Midday Sushi at Japan One

Escape during the busy workday for midday sushi at Japan One. Located in the same strip mall as Hannaford, the space looks as if in a previous life it might once have been a Subway with the long, narrow construction. But that’s where the similarity begins and ends between the two eateries.

Patrons have the option of either pulling up a chair at the sushi bar to watch the sushi chef in action while they dine, or settling in at one of the tables. However, seating is limited, and by 12:30 p.m. on a Monday, all the tables were filled, but turned over quickly.

Priced at $9.50, the Lunch Bento Box is a good deal for the amount of food included. Folks receive miso soup or salad, four California rolls, three shumai, vegetables, rice, and choose one of eight items (tempura, variety of meat cooked in Teriyaki sauce).

The salad has the traditional ginger dressing, which is common among most Japanese restaurants. But if torn between the soup or salad, choose the soup because the ginger dressing is bland and unmemorable. Biting into the chicken teriyaki revealed dry meat, but was hidden beneath the sweet teriyaki sauce. The shumai dumplings left a sweet aftertaste lingering in the mouth and complimented the fresh California rolls.

If unsure which sushi to order, try the sushi sampler appetizer ($7), which includes fresh salmon, tuna, white fish and shrimp. The rice is prepared correctly – not too grainy or mushy, and the portion of fish to rice is well balanced. The fish has a good flavor, is not overly fishy and tastes fresh.

The sushi sampled definitely falls in the above average category compared to other sushi establishments. Japan One is worth the visit for sushi lovers, although the cooked dishes did not seem as inspired as the sushi. Visit Japan One’s website to browse the menu. The restaurant is located at 197 Boston Post Rd. W.