We went to Taka in Asbury Park last night. Hadn't been there for a while; it used to be our favorite but we were disappointed...the rolls were just not as wonderful as they used to be.
I hear good things about Yumi in Sea Bright...any fans? We like the sushi at Sawa in Pier Village but the service can be odd there.
By jerseyeats
on Jan 11, 2009 05:34 AM
Story
Supertaster Daily: 5 Grilled Hot Dogs in 3 Minutes for Memorial Day
Story
Oreo and Hershey's Dessert Icings
Story
10 Spicy Snacks
Recipe
Easy Philly Cheesesteaks
Recipe
Easy Chicken Stir-Fry
Recipe
Spicy Oven-Roasted Chickpeas
View »
I like the Sawa in Eatontown better.
But the best in the area, as many on this board have proclaimed, is Kanji. No contest.
Permalink | Reply
have to go with:
1. Kanji
1a. Asahi in Manasquan
2. Sawa in WLB
3. Yumi
4. Osaka in Bradley Beach
Permalink | Reply
Where is Kanji??
We've been meaning to try the Sawa in Eatontown, and Yumi.
Permalink | Reply
For interesting rolls, I prefer Kanji to Yumi and Sawa by a longshot. Kanji also has a better selection of and tastier hot food for those who choose not to eat sushi. The udon noodles are especially good. Kanji is across from the plaza with Marshal's in it, in the plaza on the other side of Shrewsbury Ave and the corner of Rt 35 very close to Ft. Monmouth.
For purists who just want the best, freshest fish you have to go to Howell. On Rt 9, near Rt 195 in a strip mall is Kazu. They also have good non-sushi items, but less of the frou-frou/inovative fusion rolls than Kanji.
Both places are BYO and both are near liquor stores.
Permalink | Reply
Not been to Kanji but agree with seal that Kazu is great
Permalink | Reply
Tom what I like about Kazu is that he has a large Asian clientel......
I love this place when you want excellent Sushi done right! Buy a nice bottle of Sake next door like Juyondai or Hakkaisan, etc. and "Kanpai"
Permalink | Reply
Kanji is in ACME Shopping Center at corner of Rt. 35 and Shrewsbury Ave.
http://www.kanjisteakhouse.com/direct...
Permalink | Reply
Actually, Kanji is in the Tinton Falls Plaza where the A&P is, across Shrewsbury Avenue from the Acme plaza.
Permalink | Reply
yes, A&P, not acme... sorry for the confusion
Permalink | Reply
Our current favorite is Kanji in Tinton Falls. Yumi is very good but expensive. The size of the sushi/sashimi is roughly half of the pieces at Kanji. Every time I've dined at Yumi, my clothes smell like grease when I get home. They must not ventilate well. I don't notice it while I'm dining.
Sawa in Eatontown is good. Sawa in Long Branch not quite as good and you're right, the service is spotty. Sono in Middletown is very good but it's been a while.
Kanji is run by the former chef of Sawa, and many of the staff followed him to Kanji.
Permalink | Reply
Thanks to all for the tips. We'll be going to Kanji for sure. I went on their website and the menu looks great.
Permalink | Reply
1. Kanji - without a doubt is number one by miles.
2. Fuji Steakhouse
3. Teak - Black Forbidden Roll and / or Danny's Steakhouse in a pinch
We have been very disappointed with Sawa (both locations) our last couple of visits - Tuna was very poor in quality.
Permalink | Reply
Hands down "Sushi by KAZU" in Howell.....RT 9S across from the Ivy League.
Permalink | Reply
They are terrific when open, I agree.
Permalink | Reply
Sushi is great because you can tell the quality of the fish instantly. During slower periods such as winter in the mid Atlantic area restaurants usually slow down quite a bit and look for ways to cut costs. I do not want to name any restaurants specifically but stickman731's post is right on.
Permalink | Reply
I totally agree with all the places named, but have to add Sumo on Rt 35 in Wall. It's under the radar but has great sushi .. and servers are very attentive.
