Cherylynn N.
Yelp
The semi-broque wo[man]'s Nobu.
Sushi Roku is still $$$ but sushi is never cheap.
Opening in the former Yucca De Lac is Sushi Roku's first Bay Area location at Stanford Shopping Center. They're a chain from LA-based, IDG Restaurant Group: BOA Steakhouse, Katana, Robata Grill, Pacific Grill, etc.
Sushi Roku made it more affordable offering 50% off during their soft opening! A generous offering to customers while the staff is training.
Open for indoor and outdoor dining (dog-friendly).
Rezzies via SevenRooms. I received a text reminder: "Proper attire is required". There was no specificity. Some guests were in t-shirts, shorts, and flip flops so I'm not sure if there's a dress code.
We arrived early for our rezzies and they kindly seated us.
M E N U
Contemporary Japanese Cuisine - Apps (cold/hot), robata skewers, sashimi, sushi, rolls, noodles + rice, and entrees. Izakaya feast: $78 pp. Full bar.
** Soft opening discount: 50% off entire bill excluding cocktails more than $20 + wine/sake bottles more than $50.
Dinner for two with two cocktails + soda: $240 after the discount, tax, and 22% tip (default). Otherwise, it would have been $412.
D R I N K S
* Patron Silver & Club Soda ($19 x2): https://tinyurl.com/3rynfar7
Stiff with good carbonation.
* Diet Coke ($4, free refills)
F O O D
CARPACCIO
* Hamachi Serrano w/ garlic, yuzu ponzu (6 pc - $24) // 4 stars
Soft cuts of hamachi with a kick of heat from the serrano. Didn't taste much garlic or yuzu.
* Toro w/ oscietra caviar, kizami wasabi, truffle soy (6 pc - $49) // 4 stars: https://tinyurl.com/mswhu9kc
I remember otoro was used for this dish but I guess with the generous discount, it was subbed for chutoro. The buttery chutoro was complemented by the ocean-y pops of caviar and zesty kizami wasabi. Truffle flavor in the soy was subtle to not overpower the fish.
* Spicy Tuna Hanabi (4 pc - $20) // 3.5 stars: https://tinyurl.com/p9vubfsd
The freshly fried crispy rice vessel was delicious and seasoned, but the spicy tuna was bland, not spicy at all.
SKEWERS:
* Bacon Wrapped Jumbo Shrimp w/ garlic chili sauce (3 pc-$13 x2) // 4 stars: https://tinyurl.com/m62eur53
Can never go wrong with smoky bacon wrapped anything. The shrimp had a nice snap to it but the sauce didn't complement it.
* Lamb Chop ($9 x2) // 3 stars: https://tinyurl.com/5ftc9wdd
--Medium (only temp they can do)
Dry, well-done, and underseasoned.
* Chilean Seabass w/ yakitori sauce ($12) // 2 stars: https://tinyurl.com/3k3vnw22
Overcooked, very dry, and plain.
NIGIRI (2 PC)
* Kanpachi ($12) // 4 stars: https://tinyurl.com/4abaj74j
* Sake w/ lemon zest, yuzu salt, nikiri shoyu ($10) // 3.5 stars
* Hotate w/ shiso paste, sea salt, lemon ($13) // 4 stars
* [Chu]Toro w/ kizami wasabi, tosa shoyu (MP - $24) // 4 stars: https://tinyurl.com/2v36sh5t
* Unagi ($11) // 3 stars
The shari (sushi rice) had the proper room temperature and texture, slightly sticky that held its shape well but no flavor. The neta (fish) was decent quality but most needed more of the stated sauce/seasoning for moisture + flavor (if you didn't want to use soy). The nigiri run small.
ROLL
* Katana w/ spicy tuna, shrimp tempura topped with tuna & yellowtail, spicy mayo ($24) // 2.5 stars
Ordered this as a filler. I like that the roll is not rice heavy and the shrimp tempura was warm with a crunch. However, the spicy tuna filling was bland and the thin slices of tuna and yellowtail were dry and dull with some tears. Poor quality and fishy tasting.
SEA
* Baked Cod w/ sweet miso ($36) // 4.5 stars: https://tinyurl.com/uhf4ap6z
Best thing of the night! Sweet and savory with delicate, flaky layers that melt-in-your mouth. The side of sunomono (pickled cucumbers) was a good palate cleanser. One of the better valued items - get this!
S E R V I C E
Cordial and fast! Once we placed our order, we received the first two dishes within minutes and were in/out in about hour.
I know it's the soft opening but I observed some things that could have been handled better. For ex: Customers who arrived early to wait in line, were turned away for not having rezzies (only accepted the first 6 or so walk-in customers) but done so curtly with no apologies.
A M B I A N C E
Sophisticated and trendy yet comfortable with table, booth, and bar seating. Front patio is not shaded, side patio is. Heat lamps available.
P A R K I N G
Plentiful lot and garage parking.
Final thoughts: I've been to Sushi Roku in LV twice (years ago) and after visiting this location, unfortunately...I still feel the same. You're paying premium prices for mid quality fish because of the prime location and vibey atmosphere. NGL, if it weren't for the discount, I would have given 3.5 stars rounded down.
Regardless, Sushi Roku may be a decent option in the Stanford Shopping Center if you're craving sushi and have no budgetary constraints.