In a way, going to Sushi Kei is like punishing myself. I've long wanted to finish my review, but I get discouraged whenever I think of all the dishes I'd have to cover (and how many photos I'd have to find). While I could simply go elsewhere until I'm done, it's hard because they're the best Japanese restaurant in the area! First world problems, I know. Actually, more like anal Yelper problems...
Given how many things I've tried here (for better or worse), I'll skip the details to try to keep this short(er). Plus, I honestly think how they look reflect how they tasted for the most part, so the photos almost speak for themselves.
- CHICKEN KATSU BEEF CURRY RICE PLATE
(http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sushi-kei-millbrae?select=JbhyLsRL6_R3I-2jgwW6rA#JbhyLsRL6_R3I-2jgwW6rA)
A lot of beef curry, but not as much katsu. Grill Aka Fuji (around the corner) gives you more katsu, but the overall taste is comparable (although these tables aren't nearly as sticky).
- NIGIRI COMBO PLATE (8 Pieces)
(http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sushi-kei-millbrae?select=JbhyLsRL6_R3I-2jgwW6rA#Dakx2rsMmhDBj1-rvTYnUQ)
It featured the usual mix (shrimp, tuna, salmon, hamachi, etc.) and the cuts were fair. However, every piece was very fresh, so kudos for that.
- HAMACHI NIGIRI
(http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sushi-kei-millbrae?select=JbhyLsRL6_R3I-2jgwW6rA#onHVcOmnKGSg81P1NTowDw)
Fresh and tasty, but the cuts aren't consistent in size.
- SPIDER ROLL
(http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sushi-kei-millbrae?select=JbhyLsRL6_R3I-2jgwW6rA#MPz2IqZQvAlNl1LbQg0Mzg)
Not too shabby and a good rice to crab ratio. Honestly though, I find soft shell crab innately good, so it's more imporant that places just not screw it up.
- SPICY SCALLOP ROLL
(http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sushi-kei-millbrae?select=JbhyLsRL6_R3I-2jgwW6rA#DxdI1bqhTv9jkoDKkwo53A)
The scallop was really fresh, but it wasn't all that spicy or notable.
- SALMON SKIN ROLL
(http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sushi-kei-millbrae?select=JbhyLsRL6_R3I-2jgwW6rA#8B2d5BHjrN7H2koRCBv6tQ)
I only ordered it because I was curious to see how they do theirs. I was mildly surprised - not only was the skin nicely crisp, it included some meat too.
- TEMPURA SOBA (Hot)
(http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sushi-kei-millbrae?select=JbhyLsRL6_R3I-2jgwW6rA#Xmz7iPJv3bdhrPwAJOKfxQ)
The texture of the soba was perfect, but the broth and overall taste was pretty standard. Not great, but not bad.
- TEMPURA SOBA (Cold)
(http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sushi-kei-millbrae?select=JbhyLsRL6_R3I-2jgwW6rA#H1lL-KB8lAcUKdVfznwXcQ)
I don't normally go for cold soba, but this one (and the whiteboard version) has converted me. The tempura batter did turn out a little soggy though.
- LUNCH BENTO BOX - Chicken Teriyaki, Tempura, Tuna Sashimi
(http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sushi-kei-millbrae?select=JbhyLsRL6_R3I-2jgwW6rA#HxdHRW-MoUnWcmCAMMRJpA)
Pretty standard overall. The tuna was really good, but the teriyaki was rather pedestrian. The mixed tempura was pretty typical.
- KATSU DONBOURI
(http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sushi-kei-millbrae?select=JbhyLsRL6_R3I-2jgwW6rA#2mKlodmyv4kIq-Rj7HY-Sg)
Really flavorful, but I wish it included more pieces of katsu!
- WHITEBOARD SPECIALS (price averages about $10.00)
It's written in Japanese on the wall towards the front. It changes daily, but the offerings are pretty varied:
***Chicken and Vegetable Stew with mini-Chiraishi Bowl
(no picture unfortunately)
***Fried Squid, Hamachi Sashimi, and Chicken and Vegetable Stew
(http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sushi-kei-millbrae?select=JbhyLsRL6_R3I-2jgwW6rA#KX39fNC6psUU5m1yrLphrQ)
***Cold Soba with Mini-Tuna Donbouri
(http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sushi-kei-millbrae?select=JbhyLsRL6_R3I-2jgwW6rA#8tiMvCgttJXZ75C3UmUj2w)
The one knock I would have about Sushi Kei is that while the workers are all pretty nice, service can be slow even when the restaurant isn't that busy. Plus, while nothing missed the mark, a lot of what I've tried wasn't exceptional (although the stew was awesome). Still, if you stick with their whiteboard specialties and the sushi/sashimi, you just might be as pleasantly surprised by this neighborhood gem as I am. read more