Searching for top-notch sushi in Plantation? As a Fort Lauderdale local foodie who loves sushi I created this guide that pinpoints where you can indulge in the most sought-after sushi spots and dishes in town. Uncover the best sushi restaurants of Plantation and see where locals like ourselves dine.
I’ll be honest, there’s not a lot of Sushi options in Plantation. So few that, I added one to this list in nearby Davie, Florida, to round out 3. However, the top two are so good that I even mention them on my best of Fort Lauderdale page when speaking of sushi, so know that even though there are limited options, the ones that are around are worth the trip.
Overview of Sushi Restaurants in Plantation, Florida
- Plantation’s sushi scene is diverse and vibrant, offering traditional Japanese sushi bars, modern fusion eateries, and Asian cuisine blends, with high-quality, fresh ingredients being a cornerstone of the dining experience.
- Understanding the menu is key to appreciating sushi, including various types of rolls like Hosomaki and Uramaki, specialties such as nigiri and sashimi, and the inclusion of non-sushi items like ramen and Thai dishes.
- The ambiance, unique signature rolls, chef specials, and exceptional customer service play a significant role in elevating Plantation’s top sushi restaurants, making them popular for meals, special occasions, and culinary explorations.
The Sushi Scene in Plantation
Nestled among the lush landscapes of South Florida, Plantation is a culinary gem, with sushi taking center stage. The sushi scene here is a beloved component of the broader South Florida culinary landscape, with sushi being a dining favorite among both locals and visitors.
From traditional sushi rolls to modern interpretations and fusion dishes, Plantation’s sushi restaurants offer a vibrant mix of flavors and experiences that cater to every palate.
A Brief History of Sushi in South Florida
Sushi culture in South Florida has significantly grown and evolved in recent years. It has become a cherished part of the region’s culinary scene as evidenced by the diverse array of sushi venues, from chic, upscale restaurants to casual spots and indulgent all-you-can-eat buffets.
The unique fusion of traditional Japanese elements with local Latin flavors distinguishes South Florida sushi, creating a unique dining experience.
What Sets Plantation Apart
Plantation’s sushi scene stands out due to its mélange of traditional Japanese sushi bars, innovative fusion eateries, and venues offering a beautiful blend of sushi and other Asian cuisines. Restaurants such as Blue Ginger and Sozo Sushi Bar are renowned for their exceptional food and attentive customer service, boosting Plantation’s reputation as a must-visit sushi destination.
On the other hand, Otoro Sushi + Asian Kitchen and Phat Boy Sushi, Kitchen & Bar are celebrated for their superior sushi offerings and swift service, providing an array of Asian dishes ideal for both takeout and dining in. These establishments, with their compelling dining experiences and delectable dishes, have cemented their status as favorites among sushi lovers.
But for us, there is nothing better than Marumi! This is the clear winner here, and while we LOVE Otoro, Marumi gets the nod.
Delving into Delicious: The Sushi Menu Explained
Sushi extends beyond a simple dish; it represents a symphony of flavors constituting an exquisite dining journey for a food lover. Knowing the variety of sushi styles and accompanying Asian dishes can further enrich this culinary adventure.
It’s time to decode the sushi menu, exploring everything from the wide variety of sushi rolls to the nuances of sashimi, nigiri, and more.
Understanding Sushi Rolls
Sushi rolls, or maki sushi, form the backbone of any sushi menu. These are made by layering a sheet of seaweed with vinegared rice and various fillings, then rolled into thin tubes and sliced into bite-sized pieces. Depending on the size and number of fillings, sushi rolls can be classified into different types. Take, for instance, Hosomaki, a small maki roll with only one filling like cucumber or raw tuna, known for its minimalist approach and refreshing taste.
Then there’s Uramaki, or ‘inside-out’ rolls, which feature rice on the outside and nori on the inside. These rolls, such as California rolls and Rainbow rolls, are a western adaptation of sushi rolls. Another favorite is the Temaki sushi, or hand rolls, a large seaweed cone stuffed with rice, fish, and other sushi fillings, meant to be eaten by hand as an individual serving. The fusion of sushi with other cuisines, particularly Peruvian, has also led to the creation of fusion-style sushi like the California roll.
