The Sushi Rolls of San Jose

Oh sushi, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways! I’ve worked all over the San Jose area and eaten all over the Bay Area. I can safely say that by now I’ve pretty much become a sushi connoisseur. I did hair for 10 years in the Bay Area and I’ve had many long discussions about food with people. As you can imagine, this has led to me to eating out, a lot. I’ve compiled a list of my favorite rolls at different sushi places to give you a taste of the Bay. I’ll be adding to this list as time goes on. If you see a place not on here that you think should be here, let me know!

Sushi Kazoo in Japantown
I know, I know, the first thing you’re thinking is, there’s a Japantown in San Jose? It’s one of San Jose’s best kept secrets. Sushi Kazoo is a family favorite, boasting a fun, fresh sushi boat! They have a roll so good I have other restaurants copy it, because it’s my favorite combination of flavors. So simple and so brilliant, the San Diego Roll is the winner for this place. It’s an “uramaki” style roll with rice on the outside. Inside there’s a deep friend shrimp and some spicy tuna. Then it’s topped with avocado and spicy orange house-made sauce. It’s a spicy one, but the avocado gives it a balanced and cool finish. This roll will not disappoint!

I <3 Sushi off Meridian and Hamilton
This restaurant is the ultimate “hole in the wall” and the food is good enough to justify its location. The Lion King Roll is done many different places in the Bay Area, and many people have tried to perfect it. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the Lion King Roll, it’s a roll that has crab mix inside, and salmon on top. It’s covered in house sauces and then baked. If it’s not done right the salmon on top can come out over-cooked, chunky and dry. Not at I <3 Sushi! The salmon falls apart in your mouth. The house-made sauces take a roll, which can otherwise be simple, to new levels. The combination of flavors; sweet, savory and spicy hits all the right places on your tongue with layers of flavor rolling in as you eat. This place is a must-stop if you <3 sushi!

Sato Sushi off Monterey Hwy at 101
This place is eccentric, but the food is worthy! Instead of a sushi boat, they have a sushi train with a Buddha sitting on it. It’s pretty much awesome. In the background you will probably hear country music playing. You’ll giggle a little bit and then you’ll order the South San Jose Roll and you’ll shut up and pay homage to the best deep fried roll in town! Inside, avocado, salmon and cream cheese blend perfectly. Outside, the rice is topped with thinly sliced salmon; masago and spicy sauce are all wrapped in tempura batter before the roll is cooked. Once out, more sauce goes on top, and the result is a large, glorious and completely ridiculous roll! When I’m craving a real meal out of sushi, I get this one. You won’t need two, and you probably won’t finish this one.  But, oh how it sings to me to come and eat it!