Fresh from Japan: Anaba Sushi

Sushi That Is Certifiably Not Local

Just off Miracle Mile, Anaba is your quintessential hole-in-the-wall restaurant, with a door framed by curtains and a sushi bar where you can watch your meal being made. The overall ambiance is cozy and intimate, a perfect spot for a date or a bite with friends, but what makes Anaba special is that all of its fish is flown in fresh, straight from Japan.

We started our meal with a steaming bowl of miso soup, a rich, savory broth with a comforting umami flavor, but we couldn’t wait for the sashimi platter, featuring six types of fish right from the Land of the Rising Sun. The platter was presented to us at the bar with an explanation of each item. The variety of fish was impressive, with staples like salmon as well as less common options like mackerel, red snapper, and sea bream. The freshness was apparent.

For rolls, we chose two that sounded enticing. The fatty tuna and scallion maki was a standout, with buttery tuna and a bright burst of flavor from the scallions. The Sugar Daddy roll was even more remarkable, with a perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors; the combination of shrimp tempura, avocado, and mango was already a delicious combination, but the addition of torched sugar salmon on top elevated the dish to another level.

Throughout our meal, the service was attentive and helpful without being intrusive, and the atmosphere welcoming. But it’s the high-quality sushi and sashimi that impressed — and at a reasonable price point.

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Anaba
70 Aragon Ave.
305.476.0655