Other popular sushi rolls include:
- Dragon Rolls
- Spider Rolls
- Ama Ebi sushi rolls
- Inari sushi
Each with their unique ingredients and flavors. There’s also the Spicy Tuna Roll, a type of uramaki where raw tuna is finely chopped, mixed with sriracha, and sesame oil, and often topped with spicy mayo. These various sushi roll styles showcase the diversity and creativity that sushi chefs bring to the art of sushi making.
Sashimi, Nigiri, and More
Beyond sushi rolls, the sushi menu features other classic Japanese dishes such as sashimi and nigiri. Sashimi is thinly sliced fish or meat, often served raw without rice, highlighting the fresh flavors of the fish. In contrast, nigiri sushi is created with a mound of vinegared rice topped with a slice of raw or cooked seafood, contrasting the complexity of sushi rolls with its simplicity.
What distinguishes sashimi and nigiri is that sashimi consists solely of fresh slices of raw fish, whereas nigiri positions these slices on a ball of sushi rice. Assembling nigiri involves adding a small swipe of wasabi on the fish slice before setting it on the sushi rice, a step not seen in sashimi preparation. While fresh fish is a hallmark of sushi, certain types such as salmon and tuna can develop richer umami flavors after aging for several days. This aging process is considered an essential skill by experienced sushi chefs to optimize the flavor and texture of the final sushi dish.
Other popular dishes on the sushi menu include Chirashi, a type of sushi that includes a bowl of vinegared rice topped with a mix of raw fish and various garnishes, often chosen by the chef. Gunkanmaki, or battleship sushi, is a method of serving sushi where nori is wrapped around a ball of rice, creating a vessel for toppings such as oysters or various types of fish roe.
Beyond Sushi: Ramen, Seafood, and Thai Influences
While sushi is undoubtedly the star of the show, the menu at sushi restaurants often goes beyond sushi. Some common additions to the menus at sushi restaurants include:
- Japanese ramen, with its rich broth, noodles, and various toppings such as sliced pork and soft-boiled eggs
- Traditional Thai teas and boba drinks, offering refreshing beverage options to accompany sushi or ramen meals
- Chirashi, also known as chirashizushi, a sushi dish with a bed of rice covered with a variety of toppings, often including raw seafood
Thai classics like Chicken Pad Thai are featured on some sushi establishments’ menus, broadening the culinary experience to include distinct Asian cuisines. The sushi burrito, or sushirrito, merges temaki sushi with the concept of a burrito, using a large nori sheet to wrap rice and typical sushi fillings in an oversized, hand-held form. Dumplings are a popular item on sushi restaurant menus, available with a variety of fillings like chicken, beef, and shiitake mushrooms.
In addition to non-sushi items, sushi restaurants often offer a variety of special menus, including:
- shared plates
- soups
- bowls
- special rolls
- desserts
This offers a full dining experience beyond traditional sushi dishes. Ingredients like unagi sauce, a thicker, sweeter alternative to teriyaki sauce, and wasabi, the spicy green paste often mistaken for avocado, are used to add heat to sushi when mixed with soy sauce for dipping.
The Best Sushi Restaurants in Plantation
Having grasped the landscape of Plantation’s sushi scene and the variety of sushi dishes and sides available, we can now pinpoint the city’s top sushi restaurants. Takato, Kuro, and Sushi Rock are among the top-regarded sushi restaurants in Broward County, but we’re isolating this to Plantation’s sushi scene.
The remarkable combination of high-quality sushi and a variety of dining experiences ensures that visitors to Plantation’s top sushi restaurants enjoy an unforgettable experience.
Here’s My List:
Marumi Sushi
This is the best overall sushi in Plantation. Don’t let the strip mall location fool you!
Otoro Sushi & Asian Kitchen
This is a more modern, well kept restaurant which is also in a strip mall right off the 595, and the ambiance is much better than Marumi. So if you are looking for a more modern scene, go here.
Phat Boy Sushi
You can’t go wrong with Phat Boy Sushi. Its’ technically in Davie, but it’s just steps outside of the Plantation area so I added it to the list. Despite it being a chain, you won’t be let down. View all of their locations here.
Signature Rolls and Chef Specials
A key highlight of the best sushi restaurants in Plantation is their unique signature rolls and chef specials. These exclusive creations offer diners the opportunity to taste unique blends of flavors that are not typically found elsewhere. Signature rolls such as the Bahamas Roll and Mango Roll are celebrated for their distinctive blend of sweet and savory tastes, providing an unusual flavor experience for diners.
