Another email question: This one is about sushi
You all were so helpful the last time I got an email asking for unique shopping in Frederick, I thought I’d put you back to work with another question. I got this email tonight and while we have discussed it before, it’s been since 2007 and the topic should probably be revisited. Since 2007, Cafe Kyoko, which was mentioned frequently in the comments of that post, has closed. Also, Fuji Japanese Steakhouse opened in Walkersville (is it still open?) since then. I’m not a huge sushi fan, so I once again rely on you loyal FMO readers to help out someone who is thinking of relocating here:
My husband and I are traveling from the Boston area this Thursday to see
if Frederick is a place for a relocation. We have become major sushi fans
and wonder if there are any terrific sushi restaurants in your area. Hopefully
you’ll have some good news for us! Thanks so much.
From the discussion in 2007, it appears there is decent sushi in Frederick, but is it good enough for folks for whom sushi is obviously very important? Update us please!
I like Roppongi on 40, behind taco bell.
I have a friend who is from Vietnam and she always swore by the sushi at Chef Lin Buffet. I don’t even know if that’s still in business.
Chef Lin is still in business and I agree that their sushi is good, as well as included in the cheap all-you-can eat buffet price.
Not sure what’s available in Frederick, but it’d be worth the short drive up to Hagerstown for The House of Kobe (http://www.thehouseofkobe.com/). My buddy’s sister-in-law is native Japanese, and she swears by it.
Matsutake at Westview has great sushi. They also have an all you can eat sushi buffet for lunch; the cost is right around $11.
Hinode, on the creek, is fantastic. It’s a local chain (I think they have three locations), but the sushi is extremely fresh and it’s good.
Chef Lin is indeed still open. Although this provides a decent value for the big eater, the sushi is mediocre, at best. The sushi buffet at Matsutake is about the same cost and much better.
The Fuji in Walkersville closed after only a brief run.
Roppongi and Hinode are the best quality sushi in town, IMHO. Whether or not this will be enough to impress a *serious* sushi lover to relocate to Frederick is questionable. In all honesty, these are not “high end” sushi places like Sushi Sono in Columbia http://www.sushisonomd.com/index.html, where I have seen daily specials in the $50-100 range for a single, rare delicacy.
I agree with Guy, the sushi at Chef Lin is mediocre at best, but works if you’re looking to complement your sushi with other foods.
For a quick bite, I’ll go to the buffet at Matsutake. The sushi at Miyako (both locations; I usually go to FSK as it’s closer to home) is good, but I wouldn’t go as far to say terrific. Having never been to Roppongi and Hinode, that is the extend of my sushi experiences in Frederick.
When my wife and I lived in Gaithersburg, we used to go to a great place there called New Tokyo (http://www.newtokyorestaurant.com/). If you’re willing to make the trip, I’d recommend it.
Sorry…I agree with Jim H. Not sure why I credited that comment with Guy!
I haven’t found any.
Hinode was a huge disappointment, way overpriced, and not fresh.
Tell those Boston people to maybe try something else in Frederick so as to not be disappointed.
Chef Lin probably has the worst Sushi in Frederick, I can’t name a place that has worse. I scratched my head for another 15 minutes, and I still can’t. I wouldn’t even think them as a Sushi place because they are not. Recall one time they had free stake comes with a buffet. Any attempt to review the quality of their stake, or compare it to any other stake, is, rediculous.
Having that said, there is really no good sushi in town, and in half hour driving distance.
Roppongi is okay, though the location could be scary to out-of-towner, especially around dinner time with the unlit empty parking lot (for local, it remains scary through out the day). The lunch buffet of Matsutake at Westview is mediocre. Their selection was really good when it was started years ago as a temporary promotion, now it’s just a value lunch option with less choices and saltier (read, less fresh) fish. The Sushi bars at all chain stores are comparable and the best bet you can make in Frederick, personally I favor Myako on 40 just a little bit. But it’s a chain, and the quality can vary through time.
The last time I was at Chef Lin’s with my Vietnamese friend was in mid 2006. I moved right after that and have no idea if she still thinks it’s good. But she ate platefuls of it and loved it. It’s possible it was good back then and isn’t now? I know she considers Lucky Corner the best and most authentic Vietnamese restaurant – she’s not just of Vietnamese heritage, she IS from Vietnam so I’ll trust her on that recommendation.
From one reviewer to another, if you are going to put down a place, at least take the time to spell s-t-e-a-k correctly.
