by Barbara Kasser

Wasabi Cafe
1506 E. Commercial Boulevard,
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334
(954) 772-0555

Outside, traffic builds on busy Commercial Boulevard, accompanied by the sound of occasional sirens and blaring horns. Inside, the atmosphere of this small, clean café is quiet, pristine and pure. Polished wood and soft lighting create a mural for the eyes, carried through in the presentation of each food order. Soft music and plants complete the mood of calmness and harmony. The Wasabi Café has one of the best collections of premium sake in the area. The sushi is always fresh and delicious. Sit at the bar, sip sake, and watch the talented chefs prepare your order for an added show. The cooked food here is just as good as the sushi. Tempura is fresh-fried and arrives hot and delicious. Steak, while not a traditional Japanese dish, is a standout.

by Barbara Kasser

Heart Rock Sushi
1970 E. Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
(954) 779-2735

Located in the quirky Gateway Shopping Center, this Fort Lauderdale favorite packs in the crowds day after day. At first glance, it’s easy to see why. The owners have hit on the perfect formula for a sushi restaurant: soft lighting, comfortable seating, and, of course, fresh fish served in generous portions. Sushi and sashimi can be ordered by the piece or in platters. Mix it up a bit and order a combo platter; you won’t be disappointed with the results! Sake, plum wine or Japanese beer provides a great accompaniment to the menu selections. Check out the dessert section of the Heart Rock menu, a course not taken seriously at most other sushi restaurants. The banana fried in a spring roll skin and served with honey and chocolate or caramel sauce is a sweet way to end a great sushi meal.

by Barbara Kasser

Sushi Blues Cafe

2009 Harrison Street, Hollywood, Florida 33020

(954) 929-9560

Sushi Blues Café is a great place for good food and a fun party. Under the watchful eye of co-owner Kenny Millons, the Hollywood café has discovered that Japanese food and American blues create the ideal recipe for success. The food here is first-rate. Crunchy handy hand rolls, glistening sashimi, and more innovative dishes such as gyoza dumplings with spicy sesame sauce look and taste delicious. (Non-sushi eaters can order an American sandwich or salad.) The weekend live music is every bit as good as the food. Sometimes soulful and sad, other times jazzy and upbeat, the music draws huge crowds every Friday and Saturday night. Reservations are strongly suggested most nights; on weekends, they’re a must.

by Barbara Kasser

Japan Inn
1781 North University Drive, Plantation, FL 33322
(954) 424-8855

1798 Market Street, Weston, FL 33326
(954) 659-7847

With two locations in South Florida and two more in the Washington, D.C. area, Kaye & Hori, the owners of the popular Japan Inn, have figured out the recipe for success. The ingredients are simple: fresh food, beautiful presentation, pleasant surroundings, and great customer service. Throw in a dash of reasonable pricing and convenient hours. Make sure portions are oversized and it’s no surprise that the Japan Inn pleases crowds in both South Florida locations! The Inn’s sushi and sashimi appetizers are a great way to start a meal. Innovative rolls like Dynamite in the Shell (white fish and flying fish eggs and quail egg) and Sunomono (conch, octopus or crab or mixed with cucumber) are beautiful and tasty. Cooked food and hibachi items are also available at both restaurants.