Choosing the perfect sushi joint is like picking your favorite song on a playlist – it’s gotta hit all the right notes! From the freshness of the fish to the vibe of the place, there’s a lot to consider… especially if you’re a sushi newbie.
Luckily, Green Bay has a wide variety of sushi options to satisfy every level of sushi lover. But first, let’s dive into what makes good sushi, well, good!
What should you look for in a sushi spot?
1. Freshness is key. When it comes to sushi, fresh is always best. Be sure to look for places that pride themselves on sourcing top-notch ingredients, especially fish.
2. Chef skills. Behind every great sushi roll is a talented sushi chef who knows their stuff. Look for restaurants with chefs that have a blend of traditional techniques and some creative flare.
3. Good vibes. Dining out is about more than just eating food – it's a whole experience. Do you prefer cozy and casual? Sleek and modern? Find something that feels like home (but with better sushi).
Types of sushi
Brand new to sushi? You’ve come to the right blog! There’s a wide world of sushi out there, but here are some of the basic rolls you can expect to find on most menus.
Maki: Maki sushi is the most popular type of sushi in the United States, so you’ve likely encountered this roll before. These are packed with rice, veggies, and different fillings like fish and avocado, tightly wrapped up in seaweed (called nori), and sliced into bite-sized pieces.
Uramaki: These are a twist on the classic maki, with rice on the outside and nori on the inside. They're often filled with a variety of ingredients like avocado, cucumber, and crab, and then they are topped with fish, sesame seeds, or sauces.
Nigiri: Picture a perfect bite-sized mound of rice topped with a slice of (usually) raw fish – typically tuna, salmon, yellowtail, shrimp, eel, or even abalone. Nigiri is simple, yet satisfying!
Sashimi: For the purists out there, sashimi is what it’s all about. It’s a delicacy that’s just about showcasing fresh, thinly sliced fish or seafood. Typically it’s served without rice to allow the natural flavors of the fish to take center stage.
Temaki: Also known as hand rolls, temaki is a cone-shaped nori wrap filled with rice, fish, veggies, and other ingredients like wasabi and soy sauce. They’re like little sushi burritos – no chopsticks needed!
Where to get sushi in the Green Bay area
Now that you’ve got the sushi basics down, where should you grab your next roll? Take a look at these Green Bay area sushi spots and start planning your next meal.
Little Tokyo
121 N Broadway, Green Bay, WI 54303
Founded in 2002, Little Tokyo is Green Bay’s first Japanese sushi bar and offers amazing sushi, Japanese cuisine, and Thai cuisine, as well as a variety of Japanese drinks. With a large selection of maki and sashimi variations (over 70!), you’ll have to keep coming back to try them all.
Island Sushi
875 Heritage Road, De Pere, WI 54115
This De Pere sushi joint offers over 40 different sushi rolls, and better yet–it’s all you can eat! That means you can try a little bit of everything and find your favorite roll. And with unique offerings like the Deep Fried Philly roll and the Dragon Under The Sea roll, you won’t run out of options.
Umi Sushi
2066 Central Dr suite E, E, Green Bay, WI 54311
Umi Sushi is known for its authentic Japanese cuisine and fresh rolls made with top-quality ingredients. They also get extra points for presentation! The chefs at Umi take great pride in presenting each meal with artistry, elevating your sushi experience to the next level.
Koko Sushi Bar & Lounge
875 Lombardi Ave, Green Bay, WI 54304
If you’re looking for an ultra-modern yet cozy atmosphere, Koko Sushi Bar should be on your list. Comfy booths, big round tables, and fireside seating all make for an intimate experience. And obviously, the sushi is great too! Choose from traditional maki, specialty maki, sashimi, and nigiri, then finish your meal with their sweet unagi nigiri featuring white chocolate and macadamia nuts.
Sushi Lover
313 N Broadway, Green Bay, WI 54303
If you’ve got a major hankering, Sushi Lover’s “all you can eat” style of sushi dining is for you! Diners can enjoy a variety of traditional rolls as well as specialty rolls like the Green Bay roll with spicy shrimp, crab, and honey wasabi mayo or the Monkey roll with fried banana, crab, and sweet mayo.
Nakashima of Japan
2200 Holmgren Way, Green Bay, WI 54304
Nakashima has some serious sushi clout thanks to the founder Hiroyuki Nakashima and his years working at a family sushi bar in Japan. Lucky for us, Nakashima moved to Wisconsin and brought his sushi expertise with him! With over 60 types of rolls, from traditional maki to specialty creations to nigiri and sashimi and more, Nakashima is a must-visit for those who want a true taste of tradition.
