There was a time in this country when no one ate sushi. It’s hard to imagine, but even a decade or two ago the idea of eating raw fish would send citizens into a disgusted frenzy, ranting about the good old days when a true-blue American meal meant copious amounts of bread, meat, cheese and little else.
But after a little coaxing—and plenty of that sushi beginner’s favorite, the California Roll—Americans have embraced this dynamic Japanese cuisine. Much more than a mere novelty event, the dining experience at a truly innovative sushi restaurant enlivens the senses to near overload by teasing eaters with unique takes on temperatures, textures and flavors.
There’s crunchy, chewy and smooth; there’s cold, hot and every temperature in between. There’s sweet, sour, salty and of course, that treasure of a savory taste sensation, umami.
Syosset-Jericho is no stranger to sushi. The area is dotted with established eateries, as well as new restaurants springing up in the last few years. While each restaurant boasts its own style and nuances, they all share the attention to detail needed to roll out some of the best sushi on Long Island.
Tenjin
615 Jericho Tpke. Syosset, NY 11791 516-682-5820 www.tenjinsushi.com
Tucked away in a shopping center, Tenjin is not only staffed with some of the friendliest restaurant workers you’re likely to come across, it also delivers top tier dishes with a creative flair. Owner Steve treats all customers like family and will remember you during your inevitable return visit. An absolute must-eat dish is the Sautéed Oysters; a warm appetizer, it features supple oysters resting in their shells, glistening in a smooth, garlicky sauce. And to experience what truly distinguishes Tenjin from the rest, order Omakase (chef’s choice) and let Steve the owner customize your meal—just make sure you request those oysters and keep the hot sake flowing.
Arata Sushi
18 Cold Spring Rd. Syosset, NY 11791 516-921-8154
Another shopping center dweller, Arata hooks fans in with a moderately-priced and adventurous menu. The dimly lit dining area gives the restaurant chic appeal, but really, it’s all about the fresh fish. Arata’s pleasant staff often recommends ordering Arata Style Sushi, five pieces of the chef’s selection of contemporary sushi. As for ordering from the menu, wise choices include the Special Lobster and Tuna Roll, with yuzu-lychee sauce and pineapple and the American Standard Roll with tuna, salmon, yellowtail, scallion, kani and masago wrapped in pink soybean paper. The Chilean Sea Bass is also a sure bet, with black bean and kaffir lime sauce.
Kobe Hibachi
111 Jericho Tpke. Jericho, NY 11590 516-333-5588 www.kobesteakhouseny.com
You know what you’re getting at hibachi restaurants; some flair, flames and family style eating. It’s fun, but the food—aside from the fried rice—usually isn’t all that memorable. Kobe Hibachi turns that notion around with its impressive sushi menu. The owners at Kobe know that the hibachi show only goes so far; in order to earn some repeat business, they offer signature rolls like the Kobe Roll, with lobster salad, shrimp, mango, avocado, kani and tobiko. As well as the Oyster Bay Roll, with oyster tempura, avocado, chopped tuna, black caviar and spicy creamy dressing.
Sawa Sushi
260 Jericho Tpke. Syosset, NY 11791 516-496-8886 www,sawa260.com
Sawa continues to be a local favorite as much for it’s zen garden inspired deocor as for its food. A serene and elegant restaurant with an authentically modern Japanese design, Sawa offers a menu that is contemporary and authentic. Customers recommend the Godzilla Roll, with deep fried spicy tuna and avocado topped with caviar, scallion and eel sauce. But don’t forget to stop on the sushi bar appetizer menu for the Pizza Sandwich, which has spicy tuna, avocado, tamago, crab, lobster saladm caviar, eel sauce and wasabi sauce.
Kado
117 Jackson Ave. Syosset, NY 11791 516-677-9888 www.kadony.com
Kado delivers dishes with a style all its own, incorporating unique ingredients like fresh strawberries in its creations. Plenty of sushi establishments use fruits—especially mangos—in dishes, but Kado is one of the few to boldly go beyond what is expected. The Kado King Roll promotes the use of strawberries, while the Volcano Roll exceeds expectations by pairing fried pineapple with spicy tuna, spicy crabmeat and shrimp.
