What’s better—a traditional sushi bar experience, or a modern, trendy sushi buffet? Both give you different things—and a widely different dining experience. Here, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of a traditional sushi bar and a sushi buffet.
Sushi bars: the pros.
A one-on-one experience. Eating at a sushi bar is fun because you get to interact with the sushi chef. Seated at a sushi bar, you’ll chat with the chef, get recommendations, and ask for special orders. If you make friends with the sushi chef at your local restaurant, chances are you’ll reap the rewards in off-the-menu delicacies and, if you’re lucky, complimentary samples. Your sushi can be made-to-order, as well.
Authentic tradition. Sushi bars are an authentic way to eat sushi that originated with the ban on food carts in Tokyo during the allied occupation of World War II. Previously, sushi was a street food served from carts. When the allies banned street carts, sushi vendors simply rolled their carts indoors, using them as a counter and workspace where customers could still gather and order their favorite sushi. Today, the open counter that a sushi chef works behind is directly reminiscent of the indoor food carts of World War II Tokyo.
Fresher sushi.
The sushi at a
traditional sushi bar is typically higher in
quality than anywhere else, including a
sushi buffet. The fish is usually fresher,
and the sushi chefs are usually more
experienced and better trained.
Sushi bars: the cons.
Can be intimidating. Many people, even those who have been eating sushi for a long time, are nervous about sitting by the bar because of the rules of Japanese etiquette typically associated with it. Although chefs in American restaurants are often more lenient than Japanese chefs, most diners don’t realize this and avoid the sushi bars for more typical American seating.
Can be expensive. With higher quality comes higher expense. Sushi bars are often expensive; the higher-end ones can be quite pricey. Even ordering a la carte sushi in small batches can add up quickly.
Sushi buffets: the pros.
The price. Sushi buffets are often all-you-can-eat, and work out to an excellent deal. You can easily eat your money’s worth even at a higher-priced sushi buffet. If it costs less, you’ll be able to go more often—and the lower price is often worth it to many diners.
Easy pickings. You don’t have to know what to order or navigate a scary-looking menu at a sushi buffet. Just take a tray, cruise the buffet tables, and take anything that looks appealing.
Good for beginners. Sushi buffets are often more accessible to those who are just getting into sushi. The price and the ease of a buffet appeal to most sushi beginners, and if you’re not quite sure about eating raw fish yet, you can easily see which items are cooked and choose those—without having to know what to ask for.
Sushi buffets: the cons.
Lack of freshness. At many sushi buffets, freshness can suffer. Sushi left on a table too long can dry out and lose flavor, and sometimes pose a health risk. Make sure you choose a sushi buffet that is busy, so the turnover on the buffet tables is high.
Lack of quality. Many sushi buffets operate on a lower budget than high-end sushi bars. This means they don’t always attract the same caliber of talent as a sushi bar will. Typically, chefs are less experienced and skilled.
Mass-market experience. At a sushi buffet, you’re not getting the same traditional, authentic experience you would at a sushi bar. Many sushi buffets are chains, and the dining experience is much the same as at any buffet. The cultural interest of the dining experience is usually just not there at most sushi buffets.
So which is better—the sushi bar or the sushi buffet? It’s all in what you’re looking for. Sushi bars are better for aficionados looking for high-quality sushi, no matter the price. Sushi buffets are more accessible for beginners, and are easier on the wallet. There are better and worse places in both categories, and it’s possible to have an excellent or a dismal dining experience at both. Don’t be afraid to test the waters—give both types of sushi restaurant a try before deciding which is best for you.
Have a question, comment, or
suggestion?Chef Ozaki
loves to talk with his customers—both at the
restaurant and online.Feel free to email him at
Ozaki@Allsushirecipes.com if you have any
questions—or any suggestions on how he can
make this site better
Find your local Japanese
Sushi Bar Restaurants At Allsushirecipes.com
