By:Loretta Chilcoat Jergensen

ASAHI SUSHI

629 S. Broadway, Baltimore, MD

Tucked within the kitchy boutique shops and plethora of bars in the Fells Point neighborhood is intimate Asahi Sushi. Eclectic décor like the huge Hello Kitty figurine and the neon salmon clock dot the interior, and a long, sleek sushi bar dominates the room. Get the Love Boat, loaded with the delicate sushi and sashimi stylings of salmon, yellowtail, tuna, surf clam, red snapper, and sweet shrimp. A sumptuous selection of tender gyoza (dumplings), Pajun (Korean-style pancake with squid, shrimp and chopped oyster), salty edamame, and even crunchy baby octopus (tastes like sesame seeds!) apps fuel a hungry crowd before moving on to late-night activities.

by Loretta Chilcoat Jergensen

EDO SUSHI
201 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD

Edo Sushi is a beautiful sushi restaurant, with warm woods, soothing blues, and an incredible view of the bustling Inner Harbor waterfront smack in front of you. But this isn’t your average sushi-the selection and taste are as pleasing as the décor. A photo menu helps school sushi novices in distinguishing unagi from kani. Apart from the traditional tempura and fish selections, you can choose from more than 15 creative makis like the popular “harbor” (shrimp tempura roll with spicy crabmeat, pinenuts and avocado) or “crystal” (avocado and spicy white tuna topped with salmon roe). You can also nosh at the bar on finger-friendly yakitori skewers (mushroom, beef, and bacon) while sipping a warm saki or chilled Ramune (Japanese marble soda).

by Loretta Chilcoat Jergensen

SUSHI HANA
6 E. Pennsylvania Avenue, Baltimore, MD
410-823-0372

Just a few miles north of downtown, the secret of Sushi Hana is getting out. Patrons are greeted by a soothing Koi pond, before choosing between the bright, main dining room or the dimly lit (and more intimate) adjoining one just a few steps up, which also has the bar and a few televisions. Devotees of Po Chen and his clever sushi chefs know the best rolls are not on the menu, nor on the special board—one of their most popular rolls is the Monster Roll (avocado, yellowtail and cream cheese, then dropped in tempura batter and served warm). Great presentation, fat maki rolls and the freshest nigiri that melts in your mouth make this restaurant a standout among the dearth of sushi joints in the area.