The most important factor in determining whether or not the sushi is going to be good is the quality of the fish, and when you’re right along the Mendocino coastline, you know that you’re getting some of the freshest fish around. Whether it’s simply sliced for sashimi or chopped up over a poke bowl, we’ve got some great recommendations for you to try.
Feature Photo: @ocotimeukiah on Facebook
This grab-and-go spot is a great place to pick up a refreshing sushi lunch on a hot day. Their spicy tuna roll with avocado is quite popular, but we also recommend their J.B. roll with salmon, cream cheese and everything bagel seasoning. For vegans, they offer a vegan poke bowl with miso-marinated and pan-fried tofu. For colder weather, they have steaming bowls of ramen and various classic hot dishes, like karaage chicken and Spam musubi.
111 W Church St, Ukiah
707.462.2422
No matter what manner of Japanese food you’re craving, Oco Time is a great one-stop restaurant to check out. They’ve got your classics like their BBQ eel dragon roll, and also variations on the familiar like their rainbow roll with steamed snow crab. Also on the menu are a number of vegetarian and vegan rolls, like their Emily’s Roll with a basil tahini sauce. They additionally offer numerous hot appetizers, noodle soups such as their soba and udon options and their special okonomiyaki that’s big enough to share.
920 N State St, Ukiah
707.621.9055
Don’t walk past Miss Saigon just because they serve Pho as well, as their sushi rolls and delicate nigiri are as fresh as they are delicious. If you like it hot, go for their spicy Hamachi roll, with avocado and sriracha mayo, or if you’re in the mood for something simpler, try their mushroom tempura and cucumber roll. Their sashimi is also popluar, so if that’s up your alley, consider getting one of their sashimi sampler plates where the pieces are picked for you by the chef.
47 E Mendocino Ave, Willits
707.456.0688
Between other tantalizing dishes like deep fried soft shell crab and fresh oysters in the half-shell, you’ll find some truly unique roll creations. Try the fun-colored Yellow Roll with a soy wrap, crab salad and yellowtail, or their Cancun Roll with grilled shrimp, avocado and chili pepper on top. They also have a number of classic hand rolls, like their spicy scallop with cucumber and salmon skin with green onion.
