With all the attention shifting to that little dainty spot somewhere at Larkspur Drive, Sushi Zone still remains a rock solid spot to satisfy our sushi cravings. However, there can only be one sheriff in town so I have to give credit where it is due. That explains the realignment of stars for this establishment.
Just when I thought I have tasted about 80% of their rolls, they have come up with a revamped menu with plenty more to try. New menu, new creations, new items to order, new rolls to take pictures of, and, you guessed it right, new prices (55¢ to $1 hike). Food has always been good and nicely plated plus the quality service from the triumvirate of Vina, Donna, and Wiwit has never been lacking.
They have 100+ sushi rolls listed on their menu plus a few more specials on the board. If you're in a bit of a rush, just give the ones listed below a try. Otherwise, enjoy the complimentart edamame as you peruse their menu.
Explosion Roll (shrimp tempura and spicy tuna topped with torched albacore) - You will definitely know that somebody ordered this because there is no mistaking the wonderful smell that will fill this restaurant once they fire up the blow torch. It is served on a bigger plate with their special sauces nicely placed on the side. Enjoy the aroma then enjoy the flavor.
Vegas Roll (spicy tuna and cucumber topped with albacore) - One word: ponzu sauce. Or was that two?
Giant Roll (soft-shell crab, spicy tuna, crab mix, and cucumber topped with unagi and avocado) - While every sushi joints has the standard Spider Roll on their menu, Sushi Zone has a lot more rolls that feature soft-shell crab in it. Among those, this one is our favorite.
Hot Night Roll (shrimp tempura and spicy crab topped with spicy tuna and jalapeño) - So far, the best roll that we've tried from the new menu. The thinly-sliced jalapeños on top are fantastic!
Titanic Roll (shrimp tempura and cucumber topped with crab mix, tuna, salmon, and hamachi) - There seems to be nothing special if you look at the ingredients but what is unique here is that they brought the crab mix out and layered it between the rice and the fish instead of stuffing everything inside the roll.
Sexy Roll (deep-fried hamachi and avocado topped with unagi and ikura) - If you like the sensation brought by exploding tobiko inside your mouth, then the ikura (salmon roe) will give you an even bigger joy. Size matters, eh?
Go-Go Roll (shrimp tempura and spicy tuna topped with spicy imitation crab) - Simply put, this one tasted as good as it looked.
Raiders Roll (soft-shell crab and cucumber topped with tuna, salmon, hamachi, unagi, and avocado) - Another one of their soft-shell crab concoctions. This is like taking the Rainbow Roll a few notches up.
Fire Ball (deep-fried breaded spicy tuna, spicy crab, and jalapeño) - This will remind you of the old school Batman starring Adam West. Sliced into four parts, it sits atop their spicy mayo and hot sauces which resemble the border of the TV series' signature "Kapow!" graphic. Isn't that right, Allen C.?!
If you're not into sushi nor sashimi, their lunch / dinner entrées and bento boxes are very decent and there are a lot of teriyaki and katsu dishes to choose from. Udon and soba are also on the menu and, of course, there are ebi and veggie tempura as well. Overall, I'm still a fan. If you're in Downtown Livermore, it's very easy to find - head east on East Avenue and take that extra mile... read more