BOB WASABI KITCHEN
$$-$$$ | 1729 W. 39th St., Kansas City, MO | bobwasabikitchen39.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF ZACH BAUMAN
If Bob Shin, the mastermind behind Bob Wasabi Kitchen, were a super hero, he would be Aqua Man. This sushi chef does a deep dive into fish every day. Regulars to the restaurant call Shin a genius who elevates sushi to an art form. Helping him in his quest for sushi perfection are his daughters Esther and Tanya. Together, this trio is creating sheer dining joy, from the sushi to the sashimi.
Best bet: The Rainbow Roll made with fresh tuna, Hamachi, salmon and vegetables topped with masago (fish eggs) and sesame seeds is achieving cult status, along with the Spicy Fish Bowl.
KYOTO SUSHI & STEAK JAPANESE
$$-$$$ | 6792 W. 135th St., Overland Park, KS | kyotokc.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF KYOTO SUSHI & STEAK FACEBOOK
With one of the longest sushi bars in the Midwest, Kyoto’s immediately lets you know it’s serious about sushi. This family-owned restaurant has a diverse menu that offers a wide variety of fish. We recommend sitting at the hibachi grill, where you can watch the chefs in action. Trust us, they have some serious sushi swagger. Pro tip: Kyoto has a children’s menu that has enough options to please the finicky eaters in the family.
Best bet: The Crazy Monkey Sushi Deluxe is a family favorite. It’s salmon, avocado and cream cheese that’s rolled, battered, fried and then topped with a dollop of sweet and spicy mayo.
SUSHI HOUSE
$$-$$$ | 5041 W. 117th St., Leawood, KS | http://mysushihouse.com/leawood/
PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSHI HOUSE FACEBOOK
Goldilocks would like it here because it’s just right. Not too big or too small, Sushi House consistently delivers some of the best fish in Kanas City. From mussels to eel to salmon, each roll tastes fiercely fresh. Be sure to order the mochi for dessert. Featuring ice cream (coffee, green tea, mango or strawberry) wrapped in Japanese rice dough, it’s like eating an ice cream dumpling. But be warned — it’s addictive. Pro tip: The lunch menu features a great selection that starts at $10. We like the Saba Shioyaki grilled mackerel.
Best bet: The Seared Benitoro Sashimi roll of salmon topped with mango salsa is perfection.
BLUE SUSHI SAKE GRILL
$$-$$$ | 4705 Rainbow Blvd., Westwood, KS | bluesushisakegrill.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF BLUE SUSHI SAKE GRILL – WOODSIDE VILLAGE FACEBOOK
This is the hip place for sushi. From the gorgeous décor to the promise of “fun sushi” with an “energetic vibe” Blue Sushi strives to bring a twist to the traditional dining experience. The “classic” maki platter is great to share when you’re going with friends and the spicy tekka roll washed down with a Sho Chiku Bai cold Sake is a winning combination. Pro tip – Go on a Thursday when all the “crunchy rolls” are $5.50. Also, don’t hesitate to bring friends that “don’t like fish.” There’re other menu options like a chicken crunch salad that will make them happy to be here.
Best bet: The sashimi truffle salmon that’s thinly sliced and topped with ikura and ponzu sauce looks like art and tastes like heaven. Also, the tuna tower is a sight to behold.
RA SUSHI
$$-$$$ | 11638 Ash St., Leawood, KS | rasushi.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF RA SUSHI BAR RESTAURANT FACEBOOK
From the red glow of the restaurant’s interior to the menu that promises “inventive sushi,” RA delivers. The ramen menu (with a gluten-sensitive offerings) is eclectic, with both miso and soy pork broths. The shareable menu, which features a “hot mess” of crispy rice, snow crab, jalapenos and cilantro topped with a sweet eel sauce, is a culinary kick, too. Enjoy it with a Dragon Bite cocktail made with rum and Japanese yuza.
Best bet: Try the dinner sushi and nigiri assortment featuring a California roll with salmon, tuna, yellowtail, whitefish, shrimp and tamago.
