Going out for sushi is as much a social experience as a culinary one.  For me, sushi makes for an ideal lunch out with friends. It’s lighter than a burger, healthier and easy to eat while chatting.  And, asking a friend or colleague if they want to “go out for sushi?” always seems to wet the appetite and spark interest more than the usual ho-hum dining out.  Now with the opening of Sushi Bistro at The Shoppes at Murabella in St. Augustine, sushi has become part of my routine.

The buzz about its opening was hard to miss.  It seems like all of us living and working around the World Golf Village area, along International Golf Parkway and C.R.16, were starved for some more exotic fare.  Sushi Bistro doesn’t disappoint with its fresh and savory japanese cuisine. The extensive sushi menu offers traditional selections like Tuna Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll and California Roll as well as a great variety of vegetarian options like Fried Tofu Roll, Sweet Potato Roll (a personal favorite) and Avocado Roll.  The Sashimi selections are plentiful too – from Yellowtail and Shrimp to Mackerel and Salmon.  For the more adventurous diner, there’s a Conch Roll, Squid and Spicy Tobiko (Flying Fish Roe), among others. Those who preferred cooked sushi to raw will also love the options here: Fried Chicken Roll anyone?

The lunch special keeps me returning to Sushi Bistro.  It’s a good value and let’s you choose from a list of 20 sushi varieties. It’s served with soup (Sushi Bistro’s clear soup is very nice) and a house salad (try the Ginger dressing).  The lunch special costs $7.99 for any two rolls and $10.99 for three rolls. There’s also plenty on the menu for non-sushi eaters, including Tempura, Hibachi and Teriyaki.  With its location near several family-oriented neighborhoods such as Murabella and King & Bear, and its convenience to Mill Creek Elementary and Pacetti Bay Middle School, Sushi Bistro is smart to offer some Children’s Menu selections of Chicken, Shrimp and Steak.

The restaurant is clean, cozy and inviting but spacious enough that you’re not accidently eavesdropping on the other table’s conversations.  Dark wood and bamboo décor, spa-like music and several flat screen tv’s are part of the ambiance. An intimate sushi bar is perfect for dining alone.  A full menu is available on their website at www.sushibistro.biz.  Now it’s time to wake up my taste buds with a Shrimp Tempura Cucumber Roll, Wasabi and Soy Sauce!