Tokyo Sushi

My newsfeed must have missed this thread because I would have responded immediately.

Tokyo Sushi is, IMHO, the best sushi in the South Bay.

The fish is some of the freshest I have encountered.  I was even convinced to try uni after 3 terrible experiences in the past at other places - I had sworn to never touch the stuff again.  What I learned was that truly fresh uni is actually _good_!  It has a custard-like texture (not slimy) and a mild sea flavor.

I've had toro there a few times - yummy.  Excellent shiro maguro.  Some of the best saba I've ever had (that opinion seconded by one of my sushi partners).  Usually have real crab available, as well as "krab" if you prefer.  Abalone, conch, monkfish liver, that odd red/white clam - these are almost always available

The pieces of fish are rather large (maybe 50% bigger than We Be Sushi?). While I don't judge a sushi bar by the size of the nigiri, all things being equal, bigger is better.

They have a nice selection of rolls and such, and of course will construct anything you might want.  The Tokyo roll with tempura shrimp in the center and covered with unagi and avocado is fantastic!  Sometimes the Crazy roll (chef's choice) is made by "unrolling" a cucumber, filling it with fish, then rolling it back up.  The spicy tuna is great in a temaki - big chunks of maguro to give the right texture and flavor and a spicy sauce that does not overpower (I'm a hot pepper wimp though, others might find it too mild).

I can't recommend none-sushi entrees there.  I tried the bento box once, but was disappointed with the salmon teriyaki, the gyoza, and the tempura. I have had veggie tempura there with a veggie friend and the chef rolled some up into maki.  Delicious!

I took a cooked-fish-only friend there and had no problem coming up with a large selection.  He loved it.   I have taken a veggie friend there and we had a great variety of sushi.  She loved it. In fact, I have taken a bunch of people there and every one of them has declared it their new favorite sushi bar (with one exception - one friend found the chef to chatty for his tastes, but he still thought the sushi was exceptional.)

Prices seem to vary.  Some of the nigiri seems pricey at $3+, but a soft-shell crab roll for under $4.50 seems extra low to me.  I always seem get out of there with the sushi tab under $20.

You must sit at the bar if you want to experience Tokyo Sushi at its best.  When you are seated at the bar you can: order a few pieces at a time, look in the display case for appealing fish, find out what is extra fresh that evening, get your nori while it is still crisp, get your unagi while it is still hot, be passed samples by the chef, let the chef serve you what he thinks you might like, watch them work, be inspired by someone else's order, banter with the chef.  As you might guess, I always sit at the bar.

The wait staff is one of the worst I have ever encountered; not rude, just inefficient to an extreme. As for the comment below about staff not growing enough - I've been there as the only customer in the place w/3 servers available, and still had to go get my own water refill.

The sushi chefs are top notch.  They will make sure you are happy with what you are getting, and they will often pass out bits of this and that to sample.  The younger ones (Peter and Chris) will banter and tease, the boss (I forget his name) is usually more reserved.

If you are looking for serious sushi, this is the place.  And if you want to go but can't find a dinning companion, send me a note and I'll be happy to join you. :)

Enjoy!
M. Adrian Sonnes

std. disclaimer re: employer - I speak for myself.

Special Disclaimer:  I am not associated with Tokyo Sushi, but I have eaten there a couple of times a week since they opened (a few months ago) and I tip generously.  They know me and treat me well :)    But I have also seen the chefs go out of their way for new patrons.

> Irene A. wrote:
> >Valerie S. wrote:
> >>
> >> I tried a new sushi place in Sunnyvale called Tokyo (mainly because it's
> >> diagonally across El Camino from Pep Boys).  I had the veggie sushi.  It
> >> seemed very good to me.  My friend was pleased with her tempura and
> >> teryaki chicken.  Has anybody else tried this place yet?
> >>
> >> Val
> >
> >The quality of this place is variable.  I am amazed to see how its
> >clientele has grown since they first opened. Unfortunately, their staff
> >has not grown to accommodate their popularity. But it's one of the
> >better places for good, inexensive sushi.
> >
> >--Irene