What You Should Expect from Good Sushi Restaurants

In the United States, there are an estimated 3,846 sushi bars and restaurants — and there’s a good chance you have at least one or two of them near you! Sushi comes from Japan, but many Southeast Asian countries also have similar dishes. This type of cuisine is known the world over for its fresh ingredients, usually but not always includes seafood.

Finding good sushi restaurants is another matter entirely, as there are several factors that go into determining the quality of the food. Thankfully, there are ways that you can find out which establishments are the best sushi restaurants in your area. Here are three features of good sushi restaurants that you should keep an eye out for:

1. Authentic Cuisine: First, what is sushi? Sushi actually doesn’t refer to fish or other ingredients — it’s the vinegar rice that gets used in the sushi rolls. Today there are all sorts of ingredients that can go into sushi — from different types of seafood to vegetables and tofu only. However, there are a few consistencies among sushi restaurants. For one, sushi wrappings can be very different. In the U.S., nori (or seaweed) is a popular wrap, but soy paper, cucumber, and egg can also be used. Additionally, many dishes come with wasabi, which is a type of spicy horseradish paste. Authentic wasabi will come from the root of the wasabia japonica plant and will usually be a lot fresher than the stuff you find in condiment packets.

2. Experienced Chefs: It’s not easy to make sushi, and when you go to any of the fine sushi restaurants near you, you’ll notice that it takes some time for the dish to be prepared. However, the chefs that work in sushi restaurants know what they’re doing. A typical sushi chef has served as an apprentice before being in charge of a kitchen, and this type of training can last between five and 10 years. That’s in addition to the time spent as a head chef.

3. Great Service: Whether you’re sushi bar includes live entertainment or simply an attentive waitstaff, good sushi restaurants will be worth the price for the food. Some sushi restaurants will have you pay by the dish; others may offer specials for group dining or all you can eat. Ultimately, you are the judge of which restaurants near you offer the best sushi and service.

Have more questions about finding great local sushi restaurants? Leave a comment below.