In Nashua, the rare joy of sushi—fresh, delicate, and often dear—is best savored when the bill lands elsewhere. Whether celebrating a milestone or charming a client, these nine spots offer that blissful escape where someone else’s card covers the exquisite bite.
YouYou Japanese Bistro
$$ | (603) 882-8337 | WEBSITE
Sushi bars can often be your first thought when you’re craving something fresh and flavorful. That said, once you arrive, you sometimes find yourself in a space that feels as generic as a chain restaurant, given a rushed explanation of the menu by an indifferent server, and, as a result, can’t fully appreciate the meal. But YouYou Japanese Bistro isn’t like this at all. Things here are all about the food and it makes for a delightful experience.
The menu features variety, from grilled veggies and brown rice to Americanized main courses, but you’ll be sure to enjoy whatever you choose. Especially as the friendly staff and attentive service ensure there’s no stress on you.
chen yang li
$ | (603) 578-9888 | WEBSITE
On the face of it, going for sushi probably isn’t your first choice when you know the bill isn’t coming your way. But Chen Yang Li is something different. Exceptional doesn’t really do this place justice: you may find yourself sitting at a sleek granite bar eating sashimi off a lacquered wood plate, and, in all likelihood, loving it. Aside from the lively weekend vibe, the food here is undeniably spectacular. And with that comes some spectacular prices. But why should that matter?
You’re not paying. Get the freshest salmon sashimi, a few shrimp rolls, and the Mongolian beef, just for the hell of it. This couldn’t be further from your average Chinese spot, and that’s why it’s not made for an average meal.
Crane Restaurant
$ | (603) 459-8186 | WEBSITE
Any sushi bar that’s a ‘hidden gem’ means serious quality. Imagine if there was a generic strip-mall spot with this level of care. Would you like the Mango Tango roll? Crane Restaurant is a serious sushi place for people who like seriously fresh fish. The special rolls are the ideal way to go about things in this situation (you know, the you want something memorable situation) and we’d recommend trying the TNT while you’re at it.
Things can get pretty delicious food-wise here: fantastic sushi, very good Chinese American dishes, and it does feel like the sort of food and atmosphere that’s made for comfortable family dining.
Prime at Sky Meadow
$$$$ | (603) 888-9000 | WEBSITE
The phrase ‘upscale dining’ gets tossed around so much these days it’s lost all meaning, but with Prime at Sky Meadow it still rings true. Coming here feels like stepping into a world of polished elegance – it’s all floor-to-ceiling windows and soft ambient lighting – though the family-style sides help keep things from getting too precious. It’s a stunning place to be whether at the bar with those cocktails, in the dining room taking in the skyline, or just soaking up the country club views.
Their filet mignon is a given, but, seeing as you’re already treating yourself, why not add that strawberry cheesecake to finish? You may as well…
Wok N Roll Asian Cuisine
$ | (603) 417-2123 | WEBSITE
There is no sushi spot you want to hit more in Nashua without breaking the bank than Wok N Roll. Admit it. You cheap, hungry, youknowwhat. But to be honest, you’re right.
Because the thought of coming to Wok N Roll, the thought of watching families enjoy kid-friendly meals as you try and eat your decent sushi regular, the thought of being the one to pay a bill that will include $12 for a nice-ish spicy orange soy chicken is all, frankly, as exciting as a fluorescent light in your clean, open dining room.
Sakura Asian Bistro
$$ | (603) 589-9815 | WEBSITE
There’s something a little bit theatrical about Sakura Asian Bistro. No, not the drama. The other side. The lively show. That bit. It’s a popular restaurant in Nashua where you want to have a good appetite. Or, ideally, not have to worry about calories at all. The fresh but flavorful Asian food is both excellent and adds to the mood-lit and booth-lined vibrancy of this restaurant. There’s a bit of an atmosphere of ‘thank heavens we’re not cooking tonight’.
And, more importantly, ‘thank heavens I don’t have to worry about the service’.
San Francisco Kitchen
$$ | (603) 886-8833 | WEBSITE
Every now and again it’s okay to crave something different and that’s what somewhere like San Francisco Kitchen is for. It’s a casual dinner spot, so the friendly staff are sort of welcoming you in – a crispy General Tso’s Chicken perfectly spiced here, a tender Mongolian Beef there. It is very satisfying and the food is really very very good. All you have to do is appreciate their ‘California flair’ and try not to finish every generous portion in one sitting.
This sort of thing is a treat every now and then. It’s a delight when the pricing is fair.
Yoshimama Japanese Sushi Bar
$$ | (603) 718-8316 | WEBSITE
In the middle of this restaurant is a sushi bar of polished wood. Some might call this functional, but we call it the heart of the operation. Yoshimama is a very reasonable restaurant inside a very unassuming plaza, and it’s the kind of place where you can eat excellent takes on Japanese classics and potentially see someone celebrating a birthday. Don’t miss the Louisiana Maki starter. Or the sweet potato sushi. Or the Spicy Miso Seafood Ramen. Actually, get all three.
You’re not breaking the bank, remember?
Takumi Sushi & Hibachi
$$ | (603) 891-1717 | WEBSITE
There are nights when you just want to be festive and not worry about the details – mainly because they’ve taken care of them all – and that’s what Takumi Sushi & Hibachi is for. We mean, a Koi pond at the entrance? If that doesn’t say ‘we’re serious about atmosphere’ then we don’t know what does. It’s beautifully over the top here, in case the pond didn’t give you that hint, and that’s really what you’re going for. Hibachi flames, unfiltered Sake, Chawan Mushi, Unadon, Soft Shell Crab.
Smiles from the staff, smiles from the tables, smiles from the birthday message display. Because, well, you know why.