Where To Find Great Sushi In Dallas (Dallas Hotel Magazine, Spring 2017)
This article published in the Spring 2017 issue of Dallas Hotel Magazine.
WHERE TO FIND GREAT SUSHI IN DALLAS
Sushi seems like one of the simplest food to create. It’s mostly just rice and fish. But the mastery, I am told, comes with knowing how to cut the fish to achieve the greatest flavor and texture. Ever wonder why the sushi you have prepared right in front of you is so much better than what you might buy pre-packaged in a grocery store? Because once a piece of sushi is prepared, the experts say it should be eaten immediately – preferably within 15 seconds - before the temperature of the rice cools, the temperature of the fish rises, and the rice begins to get soggy. Who knew something so seemly simple could be co complicated? From rolls, to sashimi, to the newest sushi trend, poké , Dallas has lots of great offerings. Many of them in unexpected places. We hope this list helps you discover a new favorite haunt or at the very least, a great evening out!
ABACUS has been one of Dallas’ most sought after dining destinations since its opening in 1999. The concept prides itself on offering fresh, local ingredients, prepared to perfection and served with style in an elegant space. Executive Chef Christopher Patrick has created a menu of contemporary global cuisine with Pacific Rim influences. Diners will find a wide variety of maki-rolls, Signature rolls, pressed sushi, sashimi and nigiri. If you are looking for a more casual dining experience at Abacus, hit them up during Happy Hour. The bar is a hot-spot for locals and you’ll find great drink specials Monday-Friday from 5:00 to 6:30pm. 4511 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-559-3111, Abacus-restaurant.com
NOBU has been a pioneer for Japanese cuisine since his first restaurant opened in 1994. Nobu Dallas opened in 2005 as Chef Nobu Matsuhisa's Texas outpost. This legendary chef draws upon his classical training at sushi bars in Tokyo and his life abroad in Peru, Argentina, and around the world. The resulting “new-style” cuisine is exemplified by dishes like Yellowtail Jalapeño: thinly sliced pieces of yellowtail sashimi flavored with garlic and a splash of zesty Yuzu-soy, topped with fresh Jalapeños and cilantro for a perfect fusion of tradition and innovation. Diners will find a wide variety of rolls on Nobu’s menu, but they are famous for their sashimi dishes and feel this is where they can truly set themselves apart from other sushi restaurants. Nobu Dallas can be the destination for dinner in the dining room or at the sushi bar, drinks in the bar lounge, or a private function in the skylight room. The menu features Nobu's signature new style Japanese dishes as well as other popular Dallas favorites like Tuna Tataki with Cilantro Dressing, Seared Toro with Karashi Sumiso, Scallops with Jalapeno Salsa, and Ranchero Rib Eye Steak. Located inside the Hotel Crescent Court, 400 Crescent Ct, Dallas, TX 75201, 214-252-7000, Noburestaurants.com/dallas
UCHI showcases the culinary talents of executive chef and James Beard Award winner Tyson Cole. His exciting menu expands on the Japanese tradition with new flavors and innovative food combinations that ensure the most unique dining experience. All food at Uchi is chopstick friendly and meant for sharing. The Hamachi Cure is symbolic of Uchi food and culture because it’s a simple play on ingredients, with a feminine Japanese aesthetic. The dish is often called “Japanesenachos” by our staff. Cole opened his second restaurant in Dallas, Top Knot, in February 2016. 2817 Maple Ave, Dallas TX 75201, 214-855-5454, Uchidallas.com
FIVE SIXTY BY WOLFGANG PUCK sits high atop Reunion Tower, Dallas’ iconic 560-foot landmark with its distinctive glowing ball. You’ll enter the contemporary restaurant on the 50th floor to find floor-to-ceiling windows offering 360-degree views of the city from the dramatic, revolving dining room. Served within a warmly sophisticated modern interior, the menu features Wolfgang’s creative, contemporary interpretations of Asian dishes, accompanied by an extensive wine list, Asian beers and sake by the bottle and glass. Two bars provide more casual, but no less stylish, dining options. They suggest you try the "Surf and Turf" roll comprised of poached lobster, seared Wagyu beef, garlic, chili aoili, avocado, cucumber, and topped with Tokyo negi. 300 Reunion Blvd, Dallas TX 75207, 214-571-5784, Wolfgangpuck.com/dining/five-sixty-by-wolfgang-puck-dallas/
