It's no surprise that Sushi Bars have survived the transition into the new millennium. Much more vibrant than most traditional dining venues, the sushi bar setting allows for mingling and enjoying a beer or wine in an adult-oriented atmosphere without the drawbacks of the old-style bar scene. Those who lack finely-tuned decision-making skills may have a tough task ahead of them in choosing just one from the list below. As a last resort, you can't go wrong by starting at number 1 and working your way down the list!
SUSHI KING 118 Central Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102 (505) 842-5099
Sushi King may be one of the newer sushi bars in Albuquerque, but it’s location in central downtown make it one of the hipper and more convenient as well. But, in the end, it’s all about the quality of the sushi. And Sushi King’s raw, cooked and vegetarian dishes are among the freshest and most beautifully prepared in the city. Along with a wide variety of Japanese soups and noodle dishes as well as teriyaki chicken, everyone will find something to delight them at Sushi King.
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $15 - $25
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
Getting four-stars from the Albuquerque Journal was no surprise to any of the satisfied customers who frequent the Samurai Grill. A sparkling display of fresh fish at the sushi bar should allay any latent Southwestern concerns about freshness this far inland. The menu includes inside-out sushi, known as roll sushi. You can enjoy moderately priced dinners, or go exotic with some of the special fish selections. Steak, chicken and vegetarian selections are also available.
Estimated cost per person: $20-30
Closed: Christmas and Thanksgiving Days
MR.SUSHI 2400 Juan Tabo NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112 (505) 298-3081
Mr. Sushi comes highly recommended by local sushi-lovers I queried, featuring such treats as Squid Dynamite to raise your body temperature. A duo of chefs keep diners engaged with their rousing techniques. Other delights include the Shabu Shabu, a sort of Japanese version of Mongolian BBQ, and of course, Tempura dishes. Bento Boxes are available for a fun and economical sampling of the offerings. Mr. Sushi is a must-try experience for sushi fanatics.
Estimated cost per person: $15-20
Closed: Thanksgiving and Christmas Days
SHOGUN 3310 Central Ave. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106 (505) 265-9166
Located in the Nob Hill district, Shogun is the perfect place to top off an eclectic shopping expedition. Featuring a complete menu of Japanese cuisine and their exclusive revolving sushi bar, Shogun has received top honors for Best Sushi in the annual Alibi survey. For relaxing surroundings and good food, Shogun's the place to float your (San Francisco-style) sushi boat.
Estimated cost per person: $15-25
Closed: New Year's Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving and Christmas Days
Hours:Open for Lunch Only Mon-Sat: 11:00 am - 2:30 pm Sunday: 12:00 pm - 3:30 pm
The only sushi restaurant on the west side, Ichiban can be found at the portal to Corrales. It's ideal for a change of pace after an outing in the countryside, and the prices are reasonable too. Ichiban, which means number one, has 7 Japanese fish and shrimp sushi selections and another 7 of the Korean variety, and 4 types of California roll, all served with miso soup and salad. So, forgo another platter of enchiladas and beans, and refresh your palate with a taste of Asian cuisine.
Estimated cost per person: $15-20
Closed: July 4th, Thanksgiving and Christmas Days
I LOVE SUSHI 6001 San Mateo NE, Suite F4, Albuquerque, NM 87109 (505) 883-3618
For chef and owner, Tom Yun, the name says it all. This sushi bar is crowned with tow soothing mood fountains, and the goods are served with fiery wasabi and tart picked ginger. The experience begins with a traditional Japanese greeting at the door. Duely welcomed, you might treat yourself to a chilled squid salad, while the non-sushi eater in your party awaits a taste sensation such as Tonkatsu, a fried breaded pork cutlet served with dipping sauce. Of course, the focus of this eatery is unquestionably the sushi, which will thrill any adventurous diner with its quality and flavor. Lunch for two can be had for around $20.
Estimated cost per person: $15-25
Closed: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Days
RAW 405 Central NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 (505) 242-5839
Hours:Mon-Fri: 11:00 am - 2:00 am,Saturday: 4:00 pm - 2:00 am, Mon-Sat - Night Club: 4:00 pm - 2:00 am Closed Sunday
Newest and hippest of the sushi bars, Raw is located in the heart of Downtown Albuquerque- a part of the push to revitalize the district with nightlife. The buzz is out, Raw features good food at good prices; and best of all, it's open into the wee hours. Food service ends at midnight, but the bar continues to swing until 2 am. Where else could you slurp vast quantities of those tasty Japanese finger foods until the witching hour? Bon appetite, night owls.
Estimated cost per person: $20-25
Closed: New Year's Day, July 4th , Thanksgiving and Christmas Days
TAKA SUSHI 901 San Pedro SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 (505) 256-1371
Taka Sushi features sushi a-la-carte for $1.20 a piece, and a full authentic Japanese menu. They also claim exclusive rights to Albuquerque's only Sushi Happy Hour. Actually, hours would be more accurate, as this includes 11-2 and 4:30-7:30 daily! Proud of their Japanese ownership and recipes, they have a great location. Situated one block north of Gibson, Taka Sushi is convenient to Kirtland AFB, the Lovelace complex and the Sunport.
Estimated cost per person: $15-20
Closed: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Days
Marked by a trendy moniker and forty different appetizers, the Ninja Sushi Bar offers nothing if not variety. Their slogan "where East meets West" refers to the inclusion of non-Asian menu items, for those in your party who prefer steak or chicken. The owner boasts that at Ninja Sushi, more vegetables and fish are packed into their dynamite rolls than at any other sushi bar in town. There are 100 specific kinds of sushi made here, and that should satisfy anyone's taste buds.
Estimated cost per person: $15-20
Closed: New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Days
MASA SUSHI 927 W. Alameda, Santa Fe, NM 87501 (505) 982-3334
Japanese chef, Miyoshi Takahashi, provides a wide selection of sushi and sashimi dishes in one of the few such restaurants in Santa Fe. Appetizers vary daily and cost $3- $9.50 a piece. Conveniently located in the City Different, diners can enjoy the sights as they walk off their thoroughly satisfying meal among the shops and museums near the plaza. Prices are a bargain, something not easily found in Santa Fe.
Estimated cost per person: $15-20
Closed: New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Days
The Top List of Sushi Restaurants - Albuquerque/Santa Fe, NM