Chef Lin Buffet is family friendly and the price point is good. As with all buffet places, they have their good nights and they have their off nights. I know that they treat people very well and the staff all wok together to make sure your table stays clean.
Having gone there many times, it seems the people who appreciate the place either sit in the back where it is quieter or in front where several tables can be put together for larger groups. My guess is that you sat off to the side somewhere.
Well, it is a Chinese restaurant so I suppose the employees would “wok” together…..
Hinode’s on the Creek in Frederick has great sushi and other Asian delights! http://www.hinodefrederick.com/
Hinodes sushi has always impressed me and my sushi loving friends. They have a great selection and in the warmer weather it’s nice to sit out on the patio overlooking Carroll Creek. I agree with the previous posters about Chef Lin. It has the basics but is definitely not to be considered a “Sushi” restaurant.
I second Hinode! The atmosphere is not to be beat in Frederick and I love the sushi. The lasagna roll is to die for.
Really? I’m surprised there are so many Hinode fans.
I am not a Sushi fan but I have heard from many that the China Garden off of Route 40 serves Good Sushi and makes it Fresh in front of you if you sit at the Bar Area. Can anyone confirm this?? Has anyone had Sushi at China Garden??
Yes, China Garden has really good sushi….that and Roppongi are my faves. And I am not ashamed to admit it, but Giant Eagle actually has pretty darn good sushi as well!
I can’t believe no one has mentioned Edo on Thomas Johnson Drive. I think it used to be Rick’s or something like that. It’s yummy! Do not let the exterior fool you. It is very nice inside, good service and yummy food. We always go for the sushi, but they have hibachi tables too.
I agree that there’s no truly fantastic sushi in Frederick. Hinode is probably my favorite of what there is and probably the closest to a big city sushi place, but I rarely go there because the service is usually terrible. Miyako and Matsutake are a close second, but they are both (all 3 since there are 2 Miyakos?) chains and primarily hibachi places so that’s the ambiance you get. Roppongi is good sushi but it IS in a creepy location, and the restaurant itself is usually deserted which is also unsettling. China garden has good rolls, but I’m not a fan of their nigiri and what they have is pretty basic. It pains me to say it, but I agree that you’re better off heading to Hagerstown or down the road to Gaithersburg/Rockville if you’re a true sushi connoisseur.
I second EDO SUSHI!! The people are so friendly and the food is always tasty. Hinode’s probably my #1 for food, but yeah, service isn’t top notch.
+1 for Roppongi, or drive them to Columbia MD for great sushi.
I am one half of the couple coming from Boston tomorrow. My husband and I are amazed at how many took the time to give us sugestions. As much as we love sushi, good people more than make up for any lack of fresh raw fish! Thank you all so very much. Score one for Frederick.
Hi, Gay! I’m not sure how sold yall are on sushi, but if you also like BBQ, then I highly suggest checking out Black Hog in downtown Frederick. Not only do they have amazing bbq, it’s also right in the heart of downtown, so a long walk after dinner would definitely be in order. Hope you enjoy your visit.
When my husband and I want sushi we go to RAKU – one location in Bethesda and the other in Dupont. Frederick has not had great sushi since Kyoko’s closed down. We have been to Hinode several times and it is hit & miss, but OK.
It’s much like Mexican food – because we had lived in California, Arizona and had traveled extensively in Texas. New Mexico and Mexico people here asked us where we thought the best Mexican food was. Our answer…….nowhere. All of them are frozen dinner quality. ALL of them. People were stunned. They were convinced that La Paz was “authentic.” It’s cat food compared to authentic Mexican food. But I’m sure there will be those here who ardently defend La Paz and La Cantina and other “Mexican” restaurants. I stand by my opinion.
best answer i heard all day
I enjoy the sushi at Hinode’s. Never had a bad service, although we usually eat at the sushi bar and chat with the sushi chefs. The buffet lunch at Matsutake’s is okay, not great, but filling.
Good Sushi is pretty subjective and depends on how much of a Sushi snob one is too!
Roppongi is some of the best I’ve had anywhere in the world but that’s because the chef there knows me and knows what I like. He’ll try new combination of flavors because he knows I’m not going to drown the maki or whatnot in soywasabi. I’d recommend going there, sitting at the bar, and then asking him to impress!
I hope you enjoy your visit! Try to get a reservation at VOLT and check out some of the other restaurants in downtown Frederick.
