Asaka Japanese Restaurant

First off the ambience is very nice. Not in a posh or romantic kind of way but in an authentic izakaya way. Very Japanese decor and all the staff I saw we're Japanese including the chefs, one of which was a lovely young lady. My first experience with a female sushi chef, so that was a pleasant surprise .

Anyway as far as the food goes I had agedashi dofu and sushi rolls. The agedashi appetizer was one of the best I've had. They make it right with plenty of ginger and scallions, unlike most places.

The sushi was not quite as good. Though the menu is creative and the rolls competently assembled and tasty, some of it was too cold, as if the ingredients had just come out of the refrigerator.

It's for that reason I could not recommend. Too bad because it's a nice little spot.

We went to Asaka for the 5pm-7pm Happy Hour on a whim.  I was really wanting sushi but didn't want to go to one of the fancier spots in town.  We ordered five different rolls (which proved to be a lot) and edamame.  It was really tasty and very cheaply priced (roughly $3-$5 per roll).

If you're looking for a nice ambiance and a romantic setting, this isn't the place for you.  However, if you want an after-work meal, it is great.  For the price and the amount of food, it's a great spot.

I wouldn't take a first date there.

At long last, an authentic sushi place has come to Indianapolis!  Having lived in Tokyo and Kyoto and studied Japanese cuisine, I am always on the lookout for good places in the area.  

The owner is Japanese and moved to the area a number of years ago; he could be found behind the sushi bar preparing the sushi HIMSELF.  I was pleasantly surprised to find a menu that offered not just rolls, but more traditional offerings such as Tenpura Udon and Donburi.  

My wife ordered and devoured the Chirashi-zushi, an assortment of sashimi atop a bed of sushi rice.  I got both sushi rolls and the Udon, both of which were fantastic.  My brother, always a picky eater, surprised us all and went for the sushi dinner and crushed it.  

Overall, the food was wonderful, and the service was punctual.  The fish was fresh and flavorful, and the rolls were inspired and plentiful.  

Don't come here look for trendy Asian fusion lounge food and cocktails; come if you're in the mood for traditional and authentic Japanese dishes.  You'll likely find yourself sitting next to natives longing for a taste of home, as we did.