurant – into the teppanyaki eatery.

“Mr. Nanlangka states that the restaurant’s success is a reflection of the team’s hard work and that of his family, who have played a crucial role in its achievements and in maintaining a base of loyal customers,” according to a City of Porterville new release.

The restaurant expanded in 2019, adding 1,000 square feet, a patio with space for private events and additional parking.

With seating for 182 guests, the restaurant consistently draws customers from throughout the Central Valley.

Nanlangka Teppanyaki is located at 560 N. Main St. in Porterville. To learn more, visit nanlangkaporterville.com or call (559) 793-4007.