Matsuri means "festival" in Japanese- and if you like sushi, this is the place to party. First off, order the eel (unagi) for a trip to heaven. It's toasted just right, sweet, and literally melts in your mouth.
The chefs aren't stingy; think thick, fresh slabs of fish over just enough sushi rice. Matsuri's rolls are a trip by themselves- get the salmonskin roll for crunchy yumminess, or if you want something more filling, a bagel roll (smoked salmon, cream cheese, scallions) will do the job.
It's a cute, bustling bistro that sits on a corner in Federal Hill- lots of suits show up for lunch and meetings. Snagging a place upstairs can be an extra treat (you get to take off your shoes and sit behind tatami screens, the whole shebang), but it's just as nice downstairs, with a view of the neighborhood.
The decor is fun (dollar bill origami in a tree) and kitschy (plastic fish in a bubble tank); it's very snug and endearing. If you decide to go, be careful. Matsuri is extremely addictive.
Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The News-Letter.