Most often I save my sushi binge for Reno. Something about going down the hill for a Trader Joe’s run, sushi, and a movie just has a nice ring to it. But I have also frequented Yama Sushi in Tahoe City and Hiro’s in Kings Beach. I enjoyed both restaurants and felt they each had their unique style. However Hiro’s popularity and accessible location do not play favorable for the always-lurking sushi craving, and unfortunately Yama has become a high-priced fast food Chinese restaurant that serves sushi on the side.
Although Truckee’s Java Sushi is close and convenient, I wasn’t always impressed with the quality of the fish and the atmosphere was more dance hall style than a first-class sushi house. There have always been great people working there (and still are) and the menu has always had a delectable diversity in rolls, but proper execution has been missing for years.
With gladness in my heart, I have altered my opinion based upon recent mass consumption of Java’s sushi. Java recently reorganized its management then brought in fresh menus, some nice dishware, a few new rolls, and most importantly, renewed attention to quality of fish and food presentation. I have been thoroughly impressed. Chefs Miles, Rio, and Jason have really been stepping up to the plate and pumping out premium items. The wait and kitchen staff is on it, creating a relaxed atmosphere. All-you-can-eat has been relegated to lunches (Thurs. and Friday) only, which has no doubt disappointed many. But come on people, sushi is art. Should we really act as if we’re at a feeding trough when seated at the sushi bar?
I’ve been enjoying sushi coast to coast for more than a decade and I can honestly say that Java is top notch and is the best it’s been in my five years in town. It seems once again that when restaurants go back to the basics of quality execution, it shows both in customer satisfaction and in the success of your business. If you roll good fish, they will come. Java, thanks for re-inspiring the Truckee Tahoe sushi scene and keep up the good work.