Permalink | Reply
Bought some take out from Kanji the other day, since I got some work to finish in the office but still yearned for Japanese. I had the spicy tuna roll, California roll and an order of hamachi. These are not anything special but the ingredients were fresh, the hamachi was sliced nicely, not too thin like a piece of paper(which can be case for some places!) The place was quite busy during lunch but the employees were very friendly and efficient, I waited for about 7 minutes and I got everything! Compared to Fuji(on 35N, in the plaza across ACME), I think Kanji is a bit more generous with their portion of the sashimi!
Permalink | Reply
Sawa at Pier Village does serve some of the Best Green Tea but the sushi was expensive and served warmer than most places, did not enjoy and would not return.
Permalink | Reply
I agree with Shabby. I didn't enjoy my one experience at Sawa at PV. For me, the best sushi in Mon. Co. is Kanji.
Permalink | Reply
Another vote for Kanji!
Permalink | Reply
Talking about Kanji, anyone try that “5 course special”? It is offered from Mon – Wed, the whole day and consists of soup, salad, appetizer, sushi, hibachi and ice cream. It is $25 for the course. I was going to ask the servers about that they seemed to be too busy during lunch time!
Anyway, I had the maki lunch, $9 for 2 rolls, not bad….they are very fresh and the texture was perfect! It is one of the best around the area and so many people had talk about them! After the meal, I indulged myself in a banana tempura…it was really tasty! The crispy tempura batter covered the ripe but not mushy banana, and it was served with ice cream of your choice! Of course there was whipped cream and chocolate source but what made it really nice was the touch of honey. This dessert reminded me of a Chinese dessert I had before, banana was wrapped inside a fluffy dough, deep fried and then there was power sugar on top of that….not sure what it is called but tasty! Getting back to this banana tempura, try it if you still have room after lunch or dinner!
Permalink | Reply
I'm going to have to oppose all of the Kanji followers here; granted, a sushi "purist" myself and usually sticking to NYC for sushi, I tend to overanalyze local sushi joints. And sure, as per the "fusion"-style sushi, it is probably one of the better choices in the area. However, everything is still oversauced, overdone, and not all that tasty. Even sticking to the sashimi and more traditional sushi items, the freshness of the fish was questionable and the rice leaving a lot to be desired.
Elsewhere in the country (usually in major cities unfortunately) you find that innovative takes on sushi cuisine do not necessarily detract from this dish if they are used to accent the fish itself, rather than overshadow it (or in Kanji's case, completely drown it out) It is unfortunate that there are few local frontrunners that have accomplished the balance required to pull off fusion style sushi, but that still doesn't excuse the types of dishes churned out by Kanji and the like.
Not to mention, the atmosphere leaves a lot to be desired.
Permalink | Reply
gwh912
Your point is well taken. Many of us are comparing the sushi or sashimi that we have around the area. Of course, there is no comparison to NYC or if I may, to draw my experience from Japan. The sashimi I had in Tokyo and Kyoto were so fresh and tasty, they basically melted in my mouth. Not to mention about the presentation and ambience. Many Japanese restaurants in the area here in Central Jersey have Chinese music in the background…I believe that many things are relative, including our own exposure. It would be nice if fellow chowhounders can be in NYC but if they are just “chowing” around Monmouth County, I have to say that Kanji is not a bad choice.
Permalink | Reply
I agree with HelenB. Obviously you can not compare Kanji to a top level NYC sushi restaurant such as Yasuda. For what we have here in NJ, Kanji serves its purpose well. FYI, the closest "purist" sushi restaurant I could find in NJ is Sagami in Collingswood. Good Luck.
Permalink | Reply
YUMI and Kanji are both in the top 3 for me...
1. Yumi
2. Kanji
3. ......... (have not found a 3rd yet)
-----
Yumi
1120 Ocean Ave, Sea Bright, NJ 07760
Permalink | Reply
maybe its b/c of the less than japanese feel, but i am very surprised no one has mentioned the bistro at red bank. creative rolls, fresh sashimi, and portions are more than generous
Permalink | Reply
Let me just say that Mahtzu in Matawan is NOT the best sushi in Monmouth County. Barely etable fish and rolls, close to horrible not caring service...and pricy. Stay away!!
