My guy and I are on a mission: to try every sushi restaurant in Monmouth County!
We’re certainly getting very close to our goal. I haven’t actually put together an official list of all the sushi restaurants in Monmouth County that we’ve been to, but if you’ve been following this blog, you know there are several reviews available here from our experiences thus far.
This time, our sushi-seeking travels took us to Kanji Steakhouse & Sushi in Tinton Falls. Having read a glowing review over on Chowhound, I was very excited to try the new kid on the sushi block.
We had a short wait while they readied our table. There was a steady crowd in the sushi dining area, and hibachi patrons in the back. We were presented with our menu’s and given some time to muse over them. Our server asked for our drink orders, ran off, and then delivered them a short time later.
She then tended to other parties while we sipped our hot tea and finalized our selections. After a few minutes she came over, took our orders, and was off.
This is where things got a little frustrating. We were seated by a party of six and they were enjoying their special rolls which looked absolutely fantastic! We were hungry and could not wait to get our appetizers to hold us over until our special rolls were delivered. While our server was tending to other tables, many minutes went by and she had not returned. In fact, it took about 15-20 minutes for our appetizers – Miso Eggplant and Kimchi Salmon – to be delivered. She graciously apologized for the delay and explained they were quite busy at the sushi bar.
We were ravenously hungry and slightly annoyed by the long wait for our starters, but we did not dwell on it and dug in! The eggplant was quite tasty. The kimchi salmon only hinted of the spiciness of kimchi, however delivered all of the glorious flavor. It was a big hit!
After we finished the starters and another wait – not so long this time thank goodness! – our special rolls had arrived! He selected the Christmas, T.G.I.F, and Philly rolls. I opted for the Flying Dragon, Sunshine, and eel & avocado rolls. While they all were excellently prepared and delicious, we both conceded our favorite was the Sunshine roll. I would have to venture a guess that it was the tempura flakes and chips that set it apart from all the others. This was probably one of the best rolls I have had in some time.
In any event, the food was top notch and certainly excused the wait. It was indeed worth the wait! We were sure to tip our server accordingly.
If you’re looking for delicious sushi, we highly recommend Kanji Steakhouse & Sushi in Tinton Falls. In fact, it has now entered our “Top 3″ sushi restaurants in Monmouth County. (Along with Ichiban and Takara – both in Ocean).
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Marilyn – my guy and I took your advice and tried Kanji about a month ago. We had a very slow delivery of our appetizer but overall the experience and food were great. Unfortunately, when we went back about a week ago, they had added an “attraction” – an Elvis impersonator singing VERY badly. It ruined the night for us. We won’t go back without checking first to make sure he won’t be performing that night.
Hey Shamrock,
Thanks for commenting on your experience. The food and ambiance speak for itself, but yeah our first night there the service was slow. But it certainly didn’t keep us from going back and enjoying the food. I was just sure to take a bottle of wine to enjoy between apps and main.
So was the Elvis impersonator hired to perform or was it just some random (possibly drunk) person? How strange!
We continue on our quest to try all of the sushi Monmouth County has to offer. So far Kanji is quite high on the list.
Have you try YUMI restaurant @1120 Ocean Ave. in Sea Bright ?
like to hear your comment. Thanks
OK kirin, I’ll bite. No, I have not yet tried YUMI, but I did attempt to one time. It was awfully crowded with a 1 hour wait. So we decided to go somewhere else. It’s still on the list “to try” though. Can you tell me something more about YUMI?
I went to YUMI on a Friday night with reservation was crowed, but no waiting. We tried Tuna Pizza, Spicy Seafood Soup, and Cashew Prawns with mango & green papaya salad as starters.
The server sent our dishes one by one. The Pizza was so good.
Then we order few more signature rolls, Onion Salmon Roll and Ocean Ave. Roll are the favorite rolls.
My friend ordered Blue-fin Otoro sashimi it was the best.
Our server reconment the Cheesecake Tempura, so we tried it with cappuccino each. Which I never had in Japanese restaurant, and it was the best cappuccino I have had in a restaurant.
over all the menu was very different and food was awesome.
By far, the best sushi I’ve experienced ever!… so far. Close calls behind it would be The Sushi Lounge, although I hate driving to hoboken, and the club like atmosphere makes it a little hard to enjoy your sushi. Kanji for the win. Without a doubt. I’ve been going with my girlfriend every friday night since I discovered it.
In my opinion…
I dislike Yumi, They give you your rollls one at a time. That may be great for some people, but I like to sample all my rolls at the same time. It’s ALWAYS crowded, small portions, and a little overpriced. Just my opinion.
Chase, I am with you. Kanji is top notch! My guy and I are going to go back again real soon.
I went to kanji tonight and the sushi is THE BEST I have ever had! Completely EXCELLENT!! I found my tuna amazing roll. I used to get it at another place but has recently not been so good, at Kanji is is the BEST I’ve ever had! Will definately recommend to friends.
I agree Laurie, Kanji is still some of the best sushi I have ever tasted. Glad you enjoyed as well.