What the city of Baltimore lacks in aesthetics and vibrancy, it more than compensates for with its plethora of ethnic eateries. Among these are several Japanese restaurants with a penchant for creating sumptuous, fresh, and creative sushi rolls and sashimi filets.
Though not on par with the likes of Nobu in London and Manhattan or Matsuhisa in Los Angeles, Matsuri, one of Baltimore's best Japanese restaurant, rolls out some of the tastiest maki in the city. This hole-in-the-wall at 1105 S. Charles St., while generally dumpy inside and out, has extremely fresh, liberal cuts of fish.
The salmon sashimi melts in your mouth, while the spicy tuna roll and fiery unagi maki achieve a perfect balance, being neither too spicy nor too mild.
Additionally, Matsuri uses genuine crab meat in its California roll--a commonly ordered sushi roll in America--as opposed to the synthetic medley of fish entrails utilized by so many sushi restaurants throughout the country.
For those a bit squeamish over consuming raw fish, Matsuri's sushi menu is separated into uncooked and cooked options. Smoked salmon sashimi or cooked mackerel maki are two tasty options.
Additionally, the menu offers traditional Japanese favorites like chicken and salmon teriyaki, ginger-dressed house salad, miso soup, and shumai. And, for fairly modest prices (about $6 for a large 6-piece tuna maki), the portions are large and the sushi rolls brimming with fresh fish.
Though Matsuri is arguably the best spot for sushi in town, Baltimore harbors a number of other Japanese gems. Among these is Minato, located at 800 N. Charles St., a short cab ride from the Homewood campus.
Like Matsuri, Minato also offers a diverse selection of Japanese cuisine, ranging from the piquant spicy tuna roll to perfectly-salted edamame and a truly unique cooked spinach salad with a tangy Japanese dressing. The sushi aficionado will appreciate both the quality of fish used at this restaurant as well as the variety of sashimi and maki available.
Of particular merit, Minato is one of the only Japanese eateries in the area where a proper hand-roll with liberal amounts of fish can be enjoyed. With a more inviting atmosphere, ample space, and late-night operation hours, Minato is fitting for larger groups and those seeking a more restaurant-feel eatery.
Kawasaki, which supplies the Cafe Q with the sushi students devour every day, is another supreme neighborhood Japanese joint. Second in taste only to Matsuri, Kawasaki offers sushi-lovers a diverse menu, focusing more on sushi than cooked entrees--though it offers both.
Located at 413 N. Charles St., Kawasaki serves fresh fish and daily sushi specials ranging from rainbow rolls--eel, salmon, avocado, and roe--to more inventive options like the barbequed salmon roll, providing patrons with novel offerings each time they visit.
The d??cor of Kawasaki is by far the most pleasing of the aforementioned restaurants, with tasteful Japanese decorations adorning the walls, and traditional Japanese-style floor seating offered.
Perhaps the most unexpected--yet absolutely delicious--sushi offering in Baltimore is at the grocery store Whole Foods in the Inner Harbor.
Though specializing in fresh fruit, vegetables and other organic produce, Whole Foods has a small kiosk devoted to sushi with actual Japanese chefs manning the station. As would be expected, the number of sushi offerings is more limited than the exclusively Japanese restaurants, but the quality of fish is just as good and every bit as tasty.
For a quick, convenient, and portable Japanese fix, Whole Foods offers the best sushi around, from salmon rolls to red snapper sashimi, and even a perfectly-seasoned seaweed salad.
So, next time you're yearning for sushi, forget the convenient but mediocre Niwana and head to one of these superb options for a genuine Japanese jaunt.
