Kisaku Sushi Restaurant

Kisaku doesn't live up to the hype. I have been to Kisaku several years ago and enjoyed it. I also have heard a lot of great things recently about Kisaku. Sadly, our experience was not a good one for several reasons. When we called to make reservations, the waitress made it sound like the tables in the 'front of the restaurant' and the sushi bar seats that were available (by the post) were not the best so she directed us to the more intimate back area. We arrived and the worst places in the restaurant were in the back. Never sit back there.

We ordered a wide selection sushi nigiri and rolls. The Spanish Mackerel was wonderful but the rest was ofmarginal quality. Every sushi order used rice that seemed like it had been out in the open for awhile - cool and dried out. It was like the rice balls were made early in the day so they could meet the Friday rush. If you don't have good rice, you can't have good sushi.

I am being generous to say it was a two star experience.…

Kisaku is awesome. Kisaku is amazing. I've gone at least once a week since it opened. I highly recommend sitting at the sushi bar. Nakano-san and Shimi always come up with really creative things, and all the food is always amazing. Take a minute to ask what's fresh, what's in season, and what you just absolutely must try. Definitely take their suggestions and be adventurous.

Oysters on half shells are a must to begin the meal, and if Aji Tataki is up on the specials board, you're in for a treat. In terms of cooked food, the tofu dengaku (fried tofu in red miso sauce) is sublime, and they the best calamari I have ever had in the country, no joke.

Also, either make reservations or come at less crowded times (it's easier to get in earlier, especially on week days).…

Great Variety. I have been to Kisaku a few times now and every experience is different. There is always a great variety of fresh seafood and the servers are very knowledgeable about the menu. I was a bit of a novice on my first visit and I was directed towards a few simple rolls that I really enjoyed. Be careful because it can get busy at times!…

Best sushi north of the bridges. Okay, I'll admit it, Kisaku isn't the "quickest" restaurant around. (That's the only reason I didn't give a full 5 stars.) You might have to wait for a table, but there's a reason for that, and that reason is because people know good sushi when they find it, and nobody wants to leave. If you're looking for some fast-food style, grab-n-go sushi, then get out of the way, head on down to Blue-C or some other "joint" and grab some hour-old fish off the fish train.

BUT - If you're prepared to enjoy some sushi like a gentleman (or lady, as the case may be), then Kisaku is a fine choice. There's hustle, there's bustle, there's an energy present, and the fish is prepared with care and presented with flourish. On the rare occasions that it's calm, there is a quiet, refined elegance to the interior, but when it's busy (as it often is), there is a kinetic feeling to Kisaku that makes the dining experience contagiously exciting. Itadakimasu!…