Sushi Kuni - Cupertino

I can't write this without gushing, Sushi Kuni is my absolute favorite sushi place in the south bay. Everything is really fresh, and prepared perfectly.

The restaurant itself is tiny, and only seats about 35 people. What I love is that it looks like a house that fell off the back of a truck in the middle of a strip mall.

The first time we went, we ordered the omakase sushi platter. Every roll was excellent, but the 2 that stood out were the Seared Scallop (Hotate) Roll, and the Octopus Roll. I have had octopus and squid at many places, but this was the first time ever it was tender, instead of rubbery and chewy.

There for dinner recently, we did kinda overdo it, but hey, there are worse things one can do... We had Futomaki Rolls, Chicken Skewers, Eel (Unagi), Octopus (Tako) Rolls, a cold Chawanmushi, with Sea Urchin (Uni), and Salmon Roe, Yellowtail (Hamachi) Sashimi, Hotate rolls, and Nabeyaki Soba. 

The sushi is always great, the fish is really fresh, and the flavors are a perfect balance. The Futomaki rolls were really yummy but on the large side -- nearly impossible to eat in one bite, and definitely impossible to eat elegantly.

The chawanmushi, something you don't see on a lot of menus, was silky smooth, and the salty roe and sea urchin provided contrast, and the daikon micro greens added the perfect bite.

The hotate rolls (not pictured) were one of the most unusual rolls I have ever eaten. It is seared scallop on rice with a spicy sauce. We ate this without the customary wasabi and soy sauce. It was one of the best rolls I have ever eaten. The scallops are silky soft, and the spicy sauce is a perfect contrast.

Sushi Kuni
(From Top Left - Futomaki Rolls, Chicken Skewers,
Unagi & Tako Rolls, Chawanmushi, with Uni Ikura,
Hamachi Sashimi, and Nabeyaki Soba)

If you are not into sushi, the nabeyaki soba is a comforting dish, the noodles are perfectly cooked and the broth is the very definition of umami.

Chef Kuni personally makes most of the rolls, and is always at the restaurant. Be sure to say hi to him when you make it there.

Bottom Line:

Price - $$
Ambience - Casual
Vegetarian Friendly - Yes

Pacific Catch - Campbell

Pacific Catch opened relatively recently in the Pruneyard. The name was "catchy" so we decided to give it a try.

As the name suggests they primarily serve seafood, however they do have some steak dishes for the folks not too keen on fish. The restaurant decor is warm and inviting, and the menu is really exciting as well.

They have seafood dishes from many different parts of the world, you will see dishes inspired by Hawaiian, Asian, Mexican, and South American cuisinses. Their Hawaiian Poke bowl being one of my absolute favorites.The saltyness from the soy, and the nutty taste of the sesame oil, contrasted with the crisp wonton chips and pungent mustard greens make this a very enjoyable appetizer.

Their Korean Sticky Ribs are another must have. These are a bit on the salty side, but the meat is fall of the bone, tender. It is missing a starchy component though, they should consider adding mashed potatoes, or maybe rice cakes to this dish to balance the saltiness, and to sop up the sauce.

Pacific Grill
(Clockwise From Top Right - Poke Bowl,
Mahi Mahi and Steak Tacos, Korean Sticky Ribs,
Prickly Pear Margarita)

Onto the entrees - one of my favorite things is that most dishes come in small plates. Perfect for a light meal, or to share with a group. Our group got the Mixed Catch Basket, a combination fish and chips platter, tacos - steak, and mahi mahi, and Cabo shrimp. The steak and fish were on the dry side, but the shrimp was a huge hit.The sushi roll was pretty good too.

We also indulged ourselves with cocktails - the lemongrass mojito missed the mark, but the prickly pear margarita was really good!

All in all, it is a fun place to get a few drinks, and a quick bite to eat before you head out to watch a movie.

Bottom Line:
Price - $$
Ambience - Trendy

Vegetarian Friendly - No

Sushi Lover - Belmont

Not a place you would think to look for a restaurant, let alone a sushi place... Sandwiched between a chiropractor's office and a dry cleaning store, Sushi Lover has been serving fresh, high quality sushi since 2010.

The menu is a combination of staples like steamed edamame, sushi rolls, sashimi, etc. They also have some uniquely named rolls that are intriguing. No matter what you order, the fish is always really fresh and high quality, making it a really good, satisfying meal.

Some of our favorites are the refreshing Sunomono Salad - a cucumber and seaweed salad with seafood, the Salmon Skin Handroll, and the Salmon Backbone.

Contrary to what the salmon backbone dish sounds like, they don't actually get all the meat off the bone when they filet a fish. The remnants are really good for a fish broth, or as Chef KC does, grilled, served with a light Teriyaki glaze. The result is a tender flaky treat!

Perhaps these dishes are available at most sushi places, but this was the first place I had ever tried them, and they are all stellar.

Sushi Lover
(Clockwise from top right: Gyoza, Sunomono Salad
Salmon Backbone, Salmon Skin Handroll)

 They also have a lot of vegetarian options, including sushi rolls, tempura, and much more. If you haven't been, go try them. Today!

Bottom Line:
Price - $
Ambience - Casual

Vegetarian Friendly - Yes

Mizu - San Jose

If you live around West San Jose, or frequent Santana Row or Valley Fair, chances are you have driven by this place. Located in a non descript strip mall between a gas station, and a flower stall, Mizu always seems to have a crowd waiting outside at dinner time.



Strawberry Mojito
and Spiced Pear Martini


2 things that make it worth the wait are, a full bar with enticing drinks, and innovative food.


The drink menu features cocktails with Asian flair. Drinks made with lychee, pears, mandarin vodka and so much more.


For those who favor sake, wine or beer the bar has many options for you too.






Now, for the main event - the food. Fresh fish is the first necessity for great sushi, add creative flavor combinations, and you have a menu guaranteed to please.

Not in the mood for sushi? Not a problem, they have udon, katsu and much more, including a few Korean dishes. Vegetarians, do not despair. Mizu has something for you too!




Whether lunch, or dinner, Mizu has something for everyone, go see what the fuss is all about!

Bottom Line:
Price - $$
Ambience - Trendy
Vegetarian Friendly - Yes