Great Escape: Put Your Chopsticks to Work Enjoying Some Savory Sushi

Sushi can be both a yummy and healthy way to take in lunch, dinner or a mid-day snack. It can be even better when enjoyed in the company of good friends or during a special night out with your significant other. Whether dining in or carrying out, sushi provides an oft-appreciated escape from kitchen duty.

Birmingham’s sushi joints offer both casual and upscale dining options. falls under the former, offering a convenient lunchtime option to those looking to escape the office. Tokyo Sushi offers sushi staples like the dragon and California roll as well as house specialties like the Birmingham and Detroit rolls.

Another more casual sushi option is , which offers Asian fusion cuisine and Korean specialties like bibimbap, a rice dish typically topped with sautéed vegetables, egg and sliced meat.

For a more upscale sushi experience, you may want to check out , which offers a full bar in addition to Asian fusion cuisine (don't miss their Ladies Night every Thursday with $7 martinis). Both “warm” and “cold” introductions can get you started featuring such appetizers as crab rangoon and kobe wrapped king crab. A full range of maki sushi, nagiri and sashmi are offered as are main courses like miso sea bass and beef short rib.

Enjoy sushi in West Bloomfield

West Bloomfield’s Samurai Japanese Steakhouse serves up authentic Japanese food. A full sushi bar offers maki and sashimi favorites, and those looking for a cocktail accompaniment will be pleased to know Samurai Japanese Steakhouse also serves alcoholic beverages.

Yotsuba Japanese Restaurant and Bar offers dine-in, carry-out and catering. In addition to a full sushi bar, Yotsuba offers numerous hot and cold noodle dishes like Yotsuba Ramen with Gyoza (egg noodles with sliced roast pork, eggs and vegetables in a hot soy sauce chicken broth) and Ten Zaru Soba or Udon (noodles served with shrimp tempura in a cold dipping sauce). On Sundays, Yotsuba offers a special brunch menu from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays at Sharaku Sushi mean a $10 special on a full serving of curry rice or a bowl of ramen. Those looking for sushi won’t be disappointed in Saraku’s comprehensive sushi menu. Are you a frequent sushi diner? Dine at Sharaku for lunch 10 times, and your 11th is free.

Farmington Hills a sushi haven

Dine-in or carryout your favorite sushi from Sushi Ko in Farmington Hills. From miso soup to tempura shrimp and your favorite rolls, Sushi Ko has it all. While preparing your sushi feast, the chefs may even put on a little show.  

The “Fire Cracker” and “Kamikaze” are two of the many special rolls on the menu at Michigan Sushi House. The former has shrimp tempura and crab salad on the inside and crab stick and spicy mayo on the outside, which is then baked and drizzled with eel sauce. The latter features shrimp tempura, white tuna and cucumber on the inside and tuna mixed with spicy mayo, tempura batter mix, mayo, honey wasabi sauce and fish egg on top. All the usual sushi offerings and more are on the menu at Michigan Sushi House where you can also book a private sushi-making class for a group of your family and friends.

Sushi Hana a Bloomfield favorite

Bloomfield Township is home to Sushi Hana, known for its quick service and quality sushi at a price that’s right. You can dine in or carry out at this sushi café, a popular destination for those looking to take in a quick lunch. Sushi Hana is also known for its friendly staff and menu of sushi staples.