Sushi California Japanese Restaurant

This is one of the most unassuming, yet outstanding sushi establishments in CT -- bar none! Chef O is a highly skilled well trained Sushi Chef who adds care and attention to all his artful presentations. The fish is consistently fresh and perfectly prepared! The sushi-sashimi deluxe is wonderful -- one of our favorites. There are too many delicious rolls to review but I can say with all candor that I have NEVER had a mediocre meal here (and we've been there more than a dozen times) -- always four stars. This rivals Nobu in Manhattan at a mere sliver of the price.



The environment is relaxing, impeccably clean, and inviting -- what a surprise for the location (a plaza in Newington) ... the only downside (for now) is that there is no liquor license so its BYOB. But some prefer this ...



Enjoy -- I guarantee you'll become a regular, as we have ...



Dr. Sandy Scantling

Since I discovered Sushi California a few months ago, I love it. The sushi chef is also the owner and treats his customers with only the best. You have to BYOB, but there is a package store in the same strip mall that sells saki that you can bring with you.



I highly recommend.



jrstark3

I am from New Britain and I shop at the local Stop & Shop in Newington. I saw the grand opening sign for Sushi California and was excited to see a Sushi resturant in the area. I was suprised at first by the size of the place, it was kinda small, but quickly learned that size didn't matter. Chef Oh is great and everything I ate, a sample of Sashimi, was exceptionally fresh. The staff was extremely nice and helpful. I hope to see this place flourish, grow, and stay in the area.

Moving to the area, it was hard to decide on taking a risk on a near by Sushi restaurant. After going for dinner one night, we were pleasantly surprised and very satified. Prices are reasonable, staff is very attentive, and the chef prepared an excellent dinner. We have had many different varietys and variations, and thought we had tried almost all of it, but it turns out, we had never had Deep Fryed Ice Cream (excellent). Overall, we have already been back, and will keep going back.

Sushi California is hidden in the strip of the Stop and Stop Plaza off of Fenn Road on the border of Newington and New Britain. It's right next door to a Chinese take-out place, Jade Lee.



It's small, but not small in a bad way, but in a very quaint and comfortable way.



The walls are painted a neutral green, somewhat pasty but yet a welcoming green that is then complimented by simple yet mod dark varnished wooden tables and chairs. Contemporary shelving and nicely set light fixtures scattered the wall, making use of the space wisely, not trying to be too decorative or gaudy.



To call it zen like would be stereotypical, but it did set a mood for a calm, laid back and enjoyable eating atmosphere (the soft artsy selection of music could be a bit louder to further the mood).



The staff is friendly, Chef Oh and Han are the two main guys that run the place.



The host and wait/cook staff were very amicable and did a wonderful job of getting refills of water and hot tea (they are working on getting an alcohol permit, so no sake bombs yet ! lol).



Their ornate silver menus are filled with a decent array of sushi/sashimi/maki selections.



Appetizers include tempura, soups, salads, and edadame among other things.



Besides the usual fishy selection and appetizer, the new start up joint doesn't go further into offering any other Japanese cuisines such as yakisoba and udon, but their green tea ice cream and mocchi (ice cream stuffed dumpling) finished off a decorative and delicious Sushi Lover for Two Platter (Chef Oh uses shread daikon radish, leafy greens, and well crafted sushi to present an amazing artistic serving of sushi).



Sitting at the sushi bar makes you witness to Chef Oh's joyful persona and lovely side conversations as you mingle and witness his craft.



Still with a limited staff and usual upstart clientele, Sushi California is bound for greatness. The local college Central Connecticut State University will serve as a possible employee resource and also potential customer resource as well.



It's location near the highway gives it great accessibility in terms of travellers and out of towners looking for a new spot of sushi.



Being in the middle of the plaza also allows curious passerbys to stop and in and take a risk at this wonderful little niche in the wall.



Final Verdict: Still growing, great staff, friendly, quaint and relaxing, delicious and aesthetically pleasing food, and great location in terms of attracting its growing future clientele.



If you like Korean Pop Culture, Han and Chef Oh are eager to talk about Rain (an internationally renowned pop star), Full House (a Korean drama), and Big Bang/Wonder Girls (Popular Boy/ Girl Bands). It just adds to the fun yet relaxed environment of Sushi California.