Island Sushi and Ramen — Restaurant in Garden City

Stopped into Island Sushi and Ramen for a quick lunch. It's been a few years since I have been here. The last I remember, this joint was really small and dated. I was quite amazed walking in today how beautiful it is! They remodeled the joint and it's so pretty! I love the light wood everywhere and how soft it feels. There are lots of windows so it makes the venue so bright. They also expanded into another unit which created more dining area for more customers.

Waka, who served me was a previous co worker of mine. So, my review on her is going to be bias. She's the best server there! Her face warmed up as soon as she saw me which is the best feeling. Waka cleared a table for me in her area. I knew what I wanted so my order was taken quickly.

For lunch I grabbed some miso, a teriyaki veggie bento box and some tamago. My soup and salad came out fast! I will have to say, that bowl is miso was stellar! It was salty, there was big pieces of nori and tofu. It was extra warm. It was a perfect fall day for the miso. I got a salad with my bento box. I appreciate that the lettuce wasn't straight out of the fridge. The salad dressing was quite watery and did lack flavor. Such a bummer cause there was so much potential there. My bento box looked beautiful. The veggies were vibrant in color, the Cali roll was stacked nicely and there was fresh cantaloupe as well. The veggies were cooked perfectly, not too hard and not to soft. There was a good variety. I enjoyed the zucchini pieces the most. The teriyaki sauce was a little off for me. There was an after taste that i didn't enjoy. The Cali roll was good. I liked the nori that they used to roll out in. Sometimes seaweed can be chewy when it's softened but this seaweed wasn't. I didn't like the portions of crab to avocado. I felt like i was eating an avocado roll vs. a Cali roll. The Tamago was nicely plated. It was not overly sweet and was moist. Dipped in Wasabi and soy sauce and you got flavor heaven!

Overall, it was a decent lunch. I am still in awww over their remodel, it's just so pretty and spacious. If you eat there in Mondays, ask for Waka!! She is the best and well take good...

Aug 2025 update: I’m very pleased to say that Island Sushi has continued to uphold superb standards and deliver a great dining experience. Whereas I’ve had substandard sushi elsewhere (bone, dull fish taste, poor sourcing, and over-reliance on tricked out spicy sauces to hide the fact) Island Sushi’s fish are fundamentally good.l and the quality has been dependable. My primary challenge to the owners is to find ways to improve variety - the menu options could use some creativity, perhaps Japanese Izakaya bar-style treatment to nigiri.

July 2024 update: several months ago, they expanded into the next-door space and remodeled now, it is significantly less of a struggle to get a table during dinner hours! The quality has been remarkably consistent.

Original review:

The mark of a good sushi restaurant is if its plain fish and rice can hold its own. I am cautious whenever any restaurants features too many “spicy”-this or “spicy”-that menu items, as strong and sweet sauces may cover up the fact that the fish would never stand on its own merit.

In this regard, Island Sushi needs no culinary trickery. My personal test involves selecting traditional styles such as Nigiri (fish over rice) and Temaki (cone style) are wonderfully tasty and fresh. And in such minimalism, Island Sushi succeeds significantly where others do not.

Another treat they serve is Tonkotsu (Pork) Ramen, which I request thinly cut. This is an always reliable, always heartwarming dish. They provide Togarashi, which is Japanese chili pepper – which you can add for “heat” which compliments the flavor and is a welcomed addition, especially during winter.

The staff are always warm and courteous and the service has always been...

Edit 4: It's been a few years and I still go here more than any other restaurant. They remodeled this year and expanded into the space next door, so they have tons of seating now, so you aren't going to get stuck waiting long. My only real complaint after all these years is they did shrink the portion size of the fried rice side. While it's still very good, I haven't ordered it in awhile because it's now pretty expensive for how little you get.

This was my 1st time here so I wanted to get a bunch of stuff a try. Ordered the Gyoza, Chashu Miso Ramen, King Roll, and a side of fried rice.

Gyoza: You can tell they're made from scratch and they are really delicious.

Chashu Miso Ramen: It's a mix of their Tonkatsu and Miso. Like nothing I'd ever tried but super addicting. Can't wait to try their Tonkatsu too!

King Roll: The roll itself is amazing with three different types of fish. The only think I would change was the red sauce drizzled on top. Its was like a creamy vinegar sauce. Next time I'd still order that roll because it was delicious, just ask to hold the sauce.

Fried Rice: The fried rice is a must have, and a really good price. Best I've had here in town.

Edit: Accidentally let this in my drafts, but went back again last weekend. Tried the spicy seaside roll which was delicious, and had to do fried rice again. I just realized they have yakisoba, so I'm hoping to give that a try this week too since the other ramen place in town has amazing yakisoba Edit 2: Tried the yakisoba tonight; it was ok, but I still prefer ramen house. These were missing that smoky, wok charred flavor that really makes the dish for me. But I'd definitely still recommend everything else I've...