Sushi Ya's approach to Japanese cuisine: simple, straight forward and no surprises.
Sushi Ya
Address: 659 Corydon Avenue
Phone Number: 204-452-3916
Neighbourhood: Little Italy/Corydon Avenue
Like all big cities, Winnipeg has a few sushi shacks that just don't stack up.
Loose rolls, limp tempura, fishy fish and rubbery tuna are just a few of the crimes against diners.
Sushi Ya is more than a law abider, this Corydon Avenue sushi bar is a crime fighter.
Where other Japanese restaurants fail in their mission to deliver great seafood feasts in a land-locked province, Sushi Ya soars above.
And Sushi Ya also saves the day by not breaking your bank.
Superhero metaphors aside, Sushi Ya serves memorable sushi in a fun and casual environment in the heart of Winnipeg's Little Italy.
For Winnipeg newbies, Little Italy on Corydon Avenue has also unofficially become sushi central in the city.
Sushi Ya consistently delivers straightforward, uncomplicated sushi every time. It's not fancy, but it sure tastes great. The dining room doesn't have the slick urban appeal (or pricey, but delicious menu) of the highly polished Wasabi or Blu Fish. Instead, Sushi Ya's decor is a folksy homage to Japan, complete with paper lanterns and bamboo plants.
For serious tongue tingles, order Bakudan tuna. Rolls sit on a generous bed of red chili powder and are topped with a dollop of hot, sweat -inducing spicy mayo. Special rolls, created by regular customers, also take their place on the varied menu.
You'll get all the Japanese and sushi favourites at Sushi Ya.
The tempura is also worth a mention. Sushi Ya's version really hits the spot. The flash-fried, panko-encrusted pieces are light and airy, crunchy and crispy. Go for the assorted version which is loaded with peppers, broccoli, white onion, yam, salmon and shrimp and more.
One issue beyond Sushi Ya's control: members of the Italian club located above Sushi Ya tend to smoke just outside the front door of both establishments. Diners may have to walk through a veil of cigarette smoke to enter Sushi Ya, but the temporary discomfort is worth what awaits inside.
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