With so many sushi restaurants in East Lansing, deciding where to grab a maki roll for dinner can be daunting. So The State News set out to find the best sushi joint in town. In searching for that perfect combination of delicious raw fish, ambiance and price, we sampled the ever-popular California roll at five local restaurants. Check it out, the results may surprise you.
Sushi showdown
210 M.A.C. Ave.
LK:
Price: $4.29
Taste: The California roll is made with crab salad and avocado and comes with roe on top. If you like crab salad, this is a large roll with plenty of it, but the flavor of the avocado is lost in the crab
Atmosphere: Omi has a very modern, cool-blue interior that makes it one of the most unique restaurants in East Lansing. But it fills up quickly in the evenings, which affects the service.
Overall: I love Omi and would recommend lunchtime visits for the unique atmosphere — but there are better California rolls in East Lansing.
Rating: 2 stars
WG:
Price: $4.29
Taste: Because they’re made with crab salad (which includes mayonnaise), these rolls had a really creamy texture and buttery taste. They are topped with roe, which adds a little bit of saltiness. But their large size makes them tricky to eat.
Atmosphere: Omi wins points for being the swankiest of the sushi joints. It’s not as casual as the others but more affordable than it looks.
Overall: The sushi was good but felt a little heavy from the mayonnaise. This would be a great date destination.
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Rating: 3 stars
Q Sushi
553 E. Grand River Ave.
LK:
Price: $4.50
Taste: This roll is made with crab stick, avocado and cucumber. It tasted good, but the seaweed was a little chewy.
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Atmosphere: The decor in Q Sushi leaves much to be desired and there’s no sushi bar, only tables. However, the employees are helpful and talkative. If you’re looking for a cozy, romantic sushi bar, this isn’t the place, but if you want quick, friendly service and tasty sushi, check it out.
Overall: The friendly service makes up for the themeless, bland interior, and the restaurant is conveniently located across from campus. It’s a good place to grab a roll to go in between classes.
Rating: 4 stars
WG:
Price: $4.50
Taste: These rolls were small and fairly easy to eat. The crab, avocado and cucumber are equally represented so you get a taste of everything. The overall flavor was well-balanced and very savory.
Atmosphere: The service is very friendly. Preparation is fast, so if you choose to get takeout you won’t be stuck waiting for very long. The casual vibe would make it a good stop after class.
Overall: Q Sushi gets the job done when you come down with a craving. I would probably return for the speedy takeout.
Rating: 2 stars
SanSu Sushi and Cocktails
4750 S. Hagadorn Road
Price: $4.77
Taste: This California roll is made with crab stick, cucumber and avocado. The avocado was about twice as large as the crab, which made the roll taste more like a crunchy avocado roll than a roll that features crab.
Atmosphere: SanSu is located in Hannah Plaza, which makes it an out-of-the-way location for many in East Lansing. The interior is sparsely decorated with large windows, which unfortunately overlook the parking lot.
Overall: There was nothing notable about the California roll — it was pretty plain. Since the restaurant’s atmosphere wasn’t spectacular either, I wouldn’t recommend traveling out of your way to eat at SanSu.
Rating: 1 star
WG:
Price: $4.77
Taste: The abundance of cucumber made the rolls extremely crunchy and added a bit of freshness. But these rolls had almost too much cucumber and avocado and not enough crab, which took away from the overall taste.
Atmosphere: SanSu is located in Hannah Plaza. It’s off the beaten path so it’s less busy and quiet. It’s a bit of a hike but worth the trip when other sushi joints are packed.
Overall: The taste didn’ t blow me away — and it was the most expensive — so I probably wouldn’ t make the voyage back.
Rating: 2 stars
Sushi Ya
124 W. Grand River Ave.
LK:
Price: $4.19
Taste: This roll is made with crab stick, cucumber and avocado, which I prefer over the California rolls made with crab salad. The pieces were big and delicious.
Atmosphere: Sushi Ya is a gem hidden in an ugly building. Inside the restaurant is warm, with yellow lighting and wooden tables. The small size of the eating area makes it feel very cozy, and fewer tables also means quicker service.
Overall: This was one of the cheapest and best tasting California rolls I tried. The tasty food, great prices, cozy atmosphere and fast service made this my new favorite sushi joint — the perfect place to take a date on a cold night.
Rating: 4 stars
WG:
Price: $4.19
Taste: These rolls had the freshest taste, as they’re made with crab sticks instead of crab salad and lots of cucumber and avocado. The smaller rolls were easy to eat.
Atmosphere: As cozy and casual as it is, Sushi Ya is a good place for the inexperienced. The atmosphere is completely relaxed. They offer colorful menus with pictures and thorough descriptions — and you can sit at the bar and watch as your meal is made.
Overall: Sushi Ya would be my first choice for future sushi runs. After going once, I want to try the whole menu.
Rating: 4 stars
Udon Sushi Bakery
134 N. Harrison Ave.
LK:
Price: $4
Taste: This California roll is made with crab salad and avocado with roe on top. Despite the name, Udon Sushi Bakery only serves four kinds — and it shows. The roll was a little salty and not rolled tightly enough, but it came with free miso soup. The restaurant also has free appetizers like kimch, marinated bean sprouts and a delicious roasted green tea.
Atmosphere: This is East Lansing’s best-kept secret. It’s a tiny place. With only three tables and a counter, the place can fill up quickly, but part of Udon’s charm is its cramped quarters and communal feel.
Overall: if you’re looking for a unique dining experience it’s a great place to kick back with a few friends.
Rating: 2 stars
WG:
Price: $4
Taste: Udon also tops their rolls with roe. The added saltiness makes up for the taste of the rolls themselves, which seemed a little plain. Compared to the others, they didn’t stand out as much.
Atmosphere: Udon definitely has the most welcoming atmosphere. With leather couches, big screens and video games in the dining area, it’s the perfect place to hang out with friends. The free, self-serve kimchi and green tea are added bonuses.
Overall: I wouldn’t go back for the sushi, but I’d return for the atmosphere and to try one of their specialty soups.
Rating: 2 stars