Review - House of Sushi and Noodles
By Anthony Todd in Food on Feb 15, 2010 4:00PM
Before visiting the House of Sushi and Noodles, we were convinced that we could never get our fill of sushi. Every time we went out, we wanted more of that fresh protein rush and, mostly due to our empty wallet, we never got enough. Indeed, even when we left a restaurant comfortably sated, we were ready to go back and have another round. We take it back: you can get enough sushi, and it’s a surprisingly pleasant experience to have all that you want.
It’s rumored that the House of Sushi and Noodles has a regular menu, but we’ve never ordered it nor seen anyone order it. The lines out the door on weekend evenings are for their sushi buffet - not a physical buffet, but an all-you-can-eat deal. $16 for miso soup, tempura and as much sushi as you can order. Their buffet menu has more than 40 different rolls, so variety isn’t an issue. The quality is surprisingly good for the price. It certainly isn’t pristine, glistening fish, wriggling from the ocean depths - but it is perfectly respectable.
Like many sushi buffets, the House of Sushi and Noodles has a set of rules that can seem intimidating, even rude to the uninitiated. In order to discourage excessive, wasteful ordering, the restaurant claims to impose a $5 fee for anyone who leaves food on their plate. There is no takeout and no substitutions, so be a little careful what you order. You don’t want to end your lovely dinner feeling like you have to choke down one more roll, and you’re nearly certain to get a good value unless you eat like a bird.
The sushi itself is good, occasionally creative, and thoroughly Americanized. Partially (we suspect) to fill diners up and partially to cater to popular taste, “crunch” (deep fried tempura batter), cream cheese, tempura-fried vegetables and crab and other high-calorie savory fillings are everywhere. It is possible to stick to simpler fare, like a Seared Tuna Maki, with seared Tuna, cucumber, lettuce and a spice sauce, but you should indulge yourself a little. We particularly enjoyed the Spicy Ika Maki, with squid, crab, shrimp, cuumber, spicy sesame oil, wasabi sauce and… tempura batter. Or try the unlikely Vampire Maki, with softshell crab, cucumber and strawberry. We didn’t believe it either.
House of Sushi and Noodles is located at 1610 W Belmont St. On weekends, arrive early or be prepared for a wait!