Maybe you can distinguish toro from tamago with your eyes closed, or maybe you’re just trying to work your way through Bloomington’s entire supply of fresh wasabi this season. Either way, you appreciate sushi. And you appreciate enjoying it in the right spots.
Sakura 15
$ | (812) 339-8076 | WEBSITE
Unlike that time you tried to make sushi at home, Japanese food tastes better when you have it in the right setting. The people at Sakura 15 understand this, which is why they create a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere with great lighting and a clean, bright ambiance. This is another place where you want to be ordering the sushi, if only so you can enjoy some Tonkatsu ramen with a side of fried pork gyoza that comes out quickly.
Homey Hot Pot
$$ | (812) 650-1171 | WEBSITE
If you’re into hot pot (or think you’d like to be into hot pot), Homey Hot Pot is where you should be eating it. The spread here is impressively wide, with ingredients from across the table ranging from fresh meats to plentiful veggies. They also have a selection of delicious soup bases that come by the pot, so you can customize each bite to fit your dietary restrictions or mood. The vibe is super casual and welcoming, making it a must-try spot in Bloomington for friends and family.
With helpful staff providing sauce recommendations and recipes, the experience is both fun and informative. Although some may find it pricey, the high quality of ingredients and the social setting make it worth it for group dinners or date nights.
Fuji Sushi
$ | (812) 668-2377 | WEBSITE
Fuji Sushi is one of Bloomington’s best sushi spots, in a cozy space that will make you want to linger over every bite. But, they also know that if you’re spending $25 on a (truly exceptional) chef’s special roll, you might be looking to save a little when it comes to starters. This place has one of the more thoughtful complimentary offerings around, with a free miso soup that’s both warming and flavorful, served by genuinely friendly staff who remember your name.
Also, there’s no shortage of fresh fish on the menu, with the nigiri selection alone worth the trip.
Mr. Tokyo
$$ | (812) 668-2080 | WEBSITE
If you’re a sushi purist who needs every piece of fish to be flown in from Tokyo’s Tsukiji market, Mr. Tokyo probably isn’t for you. But if you’re happy with someone else picking your rolls (and you don’t mind spending a reasonable amount of money on them), the three-roll special at Mr. Tokyo is only going to make your excellent dinner better. Expect some clever tricks, like crab rangoon being served alongside tonkatsu – but it’s all part of one of Bloomington’s unique sushi experiences.
MAJÉ SUSHI
$ | (812) 333-7722 | WEBSITE
We’re not saying MAJÉ SUSHI is on this list because you can watch them make your sushi right in front of you. But we’d be lying if we told you that wasn’t a factor. While a lot of sushi spots take their presentation a little too seriously, the people at this Bloomington takeout definitely do not. Come to MAJÉ SUSHI when you want to grab some fantastic Grilled Chicken rolls and Crunchy Tuna Rolls, and enjoy a meal described as ‘generous enough for two.’
Z & C Teriyaki & Sushi
$ | (812) 323-8999 | WEBSITE
You could call Z & C Teriyaki & Sushi a late-night spot, and it sort of is, given the generous portions and the staff’s willingness to keep things moving even when you’re ordering a chicken teriyaki and sushi combo well after most kitchens have closed.
But while they do have very good spicy mayo here and you could grab a quick meal at the counter, there’s also a straightforward setup where you can have a satisfying bite over potstickers, teriyaki bowls, and a combo plate even your most budget-conscious dining companion won’t have already tried.
Domo
$$ | (812) 332-7700 | WEBSITE
This sushi spot in Bloomington is best known for creative combos and the 3:1 odds that you’ll see kids mesmerized by the hibachi show at the table next to you. But given that there’s a full hibachi menu up front, this is also a fantastic place for entertainment eating. Some of the more elaborate sushi rolls are pretty expensive, but you’ll also find some straightforward, great-value combos on there too.
This is the place to try a vegetarian roll you’ve never considered or a hibachi meal that isn’t just chicken and rice.
Sushi Bar Bloomington
$ | (812) 331-7688 | WEBSITE
When Sushi Bar Bloomington first opened, you had to book weeks in advance for a Friday night table. Now you can probably get a reservation for next weekend, which is great news if you love sushi, because this place has some of the freshest fish in Bloomington. And luckily that doesn’t just mean pricey specialty rolls and entire sections of the menu dedicated to elaborate creations (although you will find both those things) – they serve $8 avocado rolls, too.
All those choices can feel a bit daunting, but the staff are incredibly attentive, and will help you pick the perfect roll, within your budget, to go with your multiple bowls of miso soup.