Celebrating Dinner With A View At Mount Fuji

When we’re celebrating a family event or in the mood for something different, one place on our short list is Mount Fuji in Hillburn, NY. A hibachi restaurant with a view (Oh, what a view!), it is a special experience from the second you see the sign and gigantic imperial red gate (Torii) to head up the spiraling drive to the restaurant atop the hill. (Imagine the ride up the mountain to visit the Grinch in How the Grinch Stole Christmas.) If you’ve ever driven the NYS Thruway near the NJ/NY state border and wondered what the pagoda and large American flag are doing up there just off the highway, this is it!

Mount Fuji is a Japanese steakhouse serving sushi and hibachi with Japanese-inspired decor: complete with statues, a waterfall, koi pond, bridges, et al. I almost expect to see Roger Moore walk through the place, straight out of a 1970′s James Bond movie. For seating, you have a choice of a booth with an amazing first-hand view - which requires you to remove your shoes before sitting at the lowered table,  a seat at the sushi bar, or a more public hibachi table where you are usually seated with strangers to share the experience.

I’m not sure which I anticipate more: the spectacular views overlooking Ramapo Valley, or the hibachi show at our table. Dining with kids so often includes planning ahead to placate or occupy them while you wait to eat, so it’s nice to not have to worry about it as the Mount Fuji table-side chefs are experienced with tricks and means of entertaining kids and adults alike. Some of our favorites include catching an egg in the chef’s hat, the onion volcano and arranging the food to spell out “I heart U.” Everytime we’ve been there, the staff and service have been excellent. The servers are friendly and we haven’t had to wait for drinks to be refilled or answers to any questions that we’ve raised. They often include a special umbrella in drinks for the kids.

Perhaps what they are most known for are their expansive Sunday brunches which  usually fill up for the brunch holidays like Easter and Mothers Day. They also offer murder mystery dinners and honor birthdays or other celebrations with “Banzai” treatment including a server wearing a dragon mask and sparklers. Valet parking is mandatory and included in the experience.

While I mentioned taking children to Mount Fuji, the major drawback with taking children is the cost, with the children’s menu set at $19.95, and the hibachi entrees between $23-$45 each, which is why most people reserve this place for celebratory meals. Mount Fuji in Hillburn is a fantastic place to visit when you’re feeling on top of the world, or just want to be on top for a change.

Mount Fuji Restaurant & The Views at Mount Fuji

296 Route 17

Hillburn, NY 10931

845-357-4270

Popularity: 21% [?]