Sushi in and around Albany
I've been on a sushi sampling expedition with my Japanese friend (who is very particular about sushi) for the past few months.
I like mostly sushi, and often get a roll or two.
Here's what I have found:
Yoshi Sushi (Rt 9, Loudonville/Latham) -- probably the best so far. Fresh, good presentation. Classic combo's, good Japanese service (e.g., comping miso and very good salad). Best miso soup. Seaweed salad was also yummy.
Saso's (central ave) -- so so but reliable.
Ichiban (central ave near Saso's) -- worse than Saso's
Sushi House (New Scotland Ave near Madison) -- okay
Hiro's (way up Central next to the Indian place) -- okay, butter than Sushi House
Sushi Tei (?) new place 1800 Western Ave in back of L-shaped shopping strip. Pretty good. And they have a $1 sushi special through December. Better than Sushi House, not as good as Yoshi Sushi. Salad dressing was bland. Fried oysters were greasy. Miso was weak.
Mino's on Central Ave past Wolf Rd was okay; since it changed hands, it's terrible. (Should have taken a clue and not ordered sushi since they removed the sushi bar!)
Next to try: Hokkaido Japanese Restaurant in Glemont
Miyako in Guilderland.
What are your faves?
NYchowcook
Sep 14, 2007 05:32AM
Hi,
Thanks for the info on Yoshi Sushi. I've always wanted to try it, but have been put off by the location. It just seemed like an odd location for a good sushi restaurant.
I like Totem on Lark Street. Its kind of trendy, but the people are nice.
I do like the Sushi House's Unagi and they have pretty good Eggplant Yaki (at least the last time I ate there), but niether of those really count as Sushi.
Capital Thai just opened (Next to Quiznos in the same plaza as the Home Depot on Central Ave) They like to put spicy sauce on all their sushi (at least the eel role and the whitefish role that we tried) I thought the whitefish role was OK, but I loved the eel role. Then again, I've never really not loved eel.
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I've been waiting for them to open! Did you try any of their Thai food?
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Do you order nigiri or rolls?
I've had only rolls from Yoshi, and they all just fell apart. It was pretty good, but really hard to eat.
I personally really looove Saso's, but it's so expensive.
I've had awful experiences at Sushi House. It used to be amazing when they first opened, but then they started serving grey salmon... eh.
Ichiban - Oh, they are gross! They don't even bother slicing the sashimi. I got hunks of fishy fish the last time I went. Ew.
Miyako's suishi isn't great either. It's usually not the best, overpriced, and it all falls apart too easily. The rice just doesn't stick to itself. I've only gone for lunch, though, and it's always some kid behind the table, not the sushi chef listed on their website, so that might be why it is so bad.
Before it was Sushi Tei it was another one for about 3-4 months. They had pretty decent sushi. Haven't tried it as Sushi Tei now.
Hokkaido was actually pretty decent. I haven't been there in about a year, but it was a good price for their quality, but sometimes you have to wait a while if it is busy.
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Just got a notice that Mino's that used to be in Saratoga Springs has re-opened on Maple Ave. in Wilton. Haven't heard anything about it, however.
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Mino's was hardly top notch at its original incarnation in Albany, so I would not seek them out.
They sold their restaurant in Albany to folks who said Mino trained them. And the new incarnation is terrible. No training? Not good to begin with? fawgetaboutit.
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Update: Hokkaido for lunch was very, very good sushi -- second to Yoshi.
Went to Hana once and had great sushi lunch. Big and flavorful. Am going to dinner and will report back -- if anyone is interested in sushi/Japanese in Albany area(!)
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Make that a third for Yoshi despite its odd location and lack of ambience.
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Another vote for Yoshi. I work just up the street, and often ask Yoshi to make me whatever lunch he feels like making. I've never been disappointed.
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PSZaas, their barbecue eel was very good. Next weekend I'll be Upstate and maybe I'll get to go for lunch :)
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Yeah, one of my favorites there. Very friendly place, too.
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Yoshi is not in Metroland's Spring/Summer 2008 Dining Guide . . .Doesn't look like I'll get there this weekend.
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I know this thread is a bit dated. NYchowcook - just curious, did you try Mari's?
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Never heard of Mari's.
I did go to Hana a few times and sushi was excellent. One time I went with colleagues who insisted on the benihana's-type grill. I was bummed. Yoshi is still tops for me. I need to get back there; it's been a while.
BTW, Metroland's Dining Guide consists of ads. It's the Best Of that's more useful, IMO, though I don't always agree with all.
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There was a post awhile back on "TOP Capital Region . . ." thread by a hound about Mari's They were not a fan. I have not been.
Thanks. I use the Metroland Dining Guide and Best Of for ideas (my current search for Greek food in the Capital Region - 2 choices + Barrington and my SO just advised Taste of Greece on Lark Street was not very good).
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The Greek restaurant in Great Barrington, Aegean Breeze, is very good. I usually spend some time in town, eat and return. Is a little too far just for dinner.
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Thanks, jaylhorner.
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Yoshi will do an excellent omakase; I usually just ask him to design me a meal, and I've never been disappointed. He charges accordingly, of course.
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I used to eat at Mari's all the time. Did you happen to go to Union College by any chance? I am fairly certain that at each of the 3 locations that Mari's has been, the bulk of the diners were kids from Union. They were out past Knolls in Niskayuna, then in Scotia I think, and the last time I was up, they were a few blocks behind the school.
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Speaking of Sushi and Great Barrington..... Bizen is very good (and controversial).
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IMO you can skip Miyako. Not what it once was.
There is a nice Korean restaurant with sushi as well - Kabuki in Peter Harris plaza on Rt 7 in Latham (Niska?). I had very good Korean there but did not yet try the sushi.
What is the controversy re: Bizen? Have not had any good ones since the most recent Ric Orlando flap.
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Do a search on New England board and you will see many mixed comments. It is usually compared to Fin in Lenox.
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we recently tried both sakuras. one is in latham and the other is in clifton park. they say they are not related but both do sushi and hibachi. both were quite good and had some differences. i'd go back to both. buffalo wagon is good but better for the cooked stuff. pan asian menu and some of the best hot and sour soup i've ever had.
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