The Miami Valley has its fare share of restaurants serving maki (rolls), nigiri ( often raw fish piece on rice) and sashimi (piece without rice).
Thai 9 sushi chef Surarith Raicharoen explains the secrets to great sushi and the Thai 9 Special ($11.95), one of the top-sellers at that restaurant located in Dayton's Oregon District in the above video. Hint: it helps make your taste buds pop.
Here are just five places to get sushi in the Miami Valley. Tell us about your favorite place below.
Welcoming
Akashi Sushi Bar
Why? The restaurant’s staff go the extra mile to make you feel welcome. (I once had the best octopus I ever ate there and it was complimentary.) The restaurant offers free cheesecake on birthdays and a glass of wine for anniversaries. There are 10 percent student and military discounts. Despite the niceties, the food is the reason to go. Most recently I tried the Lunch Sushi Box which came with four pieces of yummy nigiri, rice, noodles and an assortment of tempura for $11.95. A soup and salad were kicked in on the house.
Contact? 2020 Harshman Road, Huber Heights; (937) 233-8005
Hours? Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Monday to Saturday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Trendy
Thai 9 Cuisine of Thailand and Sushi Restaurant
Why? The popular restaurant has drawn hungry crowds since opening in February of 2003 by providing fresh food in a fun and relaxing environment for either a date night or an evening with friends. Both the Thai and sushi menus will keep you busy visit after visit. Get the sushi boat for two ($39.95) if you are looking to impress or simply want to fill your belly. Watch video above to learn more about the Thai 9 Special.
Where is it? 11 Brown St., Dayton, (937) 222-3227
Hours? Monday to Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Sunday to Thursday, 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Unexpected
I-Zu Japanese Restaurant & Grocery
Why? Its location in a strip mall might throw you off a little, but I-Zu is more than worth a visit. From the Japanese-style tables to the waving cat statues, it is a treat. Order the Dragon Rolls and some udon soap before checking out the grocery store attached to the restaurant following your meal.
Contact info? 5252 N. Dixie Drive, Dayton, (937) 277-9596
Hours? Tuesday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.; noon to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Whimsical
Why? Kabuki packs a lot of fun into its small Centerville building. The menu includes '33 Unique Rolls' that will surely capture your imagination. The Ninja roll — calamari, spicy tuna, avocado and cream cheese deep fried with a special sauce — shouldn't be missed. Kabuki also served a good assortment of traditional sushi.
Contact? 848 South Main St., Centerville; (937) 435-9500
Hours? Sunday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Upscale
Shen’s Szechuan & Sushi
Why? Chinese dishes like the Peppercorn Fish ($16.95) are hard to pass up, but the sushi is mighty good at this restaurant that oozes ambiance. Its location formally housed Mr. Lee's.
Read: Vandalia restaurant: Sweet with Lychee Dragon, spiced with peppercorn fish
Contact? 7580 Poe Ave., Vandalia; (937) 898-3860.
Hours? Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Saturday noon to 11 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 9 p.m.
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