Permalink | Reply
I had some spectacular hamachi at sono one night...so much so that it ruined hamachi for me at other sushi joints. Bummer.
Permalink | Reply
Had dinner at Yumi last night. Chef Sheunn is preparing some of the most innovative dishes anywhere. Is it authentic Japanese food? No, but it is SO TASTY...it's a treat for the eyes and your mouth every time you go. And for a special treat, let him prepare an Omakase dinner for you. Expensive, but your mouth will LOVE IT!!
-----
Yumi
1120 Ocean Ave, Sea Bright, NJ 07760
Permalink | Reply
Tonight we went to Sallee Tee's, I was not expecting to get sushi, but it rivaled Kanji. The sashimi was unbelievably fresh and the rainbow roll was great. I need to get back to see if they can maintain it.
Permalink | Reply
Izu Sushi in Long Branch on Montgomery Street behind 7-11. Monmouth counties best kept sushi secret.
-----
Izu Sushi
31 Montgomery Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740
Permalink | Reply
Thanks, that's pretty close to the homestead and I will check it out. Fwiw, we dined at Klein's last nite instead of Belford Bistro (couldn't get a reservation).
The sashimi at Kleins's - both the yellowtail and tuna were extremely fresh. Enjoyed it very much. The rest of our dinners weren't bad - ate outside, I'm glad they now have flatware & silverware for the outdoor diners (it's been some time since we dined there) - with the entrees decent. Wahoo special, broiled scallops, sauteed soft shelled crab & a combo seafood platter were the entrees ordered. Not gourmand, but a decent dinner had by all.
-----
Belford Bistro
870 Main Street, Belford, NJ 07718
Permalink | Reply
I second BODYART's opinion. Izu Sushi in Long Branch is the best kept sushi secret in Central Jersey, from Rahway to Belmar.
-----
Izu Sushi
31 Montgomery Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740
Permalink | Reply
I'm going to go out on a limb here (on a thread full of sushi loving CH's) and say Nemo's in Keyport has amazing, top notch sushi.
I've had so many delicious experiences at the bar with sushi chef and in the dining room with the extensive specialty rolls while ordering other entrees. Never hard on the wallet either and really a diamond in the rough (so if you don't go, it's just more for me!)
Permalink | Reply
Youngest son's birthday dinner will be at Nemo's this week. I've read the excellent reviews for oh so long that we'll take finally the ride up the GSP.
For what it's worth, and I'll say it again - if you're looking for inventive and oh so creatively tasty rolls, you could do far worse than Danny's (in Red Bank which has the best sushi in town) - on the presumption that his sushi guy is still at the helm. It's outstanding and most folks wouldn't even think of going to Danny's Steakhouse (and whose menu model has changed with the times to a Bistro/Grill type, I think), but the sushi bar is definitely worth looking into.
Permalink | Reply
I've enjoyed sushi @ Danny's Steakhouse many times over the years. And, JJ, I look forward to reading your birthday party review of Nemo's soon.
Permalink | Reply
Went back to Yumi this past Saturday night and it was outstanding once again. Never a bad meal. As long as they keep up the same quality they will always get my vote as best.
Permalink | Reply
Was in West End to pick up a light take out from Ming Ying, when my son & I ambled on over to Izu. There were non stop diners in their last nite. We ordered 3 sashimi (tuna, yellowtail & salmon) and ate it out at one of the tables outside the restaurant while we waited for our seafood dumpling soup and appys from MY.
Pretty darn good stuff happening in this place.
We're going to have to do a sit down one of these evenings.
Permalink | Reply
Number #2 son came home from RU, and I had to stop back (to Izu)for a sit down. Their specialty rolls are fabulous. Had the BBQ mussels & shumai for appy's. I'd rethink ordering the mussels again, - it was on their specials 'board' and were delicious. However, only 6 NZ on the plate in a nice sauce with roe. Tasty but not a vg value @ $8. All in all, this is a real nice Sushi spot.
Permalink | Reply