THE CUPBOARD BY TIFFANY DERRY seeks to change the fast casual market showcasing the master chef’s take on soups, salads, sandwiches, and prepared meals. To complement The Cupboard’s offerings, Derry partnered with Yama Restaurants to include sushi and Poke options. From Ahi Poke to Yama’s well-know 5 Treasure Roll, Yama’s fresh offerings complement the theme of The Cupboard. In addition to sushi rolls and poke bowls, foodies can wrap their hands around a sushiritto (a sushi burrito, which is a sushi roll that isn’t sliced). Choose from specialty creations or design your own flavor profile! Uptown Urban Market features a full-service bar with an extensive selection of cocktails, beers and fine wines. 2600 Cedar Springs Road, Dallas TX 75219, 214-440-4142 Ext. 4, Thecupboardtd.com
As a highly respected outgrowth of the original Little Katana now located at Cole and Knox, BLACK SHIP LITTLE KETANA features the best of both East and West cultures that can be savored within their cuisine. It’s become one of Downtown’s most popular choice for sushi and Asian-fusion dining. Guests can anticipate creative spin on traditional Asian dishes with a Western flare, meticulously crafted to excite the American palate. In addition to the usual sushi, sashimi and rolls diners will find specialty dishes like the Black Ship Special - a combination of tuna, salmon, whitefish, and yellowtail nigiri sushi and sashimi, and their Katana 101 roll which is comprised of salmon, cream cheese, avocado, jalapeno topped with crab meat, spicy tuna, and eel. Yowza. Flavorful, freshly delectable, and uniquely original—this is Black Ship Little Katana. 665 S Lamar St #130, Dallas, TX 75202, 214-760-7200, Lkblackship.com
Poké is a Hawaiian specialty that has cruised to the mainland and is quickly spreading across the U.S. Traditional poke, pronounced "po-kay," is cubed, fresh raw seafood (usually tuna or octopus) mixed with soy sauce, green onions and sesame oil and served over rice. For diners unfamiliar with the cuisine, think of it as deconstructed sushi. POKÉ́ BOP’s chef, Tommy Hwang, is a certified sushi chef with 27 years of experience and he's created a menu of traditional poké fare that is fresh and clean, available in bowl and rolls. Diners can enjoy a "poké-rito" or sushi burrito. This is basically a sushi roll that hasn't been sliced into pieces so you can pick it up and eat it with your hands, like you would a burrito. Sake and Asian craft beers will be available by the bottle. 4103 Lemmon Ave, Dallas, TX 75219. Ilovepokebop.ocm
SHINSEI (pronounced shin-say) means “rebirth” or “new beginning” which is actually what owners Tracy Rathbun and Lynae Fearing had in mind when they joined forces ten years ago to create their brand of delicious Pan-Asian cuisine. The restaurant features a spacious dining room with an interactive and friendly Sushi Bar. Diniers can expect to find mouth-watering menus for Dinner, Lunch, Dessert, Sushi & Sashimi. Complement your seldctions iwht one (or more) of their handcrafted cocktails, Wine, Beer & Sake. 7713 Inwood Rd Dallas, TX 75209, 214-352-0005, Shinseirestaurant.com
Trinity Groves is one of Dallas’ hottest dining destinations and SUSHI BAYASHI AT TRINITY GROVES is one of the reasons why. Chef Yuki Hirabayashi brings the regional flavors and customs of his home in Shitamachi (the "old district" of Tokyo) to Dallas with his eponymous restaurant. Warmth and hospitality combine with traditional cooking methods and the freshest ingredients to transport diners back to a simpler way of life where family and food go hand in hand. Community-style tables encourage conversation, laughter and sharing, evoking the Matsuri Bayashi music festivals of Chef Yuki's childhood. The St. Roll is one of Chef's most popular menu items. It features spicy tuna on a shrimp tempura roll with green onions, tempura flakes and eel sauce. 3011 Gulden Lane, Suite 106, Dallas, TX 75212, 972-684-5906, www.sushibayashi.com
ASIAN MINT has been serving New Bangkok-style cuisine combined with an Asian fused menu since 2005 receiving numerous national and local awards for food quality excellence. They operate two locations that are chic but comfortable and believe in eccentric clean and modern styles in their environments and their food. Every Monday diners can enjoy $1 Nigiri Sushi starting at 5pm until they run out (dine in only) at 75 & Forest Lane only. Both locations offer a full service bar, and feature a number of signature drinks, including organic wines and martinis. www.asianmint.com
Asian Mint, 11617 N. Central Expressway, Suite 135, Dallas, TX 75243, 214-363-6655
The Mint, 4246 Oak Lawn Ave, Dallas, TX 75219, 214-219-6468