Places like Phat Boy Sushi, Kitchen & Bar, with their premium decor and unique sushi offerings, further enhance the overall dining experience by providing delicious food.
Ambiance and Presentation
The ambiance and presentation at a sushi restaurant can significantly enhance the dining experience. From the restaurant’s decor and layout to the way the sushi is presented on the plate, these elements play a crucial role in creating a memorable dining experience.
Top sushi restaurants in Plantation understand this and pay great attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of the dining experience is carefully curated.
Customer Favorites and Reviews
Customer favorites and reviews provide valuable insights into the quality of food and service at a sushi restaurant. RA Sushi Bar Restaurant in Pembroke Pines, for instance, is celebrated for its friendly, attentive service and enjoyable outdoor seating that adds to the high-quality dining experience.
Otoro Sushi + Asian Kitchen, a hidden gem in Plantation, is noted for its exceptional sushi cuisine, fast service, and suitable ambiance for date nights and family outings. Positive feedback from diners often includes mentions of returning visits, suggesting a loyal customer base due to the quality of food and service.
Quality and Freshness: The Heart of Plantation Sushi
Quality and freshness form the cornerstone of any satisfying sushi dining experience. The freshness of sushi ingredients is heavily dependent on efficient supply chains and the ability of suppliers to deliver fresh fish from around the world to sushi restaurants on a daily basis. Suppliers like Young Ocean, Inc., demonstrate the complexity of the sushi industry’s reliance on both local and international seafood sources to meet the increasing demand for fresh sushi options.
From Ocean to Table
Seafood suppliers play a crucial role in the sushi industry, ensuring the regular provision of fresh ingredients essential for high-quality sushi. Suppliers like Young Ocean, Inc., exemplify this dedication by sourcing diverse types of fresh fish from around the world, catering to the tastes and demands of sushi restaurants.
Alongside this, sustainable sourcing has become a key focus in the sushi industry, with the aim being to serve the best quality seafood without compromising the environment.
The Art of Sushi Making
The art of sushi making involves meticulous methods that are essential for ensuring flavor enhancement and safety against bacteria. Yubiki, for instance, involves scalding fish with boiling water and then rinsing it in cold water, especially suitable for fish like sea bass and red snapper that are often served with skin on. The process of searing fish, known as aburi, sears the entire fish and then rinses it in cold water to eliminate bacteria while preserving the fatty texture.
Other traditional sushi preparation techniques include washing (arai) and marinating in vinegar (sujime), used for smaller bony fish to soften bones and eliminate bacteria. While fresh fish is a hallmark of sushi, certain types such as salmon and tuna can develop richer umami flavors after aging for several days. This aging process is considered an essential skill by experienced sushi chefs to optimize the flavor and texture of the final sushi dish.
Health Benefits of Fresh Sushi
Besides being a delight for the taste buds, fresh sushi also comes with a host of health benefits. Here are some of the health benefits of sushi:
- The Omega-3 fatty acids in sushi can help reduce chronic inflammation and lower the risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
- The fish used in sushi is a rich source of nutrients and minerals such as vitamin D, B2, iron, zinc, iodine, magnesium, potassium, and calcium.
- Seaweed sheets, another sushi ingredient, are packed with calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, iodine, sodium, and vitamins A, B1, C, and E.
- Consuming sushi could help meet the American Heart Association’s recommendation of consuming fish at least twice a week for heart health benefits.
Pairing Your Sushi: Drinks and Accompaniments
For a complete sushi meal experience, the importance of pairing it with appropriate drinks and sides cannot be understated. Whether it’s a traditional Japanese beverage like sake or green tea, a modern mix like bubble tea or flavored soy milk, or a perfect side dish like edamame or tsukemono, the right pairings can significantly enhance your sushi dining experience.
Traditional Sips
Traditional Japanese beverages like green tea and sake are often served with sushi. Here are some common pairings:
- Green tea: commonly served with sushi in Japan, it is often provided complimentary and can cleanse the palate between different pieces.
- Sake: a traditional Japanese drink, it is frequently paired with sushi, particularly in upscale restaurants.
- Water or specific drinks: some upscale sushi bars where chefs prepare food in front of the customer may involve the chef suggesting water or specific drinks to complement the sushi meal.
Another traditional beverage is Amazake, a sweet drink made from fermented rice, served hot or cold to match the season of the sushi meal.
