Del K.
Yelp
Sushi Mazi is a intimate little sushi restaurant, located in the burgeoning strip mall located on Division, just off of 21st street. I decided to check to make them my next stop on my "rate all sushi establishments in Portland" project as they are walking distance from my house. After first checking out their website, I was happy to discover they are one of Portland's few sushi spots that are open on Sundays and they have happy hour 4:30 - 6:00 every day (except Mondays, which is the only day they are closed).
Sushi Standards Rating Scale:
What I ordered: calamari appetizer, two salmon nigiri, eel with avocado roll, and a Thai iced tea (all off the happy hour menu)
Total Cost: $18 (before tip)
Décor: The restaurant is beautiful, with many contemporary touches. It is clear they take pride in their presentation. [5 stars]
Creativity: Their menus (yes there are several) offer a great deal of creativity. I am definitely curious about their real grasshopper nigiri. I don't know if I have the guts to try it, but I am definitely tempted. [5 stars]
Presentation: I am thrilled to finally find a sushi restaurant in Portland who truly offers artistry in their presentation. Everything I was served (as well as every plate I saw go by) was beautiful. [5 stars]
Freshness: The freshness of everything was top notch. [5 stars]
Taste: The salmon was incredible and clearly the best cuts I've had in a long time, the eel roll's flavor was complex, but not overdone, the Thai iced tea was perfect, my only disappointment was the calamari, as it was a bit overcooked and therefore dry. [4.5 stars]
Sustainability: I can not speak directly to the fish, but I was impressed to see they use bamboo, rather than wooden disposable chopsticks. And yet, they use paper napkins. [3 stars]
Service: The server was friendly enough, but she seems a bit overburdened as the only sever until shortly before the end of my meal. Once help arrived, her demeanor greatly improved. [4 stars]
Bang for your buck: They are clearly on the more expensive end of what I am accustom to paying at sushi restaurants, however they are also clearly hands above most sushi restaurants I've visited. The only thing I feel was overpriced was the calamari - $6 (happy hour price) for dry calamari feels a bit too much for me, however, if it was better prepared I would say it was a reasonable price. [4.5 stars]
Overall: While there are some improvements that could be made here, I am happy to call Sushi Mazi the best sushi I have had thus far in Portland. I will definitely be back.