Koi Sushi Restaurant

Wow.. it's been quite awhile since I've updated this thing. But after having another wonderful meal tonight at Koi, I figured that I better do a post at this restaurant because it truly deserves its' props and recognition! It was funny because I was asking my friend the other day where she had her date with a guy she just met. She mentioned to me that they ate at her favorite Japanese restaurant in Seal Beach. When I heard that, I instantly said "Was it Koi?!?!?" And she immediately said "YES!! How did you know?!?" We started to laugh and named all the yummy dishes we love at this restaurant. Yup, it's thAt good!


When I first walked into this restaurant, I honestly didn't expect much out of this restaurant. I figured that the restaurant wasn't going to be very "authentic" because the majority of the customers were all non-asian (well.. it iS Seal Beach) and plus I didn't think much of its' atmosphere. I mean, the decor ain't Geisha House or Yamishrio that's for sure! But there is definitely a nice casual, family friendly atmosphere about the restaurant.


So when I think of Koi, I immediately think of their Stuffed Shiitake ($9.50) dish. OMG.. this is one of my favorite dishes! I've ordered this dish in other restaurants but honestly, I feel that Koi does it the best! It is basically two fresh large shiitake mushroom caps on a shiso leaf (Also known as perilla which is an herb part of the mint family) stuffed with snow crab and tempura-fried. The shiso adds a perfume like aroma to the taste of the mushrooms. Plus, the sea salt and japanese red peppers that they bring out with the dish adds such a harmonious combination to this dish.

Next, the California Roll ($7.50). OKay.. I know what your thinking.. California Roll is California Roll.. what's so special about this one? Well, I've noticed that the texture of the crabs are different from what you get in other japanese restaurants. I dunno.. the crabs in the california rolls that I buy at the market all seem kind of mushy and chopped up finely. However, the crabs in Koi's rolls taste like real snow crab.



Crunchy Roll ($9.50) Shrimp tempura rolled with gobo and cucumber and topped with smelt eggs, crunchy bits, and sweet sauce. Good!



We also ordered the Seafood Stuffed Papaya ($12.50). It is basically a warm baked papaya filled with chunks of seabass and scallops, baked with a creamy miso glaze. I've never had baked papaya before so this was an interesting dish to try. Baking the papaya in the miso glaze definitely sweetened and brought up the taste of the papaya in a good way.



Sauteed Australian Lobster ($18.50). The large chunks of lobster is sautéed with tender asparagus, mushrooms, and Japanese peppers. It was good but I'm not sure if I would order this again just because I would probably want to try some new appetizers next time!


Grilled Yellowtail Cheek ($14.50) with ponzu sauce. Yum!


I didn't get a picture of their sashimi.. usually my family orders and shares the sashimi combo appetizer ($17.50) which includes salmon, tuna, and yellowtail. But the restaurant does offer a nice selection of fish and rolls. Seriously.. FRESH sashimi. I'm kind of picky in where I order my sashimi but my family and I agree that Koi's is definitely GOOD and FRESH!

All the entree come with a bowl of salad with sesame or miso dressing and hot miso soup. Koi offers a variety of entrees such as Beef or Chicken Teriyaki and even Chilean Seabass Teriyaki. Honestly, I'm not crAAzy about the entrees in this restaurant. I mean, don't get me wrong.. their good but there not anything different from your typical japanese restaurant. But one entree I usually like to get is their Lobster Tempura ($25.75). THat's right! You heard me.. LOBSTER TEMPURA! How can you go wrong with this dish? The Australian lobster tail that they use is definitely fresh and sweet.


Of course I had to end the meal with Green tea ice cream ($2.50). Lurve it!


Overall, Koi is definitely a restaurant you should try when you want to find great quality sushi in the Seal Beach area. I don't think they take reservations so be sure to arrive early to avoid the long waits cause they dO get really busy! The prices are not cheAap but then again you aRe paying for GOOD quality fish and yummy food. PLUS, they aren't crazy expensive as what you would find in other japanese restaurants like Nobu or Matsuhisa. I would also recommend that you try some of their monthly specials that they offer in their menu. Every month their specials change because they usually offer items that are in season. Plus, the dishes are unique and most of the time they are really good! Like tonight we had their Steamed tile fish with cherry blossoms dish which was soo good and also their Steamed Kampachi with seaweed in white wine sauce. I couldn't help but notice the natural sweetness of the fish. Seriously to die for!

There's my yummy time at Koi! =)

Koi Sushi Restaurant
600 Pacific Coast Hwy
Seal Beach, CA 90740
(562) 431-1186

www.Koisushi.com