I’m not even going to pretend I’m a sushi connoisseur, but I can get down with a California roll.
Whether you’re with me or against me, we are taking a tour of my favorite California roll providers in Bloomington. And if you’ve never tried sushi, I guarantee you a California roll or any vegetable roll is always a safe, delicious choice to get you started.
When I first tried this out, I thought it would be all raw fish and salmonella, but quickly I learned this would not be the case. Many of the rolls were cooked and the menus even told me so.
With this in mind, I’m sending you to my favorite places — all my favorites because they’ve continued to take pity on me and my uncultured self.
Ami is located on Third Street and is always my first choice when going out for sushi. With a wide menu, including fried rice for those looking for a safe choice when your friend suggests going out for sushi, Ami does not disappoint — ever.
The spicy mayo option on Ami’s California roll is literally the greatest thing I’ve ever tasted, and it instantly made me a sushi convert. Each roll is served with a salad and miso soup, both of which will prepare your palate for all the flavors you may be about to enjoy.
Ami is reasonably priced and the best place to go if you are trying sushi for the first time. The wait staff non-judgmentally provided me with a fork — and continues to do so — on my first visit, so do not be afraid to ask.
The second best place in Bloomington for sushi lovers is Japonee. Japonee is located on North Walnut Street with an express location, Japonee Express, located right next to Starbucks on Indiana Avenue.
Japonee has a great menu with many options. The bento box is my go-to choice, allowing you to enjoy a sushi roll, rice, salad and two entrée options. I recommend the tempura. I was joyed to discover that fried rice is also served, and if you can’t tell, that is actually my favorite food. I use sushi as an excuse to go to places to consume it.
Japonee and Japonee Express are on the slightly pricier side but have never disappointed. If you are looking to try the express option, make sure to note the address is on Kirkwood Avenue, but there is an entrance on Indiana Avenue, right across from the Sample Gates.
And if you are ever in a rush and need to grab something quick on campus, the sushi in the Indiana Memorial Union is a great, reasonably priced choice. There are many roll options, but no good fried rice, so don’t be alarmed.
If you’ve never tried sushi or already love it and just want to branch out, I highly recommend these locations. And if you are new to this amazing food, never be afraid to ask questions. All of the places I’m sending you to were kind to me as a beginner and will teach you just about anything you need to know.
