Oishi Sushi

Escaping the frenzied scene of Marshall Street and into Oishi Sushi feels like you’ve taken a flight across the world – but with better food, more comfortable seating and no jet lag. Oishi Sushi serves up a refreshing menu of Asian (specifically Japanese) dishes, and is particularly known for its sushi, teriyaki and special rolls from the sushi bar.

Black-legged maroon chairs line the venue’s dark wooden tables, set over an orange-tiled floor. A flat screen television hangs on one wall, contrasted by the elegant rectangular light boxes that line the rest of the walls. Cylindrical lights hang from the ceiling, part of which slants over half the restaurant. The establishment, which has been near campus for three years, gets its ingredients from Chinatown in Syracuse. Food comes fresh off the sushi bar (a perfect place to watch chefs craft the food) onto rectangular white plates that make for a clean presentation.

Oishi Sushi is wheelchair-accessible and offers free WiFi.

Don’t Miss This: There’s a lit-up statue of sorts set on the front desk of the restaurant. It was a gift from a friend, the manager said. The piece depicts an eerie, multi-colored fluorescent nature scene, with a small figurine of a man fishing in the water that flows down when the statue is powered on. If a majestic fairy tale land and the set of ABC’s “Lost” procreated, the result would be this statue.

When to Go: The most popular time for the restaurant is during dinner hours (between 6 and 9 p.m.), but it’s also open for lunch or for a late meal. Oishi Sushi is open 11 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. on Saturday, and noon – 11 p.m. on Sunday.

Pay It Out: A full meal will cost about $15. The menu offers hot and cold appetizers that run from about $4 to $8, and sushi and sashimi pieces cost between $1.50 and $3.50 a piece. Payment options include cash, credit card and the Off-Campus Meal Plan. Bottom line: Mix and match small dishes to limit the impact on your wallet.

On Tap: Oishi Sushi sells canned beer, but offers a classic Japanese staple: sake. Hot sake costs $4 for a small size and $6 for a large size. Bottom line: Why drink beer when there’s sake available?

Blue Plate Special: Between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., the restaurant’s sushi and sashimi lunch specials sell for $7.95 and $8.95. Choices include five pieces of sushi and a California roll, or eight pieces of assorted fish, among other selections. Bottom Line: Stop in between day classes to cash in on a classy, affordable meal.

Review by Shayna Meliker