If you drink, stop by brewers alley and get a sampler of their beers. Also try to take a tour of the Flying Dog brewery.
Just an FYI, Flying Dog has stopped their tours until at least April. I would check their website before making the trip over there.
Hinode. Period.
My friend/co-worker and I looooooooooooooooove China Garden. We absolutely love the sushi there!
No, there is no sushi worth bothering with in Frederick, to me. Roppongi was good when it first opened, but I haven’t been impressed in a while. Tried Hinode fairly recently and it was oKAY. But really, if I’m going to shell out for sushi, I’d rather pay a bit more and have it be terrific. I had Really Good sushi in NYC a few years ago and was ruined for Good Enough sushi. So I guess it depends on your level of tolerance and what you want. Sushi to me is excellent fish on perfect rice. If sushi to you is inventive rolls with interesting flavors, you may be perfectly happy at Hinode.
Honestly, there aren’t any exceptional sushi places in Frederick, only so-so ones, but there are still about a million reasons why Frederick is a wonderful place to be home.
Ok, I know many people like Roppongi, but I’m a little weirded out by the fact that, from what a lot of people have said to me, they never seem to have any business. Is it that a lot of people do carry-out? We ate there with some friends about a month ago and no one else came in during our meal to dine in OR for carry-out. That gives me pause, especially when it comes to eating sushi. I’m more comfortable when I know there is turnover on the fish. What we ate was fine – neither amazingly good or amazingly bad. Decent.
Gay – like what others have said, regardless of our lack of amazing sushi, Frederick has a number of delicious restaurants!
My favorite Sushi restaurant is Edo Japanese Steak House.
The address is
190 Thomas Johnson Dr
Frederick, MD 21702
(301) 668-2206
http://www.hibachiedo.com
The owner’s name is Jack. He is a wonderful and friendly. Many sushi rolls are even exotic too. My favorite is Dragon rolls.
Trust me.
Sheri Bergman
You are right about Jack at Edo. Great guy!! And the sushi he has can be CRAZY, (in a good way!) exotic and original!
Try it! And the Hibachi Grill is there if you like that for fun…Not as expensive as some others but just as fun and delicious.
Come to think of it, it’s been a while since I’ve been there and tonight could be a good night for some take-out sushi. Thanks for reminding me, Sheri.
It’s good to know that Edo is still open. Every time I drive by there, it looks deserted.
Lizfrog dont let it fool you. Once you get inside EDO you are in LOVE
Also I want to let you guys know there is one Sushi Buffet I always go to in Gaithersburg.
Sushi Chalet
323 Muddy Branch Rd
Gaithersburg MD 20878
Tel: (301) 948-7373
People there are nice too. The lunch buffet is cheaper than dinner buffet. You will love the arrays of variety of sush on buffet. Take my words to go there. You will thank me later smile
Sheri,
I went to Edo for lunch once a year or two ago. I was nice, but never been compelled to return. Sushi Chalet I’ve been to dozens of times, but I’ll only eat out in Frederick.
Just to chime in about sushi in Frederick – sadly, Frederick is not a sushi town. Roppongi is acceptable, but the strange service and small portions are enough to make me forget about it entirely. I imagine Hinode is the best we have here, although I never really liked them in Rockville and was insulted when they declared that they were essentially dumbing down their menu for the Frederick diners. Those restaurants aside, Japanese food in Frederick is limited to the hibachi steak houses or what they serve in Chinese restaurnts (China Garden’s sushi did not do it for me and Babao in Urbana is overpriced and not much better). Some of these may indeed have good sushi, but people are really there for the hibachi “show” and they usher you out to make room for the next seating.
For great sushi, I go down to Germantown to Yuraku. The restaurant badly needs a facelift, but it’s hard to beat their food and the value. I also like Momo Taro in Rockville, which still seems to remain good despite a change in ownership.
nice to see someone knows good sushi i second yuraku but make a reservation
I third Yuraku – been eating there since they opened and the sushi is great. Definitely worth the drive and showing up at opening time to snag a table!
I’m pretty late to the party here, but I can’t help but chime in. Edo and Roppongi are likely the best sushi in town, with Hinodi, and China Garden picking up second and third.
I suspect that Edo and Roppongi would both have much better reviews if it weren’t for their locations. I doubt you’ll find many people who have actually TRIED either one who would suggest that you go elsewhere for sushi in Frederick.
