Did you know that today, June 18, is International Sushi Day? It is, and to celebrate, I wanted to pass along some of my favorite local sushi spots in the Little Rock.

 

And who knows, maybe this will inspire you to satisfy that sushi craving today. The good news is that we have plenty of options.

Kemuri

Kemuri

Kemuri is my go-to sushi restaurant. Yes, its close proximity to my house doesn’t hurt, but neither does the fact that I have never had a bad meal at the Hillcrest restaurant. My favorite item is the Crazy Lover, a monster-sized roll with tempura shrimp, crab stick, avocado, spicy tuna, and blue crab. The salmon nigiri is also a must-order. The only knock on Kemuri’s sushi is that the rolls are too big, making it a little difficult to eat.

 

Oceans

I like to think of Oceans as basically West Kemuri. It used to be under the same ownership and the size, look, and taste of the rolls are very similar. Oceans is also a Jerry Barakat restaurant, so expect top-notch service.

Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji

Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe Mt. Fuji was Little Rock’s first sushi restaurant. All these years later, the place is still going strong with its no-frills, reasonably priced sushi for a loyal base of customers. The Spider Roll with fried soft-shell crab and a cup of the miso soup is usually my go-to order. Mt. Fuji also makes a mean vegetable tempura and salad with ginger dressing.

Sushi Cafe

Sushi Café and Sushi Café West

Expect quality and consistency at both Sushi Café and Sushi Café West locations, their presentation is solid, and you will rarely leave disappointed with the overall experience. The Spicy Salmon Roll is the way to go.

Kiyen’s

Kiyen’s

It has been way too long since my last Kiyen’s visit, that is in large part because of the move we made a few years ago from West Little Rock to Midtown. The restaurant has an expansive menu filled with sushi, Korean barbeque, and hibachi options. Do not pass on the Golden Lobster (baked lobster, vegetables, spring mix, topped with real blue crab and 14k gold flakes)or Kathy Lee Roll (fried shrimp, with crunch topped with marinated scallops, crab, and spicy mayo). Kiyen’s menu includes thirty specialty rolls, so if neither of those two rolls sound good, you have plenty of other options.

Sky Modern

Other Local Favorites: Sky Modern, Kamikaito, Wasabi

Rock N Roll Sushi

New Kid on the Block: Rock N Roll Sushi

Count me as one who is excited to try out Rock N Roll Sushi, the southeast regional chain that recently arrived in Little Rock. The music-themed menu looks fun with a collection of “Open Acts,” “Classics and Headliners” rolls, and even some “Back Stage” hibachi. I have my eye on the Axl Roll (shrimp tempura, salmon, cream cheese topped with spicy mayo eel sauce, and crunchy flakes). At the very minimum, please go check out the menufor the awesome names.

 

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