by Scott Kessman

KAZU
(631) 724-5730
127 Smithtown Blvd
Nesconset, NY 11767

Kazu has been a quintessential sushi staple on Long Island, despite the fact that it is nearly impossible to notice, sitting modestly in the center of a strip mall along a busy highway. A plain sign simply reads “SUSHI” in block lettering, hardly an attractive endorsement for a restaurant that is far from ordinary. Peeking through the tinted windows during dinner hours, you’ll find the place is likely packed with hungrily dining patrons, enjoying some of the freshest sushi you’ll ever have the pleasure of tasting. Word of mouth over the many years has helped Kazu rise to the pinnacle of sushi restaurants. Of course, credit must be given to quality of the food, the vast selection of traditional sushi offerings along with a few creative surprises, and a wide range of appetizers and entrees. Regulars swear by the miso soup, and the authentic Japanese dishes for the truly adventurous serve to make dining at Kazu an exciting experience as well as an especially satisfying one.

by: Scott Kessman

TOMO
(631) 724-1100
9 East Main Street
Smithtown, NY 11787

Tomo is your essential friendly neighborhood sushi restaurant, just the right size to instill a sense of casual comfort, while the attentive waitresses and sushi chefs cater to your needs with bright smiles. The décor is subtle, light wood paneling with hints of Japanese design accented by a bamboo umbrella that extends itself into the ceiling, and Japanese lanterns adorning the walls. Typical of most sushi restaurants, Tomo serves a wide array of sashimi and maki, along with daily specials and larger sushi entrees that include miso soup, an essential dish at all Japanese eateries. Also typical of many sushi restaurants on Long Island, Tomo’s menu includes and extensive list of Japanese appetizers, such as gyoza, yakitori, sunomono, and much more, as well as a variety of Asian soups and salads. Non-sushi entrees include Japanese noodle and vegetable dishes, and a number of delicious teriyaki or tempura dishes, along with a few extras. In fact, the menu is quite large considering Tomo’s small size, and even if you’re the sort who will never deign to let raw fish touch your lips, you can be certain that Tomo will have many other dishes that are sure to satisfy.

by Scott Kessman

NAGAHAMA
(516) 432-6446
169 E Park Ave
Long Beach NY 11561

From the blissfully ordinary to house specialties and creations for the truly adventurous, Nagahama has something for everyone. If they don’t, simply ask, and they’ll be happy to make for it you right then. Nagahama is another sushi restaurant featuring customer-designed maki rolls on the menu. The traditional sushi fare is always prevalent, along with familiar appetizers and entrees. The Long Beach hotspot is normally occupied by a large crowd of regulars, thanks to its great location and affordable prices. A large assortment of sashimi and nigiri sushi also makes this unassuming eatery a place worth seeking, if only to try a few items not found in other restaurants, such as giant clam, toro, tomago, and Spanish mackerel.

by Scott Kessman

MIDORI
(631) 506-0777
967 Reeves Ave Riverhead, NY 11901

Entering Midori is like walking into the fashion capitol of sushi establishments. The dining room, sushi bar and tatami room all share elements of Japanese couture, but with a sophisticated flashiness that appeals both to casual diners and those seeking a trend-setting restaurant. Midori will dazzle you, both with its design and with its tantalizing menu, featuring a bevy of wonderful Japanese fusion entrees, and updated sushi classics, like the Chilean Sea Bass roll, the Flying Dynamite Roll, and the Rose Garden. All the star attractions can also be found here; the soups, the salads, the Udon and Soba noodles, and their respective entourages. Golden Shrimp Tempura glides confidently down the red carpet, and Usuzukuri, thinly sliced fluke with ponzu sauce, follows closely behind. Dishes are delivered to you table with subtle extravagance, and daily specials offer unique variations on sushi and traditional Japanese entrees. Midori is thankfully open for lunch, allowing you to sample your favorite Bento Box of delight, or a nice assortment of fresh nigiri sushi or sashimi. It’s also a wonderful atmosphere for parties, business meetings or social gatherings.