Hi Guess what?????? Speaking of EDO, I went to EDO for lunch last week. I saw the sign that says “SUSHI BUFFET” coming soon !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was so excited. I do not know when they will start having Sushi Buffet.
Also curious to ask you guys what about the chinese restaurants. Chinese restaurants in Frederick sucks. I always go to Paul Kee Chinese Restaurant in Wheaton on Georgia Ave where you can be the only non-chinese customer there. The food is really PUREEEEEEEEEEEEEE chinese not chinese american. I hate FAKE chinese american food.
I grew up in Whitestone Queens NY which is a distance away from chinatown Flushing.
Sheri
Couldn’t agree more about the Chinese. For neighborhood take out places, the standard is reasonably high, but for authentic Chinese, there simply is none. Paul Kee is great, but I usually go to New Fortune in Gaithersburg for world class dim sum.
Noah, are we eating in the same restaurauts? Used to treck to Wheaton to Tung Bor and Good Fortune until New Fortune opened up. You know there’s good food when there is roasted poultry on display in the window! Would be tickled to find good Singaporean/Malaysian food closer by.
Dear Gay,
Hubby and I moved to Frederick from Boston 4 years ago. After we got over the culture shock, we Frederick is home to really friendly people, a cool, funky downtown area, fun things to do, and more. I even do outdoorsy things like hiking (which I never used to do), a mere 10 minutes from my house. Yes, the “Golden Mile” (Patrick Street) and the FSK Mall area are reminiscent of the Rt 9 Shopper’s World area in terms of chain restaurants and big box stores, but there is more to Frederick than that. I can’t comment on the sushi, because I don’t eat it, but there are other great ethnic restaurants here including Taijtu (Ethipoian), Lucky Corner (Vietnamese), Cacique (Spanish), Isabella’s (Spanish Tapas). People in Frederick eat out a lot! If you want to chat, google Julie Lichtman frederick, md and give me a call. If you move here, (or anywhere), find an organization you’re interested in and get involved – it’s a good way to meet people. Also, check out http://www.downtownfrederick.org/. Good luck!
Anyone tried the new sushi/grill place at FSK where Lone Star used to be? Just saw their “Now Open” banner today. Name was something like Tenado or Tendo?
Responding to Gypsy Yes I went there last Friday. The new chinese buffet restuarant is called “TENDO’s (used to be lone Star). I was very disappointed with the food. TOOOOO AMERICAN for me. Why can’t they make real traditional chinese food the same idea with the Chinese buffet on Montrose Rd (Rockville) I forgot the name of resturant. The food are very traditional chiense food there in Rockville. But the people who work at Tendo’s are friendly. Inside the resturant are very roomy. They just need to improve the food itself. I guess we still have to drive all the way to Wheaton (Paul Kee) or the new fortune in Gaithersburg or the one in Rockville on Montrose Rd.
Sheri
Tried Tendo today for lunch and let’s just say that putting “sushi” on their sign overstates the prominence of sushi there. It was just another Chinese buffet – the sushi was a bit better than the stuff at City Buffet on the Golden Mile if you got it before it sat too long. They also had a very small Mongolian grill (they called it Hibachi), but didn’t bother trying that. I’m not saying I’ll never go back, but my curiosity is satisfied and my low expectations weren’t quite met.
I know it is late but I thought I follow up on the comments on Tendo. We ate there last weekend and don’t plan to go back. Like the other comments indicated – sushi buffet is the overstatement of the year. I think I took two pieces. The signs at the sushi station indicated types that they did not have and would not make (spicy tuna or shrimp tempura). The only thing I saw were a couple california and eel rolls and a couple pieces of tuna. Big disappointment. It’s also the first time that I have seen a chinese buffet without string beans. If you want a chinese buffet with sushi in the area then go to Chef Lin. For just sushi then Roppongi or Edo. Yuraku in Germantown is good for a lunch buffet and regular sushi for dinner.
I agree- Chef Lin wins for Chinese buffet. Even their sushi, such as it is, was worlds beyond Tendo. Price was way better too.
TJ’s Aian bistro on Thomas JOhnson DR has the BEST sushi lunch buffet!! For $10.95 you get a great selections of sushi and chinese dishes. We’re definately going back!!
FYI to those who don’t know: TJ Asian Bistro is the one that used to be called Edo.
Hmm, I’m new to Frederick, I had no idea TJ’s used to be called Edo. It says new management on the outisde, it must have just opened recently.