These 10 sushi restaurants are North Jersey’s favorites

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Real wasabi or a green dab? Food critic Dominic Armato helps diners spot restaurant lies

The best wasabi comes from the root and is served by the chef behind the bar as he grates it fresh. That’s not what most sushi restaurants serve.

Diana Payan, Arizona Republic

Sushi can be divisive. One bad spicy tuna roll or slightly turned strip of salmon and it’s game over. So, recommendations are paramount.

We asked our readers where their favorite sushi restaurants are, and we got over 50 comments.

Here are 10 places that got a thumbs up from our readers.

The story continues below the gallery.

Nizi, Rutherford

An unassuming spot with bright orange walls, Nizi was one of the most recommended spots for sushi by our readers. Try the Oyako roll.

Go: 300 Union Ave., Rutherford; 201-804-7666, nizisushirutherford.com.

Nagoya, Mahwah

A dark color scheme, water features and Japanese art set Nagoya apart – not to mention its incredible sushi. Try the Ruby roll.

Go: 1007 MacArthur Blvd., Mahwah; 201-818-9933, nagoyacuisine.com.

Tani, Glen Rock

Head to Tani for top-notch sushi in a large, open dining space with a warm color scheme and exposed brick. Try the Spicy Girl sushi roll.

Go: 206 Rock Rd., Glen Rock; 201-612-1188, taniofglenrock.com.

Kenko Sushi

Not familiar with Kenko Sushi? According to its website, the Asian fusion restaurant’s “dedicated and professional chefs roll every sushi as if they are art pieces.” It has also been named one of Yelp’s “100 Top Places to Eat in 2018.”

They roll a lot of them. They have 170(!) rolls on offer, including the Lincoln Park (shrimp tempura and avocado); the New Jersey (white fish, tuna, salmon and avocado); and the Godzilla (spicy tuna, crab, kenko teriyaki sauce). The restaurant also offers teriyaki, noodle and rice dishes, and sashimi. Apparently the restaurant also has a habit of giving rolls and dessert away to diners — for free. As one Yelper said, “The great thing about Kenko is that they give you complimentary rolls to try out and dessert for us was on the House.”

Shumi Japanese Cuisine, Ridgewood

Shumi is the Japanese word for “hobby.” So, if your hobby is eating expertly prepared sushi by Kunihiko Aikasa and owner and sushi chef David Seo, this is the place for you. The open bar is a sleek, modern white, where customers can watch their sushi be prepared fresh. Try the blue fin otoro with blue fin tuna and scallion.

Go: 70 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood; 201-345-0808, shumiomakase.com.

Daruma, Englewood

Though traditional tables are available, try digging into some sushi at Daruma on a low table, sitting on a pillow on the floor, for a more traditional Japanese experience. Try the tempura roll.

Go: 45 N. Dean St., Englewood; 201-567-9600, darumaenglewood.com.

Umeya, Cresskill

Fish isn’t just the main ingredient in the sushi at Umeya. Large fish also decorate the light green walls of this reader-loved sushi restaurant. Try the platter of sushi, sashimi, and omakase.

Go: 156 Piermont Rd., Cresskill; 201-816-0511, umeyasushi.com.

Nori Sushi, Wayne

Specialty rolls, sashimi and more are available at this Wayne restaurant that was once featured on an episode of “The Sopranos.” Try the Hawaii roll, (kiwi and mango topping).

Go: 87 Berdan Ave., Wayne; 973-709-1190, norisushiwayne.com.

Dai-kichi, Upper Montclair

Dai-kichi must be doing something right, as they’re the oldest Japanese restaurant in Montclair and one of our reader-suggested sushi spots. Try the eel cucumber roll with broiled eel, cucumber and unagi sauce.

Go: 608 Valley Rd., Montclair; 973-744-2954, daikichimontclair.net.

Sakura-Bana, Ridgewood

The sushi at Sakura-Bana is served family style, so bring some friends along to this Ridgewood favorite. Try the sushi special.

Go: 43 Franklin Ave., Ridgewood; 201-447-6525

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