| Author |
Message |
    
Kristen Williamson
Citizen
Username: Kris219
Post Number: 157
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 1:12 pm: |     |
I know there have been threads of this kind before, but what I'm looking for is the atmosphere 'rating'.
We're looking for a place with great sushi, but other great Japanese food as well; not too expensive for college budgets...but of course sushi lovers are willing to pay for the good stuff; anywhere within 15 driving of SO/Maplewood; and the atmosphere...a place suitable for a small group to get out, not loud and busy/crowded, but personal... I'd have to describe it as somewhere you would take your spouse/significant other/date.
I know I'm being specific...but any thoughts? Thanks everyone! |
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 3284
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 1:22 pm: | |
Ekko in West Orange (on Northfield, where Bice used to be) has a nice atmosphere & good Hibachi. Never had sushi there, so I can't comment. |
Eats Shoots & Leaves
Citizen
Username: Mfpark
Post Number: 2937
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 1:42 pm: | |
I enjoyed Ariyoshi in South Orange very much. The sushi was excellent, the atmosphere was okay--one of the small side rooms with tatami mats would have been nicer than where we sat in the middle of the larger room. On the other hand, it was me and four boys 13 and under, so perhaps it was safest for all concerned that we were in the middle of a large room!
|
susan1014
Supporter
Username: Susan1014
Post Number: 1312
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 2:01 pm: | |
In my experience both Ekko and Ariyoshi have very good sushi (by my NJ standards at least!)
They are very different places. Ariyoshi is a nicely redone storefront restaurant. Ekko is a very large restaurant with a full bar, and hibachi tables, as well as sushi. |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 3872
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 2:04 pm: | |
If you can fit in the Tatami room at Ariyoshi it should fit the bill nicely.
If it fits your budget better, you can also try Haru on Academy (near Dominos)...I don't like their sushi quite as much but they do (or did) have an all you can eat menu option that included cooked appetizers which were very good and all you can eat sushi for about $20.
We have been there with our kids (not too recently though) and tables are spaced nicely. Much more room to dine than in Samurai in Maplewood. |
Josh Holtz
Citizen
Username: Jholtz
Post Number: 232
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 3:27 pm: | |
My vote is for Ariyoshi. Two Tatami rooms - one larger than the other. Excellent sushi - typical prices. Nice ambiance. |
Kristen Williamson
Citizen
Username: Kris219
Post Number: 158
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 7:08 pm: | |
thank you everyone! |
Beans
Citizen
Username: Nalini
Post Number: 119
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Friday, January 27, 2006 - 12:06 pm: | |
Try 22 West - new place on Route 22. You need to make reservation as they are booked in advance. Great atmosphere and service. Has a full service bar/lounge area. Great sushi and entrees. |
Yossarian
Citizen
Username: Yossarian
Post Number: 344
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Friday, January 27, 2006 - 2:15 pm: | |
Take a train to NYC and go to this place:
http://www.sakagura.com/
It is authentic Japanese food in a Japanese setting. |
Sherri De Rose
Citizen
Username: Honeydo
Post Number: 45
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Friday, January 27, 2006 - 5:57 pm: | |
Try Sono in Millburn. It was the first one there and even tho we now have Samurai Sushi (hated the attitude) and a new one coming (where My Favorite Muffin used to be) the quality, atmosphere and ambiance of the owners and staff are superb.
Tell them the bald guy with the shorts and the beret and his wife sent you. |
Glock 17
Citizen
Username: Glock17
Post Number: 280
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 10:45 pm: | |
ARIYOSHI!!!! |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 3893
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 7:19 am: | |
I have to say I went to Ariyoshi Saturday evening and I was sadly disappointed in the quality of the fish. I got the sushi-sashimi combo, and all the sashimi was too chewy and tasted like lemon. Since it was chef's choice, there was really no need in me getting subpar fish. The rice was too hard. I only ate half of it, which I never do! The atmosphere was still nice, my kids enjoyed their food, but if it's always like this now it's another place we'll have to cross off the list. It's really too bad because the other times we had been there it was much better. |
Dave
Supporter
Username: Dave
Post Number: 8509
Registered: 4-1997
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 7:29 am: | |
(Sakagura has no sushi) |
Yossarian
Citizen
Username: Yossarian
Post Number: 346
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 12:50 pm: | |
Dave -- Although Sakagura doesn't do sushi, they have had sashimi on the menu every time I've eaten there. |
Xuande
Citizen
Username: Xuande
Post Number: 2
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 11:07 pm: | |
Sono is the place for sushi. |
Analog01
Citizen
Username: Analog01
Post Number: 157
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 5:17 pm: | |
I like Ariyoshi.
Virtual It Girl - did you talk to the manager? What was his/her response? |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 3912
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 8:38 pm: | |
I did like it too Analog. I didn't say anything, left the usual tip, just figured things have gone down. Perhaps I should send a letter expressing concern? I can tell you it would take a lot to get me back. |
Dave
Supporter
Username: Dave
Post Number: 8522
Registered: 4-1997
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 11:04 pm: | |
Had lunch at Ariyoshi today and it was excellent. |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 3915
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, February 2, 2006 - 7:31 am: | |
Well Dave, since I consider you the ultimate connoiseur, perhaps it was just an off night. |
Josh Holtz
Citizen
Username: Jholtz
Post Number: 257
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Friday, February 3, 2006 - 9:17 am: | |
Virtual It Girl: Speak with the owner Linda. She is a nice person and very accommodating. I have been eating at her restaurants for 14 years and have never seen the quality of her food go down. |
Charles Yuen
Citizen
Username: Serviceberryfan
Post Number: 302
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, February 4, 2006 - 5:47 pm: | |
If you are looking for atmosphere, there is a newish Sushi restaurant in Summit which has a nice space and beautiful Brazilian cherry flooring: Taka Sushi Japanese Restaurant 95 Summit Avenue Phone: (908) 277-0886. Have only eaten there once -- good experience. |
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