On Takeout Tuesday, Sushi Ventura-style (use your fingers)

by Visit Ventura

  No better place than Ventura to immerse yourself in the ride of color, texture, taste, art and joy that is sushi. And no better reason than “Takeout Tuesday.” A kind way for us to support our Ventura businesses — our friends and neighbors — while, happy coincidence, doing something nice for ourselves. Thank you, kind Venturans, for running with “Takeout Tuesdays” in a big way. Community gets community through challenging times. And no town does it better. Before we present your sushi offerings, a few fun sushi facts to make you an even more enthralling dining companion. Wield this knowledge lightly. No one likes a know-it-all…     While Japan is now sushi’s epicenter, sushi traces it origins back to a Chinese dish called narezushi. Narezushi consisted of fermented rice and salted fish, and it was a practical combination. The rice was fermented so it would be preserved — in turn, the rice was wrapped around the fish to preserve the salted fish (salted because narezushi preceded refrigeration by some 2,000 years). The fish was eaten. The rice was thrown away.   Sushi refers to the rice, not the fish. In Japanese food terminology, the word ‘sushi‘ refers to cooked rice that is seasoned with vinegar, sugar, and salt, and then filled with accompanying ingredients like seafood and vegetables.   Sashimi isn’t just fish. The word is derived from the word ‘Sashi’ (meaning cut), and ‘mi’ (meaning body). Sashimi is raw, thinly sliced meat, usually the best cut. It might be fish, but it can also be raw beef or lightly cooked octopus. The Japanese often eat sashimi as the first course, before moving on to other types of sushi.   Good news if you’re a chopstick fumbler — the traditional way to eat sushi is with your hands. Use the chopsticks to eat sashimi. But whatever dining implement you choose, before you start take a long moment to gaze upon your meal — because sushi, done right, is plain and simple, lovely.     And, here in Ventura, so much lovely sushi done right…   Masa Sushi Located in the heart of Ventura’s currently highly walk-able downtown, Masa Sushi has high-quality fish and sushi at reasonable prices. Inside tip: don’t bypass the Octopus Salad.  

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ⛩ The Sushi House Ventura (@the.sushi.house) on Jun 13, 2019 at 1:16pm PDT

The Sushi House On the beach end of Seaward Avenue, The Sushi House is a neighborhood (Pierpont) favorite. Inside tip: you won’t forget the avocado bomb.  

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Sea Ranger Seafood Station Ⓥ (@searangerseafoodstation) on May 9, 2020 at 5:49pm PDT

Sea Ranger Seafood Station Vegans, here’s your sushi answer — alongside traditional sushi, Sea Ranger has a next-level vegan sushi list. Inside tip: the Golden California Roll features vegan crab, cucumber, and tempura fried avocado, drizzled with unagi sauce and spicy mayo.   I Love Sushi I Love Sushi consistently tops “Best Of” polls. Inside tip: Tempura lovers should try the golf pro hand roll.   Banzai Marina Located on California Street, a block from downtown, Chef/owner Yuji is as affable — and talented — as they get. Inside tip: get to the patio (yes, outdoor dining) early, and enjoy their Happy Hour specials (they also have great lunch specials).  

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jiro / じろー (@jilow0318) on Oct 18, 2018 at 6:53pm PDT

Koba Sushi Located in Ventura’s midtown (near Ventura High School), if you’re looking for high-quality fish, delicious, simple rolls, and authentic Japanese cuisine, this is your place.  

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Sushi Fresh Ventura (@sushifreshventura) on Mar 30, 2020 at 2:34pm PDT

Sushi Fresh Ventura Inconspicuously tucked in the Victoria Plaza Shopping Center, Sushi Fresh is something of a hidden gem — and they currently have outdoor dining. Inside tip: Locals, they offer free delivery within a two mile radius.  

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 🐙 Octopus Japanese Restaurant🍣 (@octopusrestaurant) on Jul 28, 2020 at 12:46pm PDT

Sumo Japanese Restaurant The sushi is good, the servings are generous and the prices are right. Regulars order the sweet shrimp and the salmon skin hand roll. Inside tip: even though they are only open for takeout, they’re still honoring their (deservedly) famous happy hour prices (every day from 3pm to 6pm and then again from 8:30pm until closing).   So today (though any day works!) do something nice for our local restaurants — and nice for you. And, if you like, share a photo of your spread of choice and tag us @visitventura.     Shopping, dining, hiking, beach-going, beer-quaffing, wine-tasting, and all manner of fun in the sun (because that’s what Ventura does best). Want to know (almost) everything about Ventura? Please order our FREE Ventura Inspiration Guide here.