Modern Mixes
In addition to traditional Japanese beverages, sushi restaurants have embraced modern non-alcoholic beverages such as:
- Bubble tea
- Flavored soy milk
- Refreshing melon soda
- Quirky Ramune soda
- Distinctively sweet and sour Calpis
These drinks, along with others, offer diners a diverse array of beverage options to choose from.
For those who prefer alcoholic options, contemporary alcoholic drinks such as shochu and Japanese craft beers are gaining popularity at sushi venues.
Perfect Side Dishes
No sushi meal is complete without a side dish to complement the main course. Edamame, young steamed soybeans, provides a simple and nutritious accompaniment that is high in protein and fiber. Tsukemono, a variety of pickled vegetables, is a classic Japanese side dish that offers a refreshing palate cleanser during a sushi meal.
Sunomono, a vinegared salad typically featuring cucumber, seaweed, or seafood, provides a sweet and sour contrast that can cleanse the palate between sushi servings. Ohitashi, blanched vegetables dressed in a soy sauce-based dressing, offers a light side option that balances richer sushi flavors.
Planning Your Visit: Lunch, Dinner, and Special Occasions
Armed with a wealth of sushi knowledge, you’re now ready to plan a visit to a sushi restaurant in Plantation. Whether it’s for a quiet lunch, a dinner date, or a special occasion, there are certain factors to consider, such as the best times to go, the reservation and walk-in policies, and how to make your celebrations memorable with sushi.
When to Go
Although Plantation’s sushi restaurants are bustling throughout the day, consider visiting during off-peak hours like late afternoons or early evenings on weekdays for a more tranquil dining experience. These times tend to be less crowded, allowing you to enjoy your sushi meal in a more relaxed setting.
Reservations and Walk-Ins
Reservation and walk-in policies can vary from one sushi restaurant to another. However, customer reviews indicate that sushi bars in Plantation effectively accommodate walk-in guests, even during busy times, without compromising on service quality. While specific reservation and walk-in information for sushi restaurants in Plantation is not readily available, potential diners are recommended to inquire directly with sushi restaurants for reservation possibilities, particularly at more popular establishments.
To minimize wait time, walk-in customers may choose to dine during off-peak hours or be prepared for a wait, based on the high service standards observed in customer reviews.
Celebrating with Sushi
Sushi restaurants in Plantation, FL, are particularly popular during special occasions such as Valentine’s Day, reflecting their status as a preferred celebration dining option among locals. Given their popularity during events like Valentine’s Day, sushi restaurants in Plantation present an excellent opportunity for individuals to make their celebrations memorable.
If you are looking for great food in Plantation, you should also consider Izgara for Mediterranean.
Summary
From exploring the rich history and diverse offerings of the sushi scene in Plantation to understanding the intricacies of sushi rolls, sashimi, and nigiri, we’ve navigated the vibrant world of sushi. We’ve highlighted the best sushi restaurants in Plantation, delved into the importance of quality and freshness in sushi preparation, and explored the ideal drinks and accompaniments to enhance your sushi dining experience. Whether you’re planning a quiet lunch, a dinner date, or a special celebration, Plantation’s sushi scene promises an unforgettable culinary journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the sushi scene in Plantation unique?
The sushi scene in Plantation is unique because it offers a blend of traditional Japanese sushi bars, innovative fusion eateries, and a beautiful mix of sushi and other Asian cuisines, making it a diverse and exciting dining experience.
What are some popular sushi rolls?
Some popular sushi rolls are Dragon Rolls, Spider Rolls, Ama Ebi sushi rolls, and Inari sushi. Enjoy exploring these unique flavors!
What is the difference between sashimi and nigiri?
Sashimi consists of raw fish slices, while nigiri is raw fish atop sushi rice.
What are some health benefits of consuming sushi?
Consuming sushi can provide health benefits such as reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke due to its Omega-3 fatty acid content, as well as being a rich source of various nutrients and minerals.
What drinks and side dishes can I pair with sushi?
You can pair your sushi with traditional Japanese beverages like sake or green tea, modern drinks like bubble tea or flavored soy milk, or side dishes like edamame or tsukemono. Enjoy your sushi experience!
About Peter C.
Peter is a digital nomad who largely writes from Asia, Europe, and South America. Always following the "vibe," he sets up shop in hostels and AirBNB's and continues to entertain us with wild stories from life abroad. Ask him anything in our community forum.
