**** (4 stars)
We found this little sushi place just off Broadway after a show, and were quite pleased with it. Although it is a mini chain, it didn’t seem so, and it was worlds better than the tourist restaurants on Times Square. The decor is soothing, the fish is fresh, and the service was super-attentive. I would definitely return.
Haru Sushi
229 W 43rd St
New York, NY 10036
(212) 398-9810
http://www.yelp.com/biz/haru-sushi-new-york-2
*** (3 stars)
I find the sushi here quite expensive compared to other choices nearby, and not really any better. Amura seems like it’s aimed more at the tourist market, with its proximity to I-Drive and the convention center. It’s okay, but not worth the premium.
Amura Japanese Restaurant
7786 W Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 370-0007
http://www.yelp.com/biz/amura-japanese-restaurant-orlando-2
**** (4 stars)
Good sushi in a trendy upscale environment that seems more like LA than Orlando. I’ve had better robata in Tokyo, but the sauces served with it here are fantastic. We like to sit in the bar, which is a bit more intimate than the bustling restaurant, and still offers the full menu.
Dragonfly Robata Grill & Sushi
7972 Via Dellagio Way
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 370-3359
http://www.yelp.com/biz/dragonfly-robata-grill-and-sushi-orlando
*** (3 stars)
This place is okay, but I don’t get the concept. Why do I have to order at the counter when the rest of the place is run like a regular table service restaurant? If you want an assortment of sushi, it’s awkward to have to decide on everything while in line. Quality of the bento boxes is fine, but I’d rather just go to a sushi bar.
Bento Cafe
7335 W Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 352-2277
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bento-cafe-orlando-2
**** (4 stars)
This is a friendly neighborhood sushi place. The fish seemed pretty fresh, but the various sushi we tried, while fine, never transcended ordinary, and considering we were almost alone it seemed rather slow. If I was in the area and wanted sushi I would return.
Aoba Japanese Restaurant
2588 Maguire Rd
Ocoee, FL 34761
(407) 654-6776
http://www.yelp.com/biz/aoba-japanese-restaurant-ocoee
**** (4 stars)
There’s an extensive menu here, with both hot food and sushi. The bento boxes offer a nice assortment, and it’s great to see a sashimi bento as one of the options. Fish quality is pretty good, and the other items in the box were all well-prepared.
It’s noisy inside, but there are a couple of nice tables outside.
Urban Hibachi
3120 S Kirkman Rd
Orlando, FL 32835
(407) 295-7777
http://www.yelp.com/biz/urban-hibachi-orlando-2
***** (5 stars)
I’ve had sushi all over the world, and this is as good as it gets. The omakase is the way to go. At dinner it was $84. The sashimi was a particular standout, combining extraordinary freshness and garnishes that added wonderful textural and flavor complexity. Friendly service that provided just a bit of guidance as to what not to put soy sauce on, without the didactic pushiness of the other high end sushi places in LA. Definitely a favorite.
Kiriko
11301 W Olympic Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90064
(310) 478-7769
http://www.yelp.com/biz/kiriko-los-angeles
**** (4 stars)
The all you can eat sushi special here allows you to get exactly what you want, and it’s darn good sushi. If you’re really craving sushi and you’re hungry, this is the place to go. For better quality, Kansaku is a better choice, and for cheap, Sashimi Sashimi is your best bet. But for a lot of good sushi in a nice environment, this is a great choice. Also, there is a teppan grill, so it’s a good place for larger parties and for kids.
Todoroki Hibachi and Sushi
526 Davis St
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 750-6565
http://www.yelp.com/biz/todoroki-hibachi-and-sushi-evanston
*** (3 stars)
Okay, this place is not the best sushi restaurant in Chicago, but it’s counter service sushi and sashimi, and you can get anything you want, made fresh, and lunch is about ten bucks. That’s really impressive. If I want a quick, good sushi fix, this is where I go.
Sashimi Sashimi
640 Church St
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 475-7274
http://www.yelp.com/biz/sashimi-sashimi-evanston
**** (4 stars)
This place makes some very inventive rolls, and the fish seems fresher than the other places in town. It is pretty pricey, though. I love to sit outside on the sidewalk late on a summer evening when the traffic dies down.
Kansaku
1514 Sherman Ave
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 864-4386
http://www.yelp.com/biz/kansaku-evanston