Only five minutes away from campus, and one of the fastest-serving sushi bars in Baltimore, it is no wonder why so many Hopkins students pass up nearby Niwana for the superior maki rolls of Minato. This Japanese restaurant has something for everyone.
Whether you are looking to eat in a classic restaurant or would rather enjoy an entertaining experience at the sushi bar, Minato offers ambiance options for all diners.
The two main eating areas hold several plain cherry wood tables surrounded by simple black chairs. White brick walls and industrial gray carpet create a simple, stark atmosphere, which feels strangely office-like.
A cherry red accent wall interrupts the unoriginal d8ecor, making the interior closely resemble an average Chinese restaurant rather than an authentic Japanese eatery.
Fortunately, the traditional sushi bar makes up for Minato's unimpressive surroundings. Between the engaging conversation with the professional chefs and watching their efficient culinary skills, sitting at the bar promises customers a memorable meal.
A marble green bar top with oak wood borders surrounds a colorful display of fresh fish and seaweed wraps.
Light brick walls and soft lighting make the sushi bar the more appealing choice for dining.
Whether you are a raw fish novice or a seasoned sushi pro, there is an extensive selection of maki rolls appropriate for each diner's sushi comfort level.
Basic rolls, such as spicy tuna and California, are expertly prepared with quality ingredients, noticeable care and skill.
For the more adventurous sushi lover, Minato has a number of unique specialty rolls that distinguish this sushi spot from your typical Japanese restaurant. The Valentine roll is a delicious blend of shrimp tempura and eel rolled in three types of tobiko.
Another special, the Roman, is by far the most creative roll I have seen on any menu in Baltimore. The Roman mixes salmon, spicy tuna and white tuna within the roll, while trimming the outside with delicate slices of mango and avocado. Even though the more elaborate rolls can be somewhat costly, the innovative combination of sweet and salty pairings is an unexpectedly perfect twist to most restaurants' common rolls.
The appetizers were not nearly as pleasing as the sushi entrees. The edamame was cold and could have benefited from a more generous seasoning of salt. The steamed chicken dumplings (gyoza) were also missing necessary flavoring, and, overall, they were not satisfying.
The waiter seemed slightly inexperienced, but he was extremely attentive and was willing to speed up our order when we informed him that we had to leave the restaurant within 20 minutes for a meeting.
Even though the appetizers were average and the standard dining rooms lacked any Japanese character, Minato's attentive service and quality dishes place it within the same class among its more upscale neighbors, Saffron and the Helmand.
