RA Sushi where anything can happen

I am no stranger to RA Sushi because my daughter and her friends are here quite often. She raves about how good the sushi is. Now it’s my turn to tell you that you should visit if you haven’t. And if it’s been awhile, you definitely need to go back because the new seasonal winter menu is outstanding!

RA Sushi has many locations throughout the states. In California alone, there are 7 locations. Allen and I visited the one at The District in Tustin.

I knew how popular RA Sushi is, so I was not surprised at how spacious the restaurant is, too. Like most Japanese restaurants, the main color is the happy red with many red round light fixtures hanging like lanterns, giving it a very festive ambiance.

Our gracious host was General Manager, Anthony, who took care of us the whole night explaining every dish presented with such passion and dedication!

We started off with CHILI GARLIC SHRIMP (Spicy shrimp lightly tempura battered and tossed in chili ponzu sauce, served on sautéed bok choy and garlic; topped with scallions, garlic chips and fried ramen noodles). Let’s face it. Who doesn’t like fried food? While some fried food are heavily battered, these are nice and light. The slight heat and citrusy flavor in the ponzu sauce took it to a different level than the all too familiar Sweet Thai Chili sauce. 

There are 5 new winter drinks and we got to try BLUE GINGER MARTINI (Pinnacle Blueberry Vodka shaken with crushed blueberries and fresh ginger), PASSION PUNCH (A decadent mix of Disaronno, pineapple vodka, passion fruit and dark rums charged with coconut water, pineapple and citrus juices), TY KU COCONUT NIGORI SAKE (A premium nigori sake infused with the refreshingly sweet taste of coconut and hits of vanilla). Your server can recommend food/cocktail pairing, so just ask. I particularly enjoyed the Passion Punch!

They don’t call it KING for no reason. KING CRAB SALAD (King crab, avocado, cucumber and grape tomatoes, tossed with mixed greens tossed in suehiro vinaigrette) has very generous amount of crab and creamy avocado, light and refreshing. The Winter Menu was first introduced in time for Valentine’s Day, so the RED HEART ROLL (Crab mix, avocado and cucumber rolled and topped with crispy tuna mix, spicy mayo and Sriracha) couldn’t be more perfect! The spicy tuna on the top has very mild heat. For a little extra punch, just dip it in the spicy mayo and Sriracha sauce on the side.

I really appreciate the portion of the rice on the rolls here. Rice is important in sushi but sushi should be all rice that after 3 pieces you are too full to eat the rest.

CRUNCHY YAMI ROLL (Tempura sweet potato, cucumber and avocado rolled, topped with crunchy shredded sweet potato, spinach tempura bits and served with sweet eel sauce) is a great variation from the traditional crunch roll which is made with tempura shrimp and topped with panko flakes. 

Last but not the least, the SEARED AHI TUNA (Ahi tuna seasoned with black pepper and togarashi, seared and served on grilled asparagus with shiitake mushroom cream sauce). BIG chuck of tuna seared perfectly with the just right amount of seasoning. If you are going to order this, order it early because when I say BIG, it is BIG portion.

Are you salivating over these? Yep, I thought so.

The menu at RA Sushi is very extensive. From appetizers, to traditional sushi, nigiri, sashimi, maki sushi, hand rolls, specialty rolls, salads, entrees to desserts. The list goes on and on. Even special dieters and picky eaters will be able to find many things to enjoy.

RA Sushi has an impressive Happy Hour menu with more than 40 cocktails/beer/sake/wine ranging from $3.75 – $8.00 and 30 sushi/rolls from #3.49 – $8.99. It is such a bargain! No wonder the house is packed with smart diners! Happy hours are Monday – Friday 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Monday – Saturday 10:00 PM – Close and Sunday 8:00 PM – Close.

Whether you are a sushi connoisseur or curious to try it for the first time, RA Sushi is the perfect place to enjoy great eats and atmosphere with friends and family.

RA Sushi
2401 Park Avenue
Tustin, CA 92782
714-566-1700