With its tricky location, Steel, on the corner of Cedar Springs Road and Oak Lawn Avenue, provides a frustrating journey for new customers. I resorted to calling the restaurant hostess for directions, which differed from any online directions available. Once found, Steel emits a sleek and modern exterior that is reminiscent of a restaurant in downtown New York.

Agreeing with the restaurant’s Asian cuisine, the dark marble and metal accents validate Steel’s contemporary motif. On the bottom of an office building, the valet parking is necessary and fortunately free. Trees offset the rough corners and sleek exterior, giving warmth to the outer walls of Steel.

Elaborate art and intricate visual displays strike newcomers with excitement in preparation for the meal to come.

Vaulted ceilings give the interior an industrial look, which in turn complements the dramatic paintings. Light wood tables and comfortable booths provide respectable seating options throughout the restaurant.

A large wine cellar holds an extensive list of wines in all price ranges.

The sushi bar is set to the left and is accented by light wood panels, strategically placed spotlights and more attractive artwork.

Quality materials and sturdy silverware show Steel’s great attention to detail and excellence. Although the dining area is both pleasant and embellished, it is not distinctly Asian. Current American music and progressive design elements signify that Steel is a change from the ordinary.

Steel’s history is as diverse as the restaurant. It first opened its doors approximately eight years ago in its current location.

Owner Mike Chen decided to create a Pan-Asian cuisine, including everything from Japanese and Oriental to Vietnamese and Thai. Steel is also the first of its kind, only to be joined soon by another location in Atlanta.

In addition to serving a diverse sampling of Asian food, Steel holds quite a reputation for fine wines. The extensive wine room holds many international choices and a huge selection of domestic wines.

Takeout, catering and buyouts (renting out the entire facility for a private event) are possibilities upon request.

Steel offers both a lunch and dinner menu, allowing customers a greater variety of meals at the time of their visit. Prices understate the restaurant’s performance, providing a good deal on extremely attentive service and tasty dishes.

A perfect start to the ultimate experience at Steel is the spring and house rolls. The touch of mango and addition of crab keep the appetizer extremely fresh and light.

Another good choice is the Tuna Tataki, providing a serious kick because of a mixture of imported spices. Additionally, the Tuna Tower is a surprisingly fun and new way to enjoy sushi. The dish is made with elements of traditional tuna sushi stacked on top of one another. In order to eat, the tower must be mashed and mixed until it is ultimately a sushi salad.

The Firecracker Roll is also a nice twist on traditional sushi, adding a touch of spice and an unexpected crunch.

The Sea Bass and the Shake and Beef give the customer pure flavor, both prepared and seasoned to perfection.

To conclude with dessert, the banana egg rolls are an appropriate end to a five-star meal.

Despite a few shortcomings, Steel is sure to please and appease any SMU student’s appetite for Asian cuisine.