Star Sushi — Restaurant in Medford

First let me say that the staff was attentive and friendly. Now the not so good stuff. I have been to Star sushi many times over the past 15 years or so. Yesterday was the first time though in about 1.5 years. I ordered a bowl of miso soup, a crunchy tempura shrimp roll, a California roll and a spicy scallop roll. The food arrived in 10 minutes. I looked at the sushi and it was just so "plain"...simply a plate with rolls. No real presentation (we know as sushi lovers, great garnish, sauces, and such make the experience even better). It was my rolls, a dab of wasabi, and a small pile of ginger. My "Crunchy tempura shrimp roll" was only 6 super thin pieces using a single medium shrimp..every place I have ever ordered this used 2 shrimp and is 8-10 1" thick pieces. It had no flavor either.... Then the "Spicy scallop roll". It was 8 small piece. About 1/2" thick and about 1" tall. Upon eating it I noticed a very sour bitter taste. I had been using lots of wasabi and sweet eel sauce on them but tried it plain and really noticed that horrible taste. I am not sure what it was but I am assuming it was the scallop itself" it did taste fresh and was much fishier than others I have eaten at other sushi places. Then the "California roll". Just about everyone knows what to expect on a Cali roll...Fake crab salad, cucumber and avacodo. Plain and simple. My problem wasn't so much the taste as it was the size. I've never seen a Cali roll that small, ever! It was 1" tall, and 1/2" thick, eight pieces. So yes I was pretty disappointed in my sushi. Sure Star sushi is a dollar or two per roll cheaper but for actual value, portion size and price I suggest elsewhere. Again I am not trying to disrespect the restaurant staff as they were nice and did their job. I am speaking only on the sushi. I suggest doing your homework on where to eat sushi. I do not know if Star sushi has new owners? Maybe the fresh fish supply has been hard due to Covid?? New cooks and sushi chefs? Not sure but they've certainly gone downhill since my last trip about1.5 yrs ago. P.S. The miso soup was one of the best I've had in awhile. Too bad the sushi wasn't on par...

Goma Seaweed Salad

Presentation: The salad is vibrant and refreshing, showcasing a generous mix of crisp cucumber ribbons, seasoned sweet seaweed, and a vibrant tangle of microgreens on top—all served in a clean white bowl that makes the colors pop.

Taste: Light, crisp, and subtly nutty from the goma (sesame) dressing. The cucumber adds a refreshing crunch, while the seaweed provides a brinyi contrast. The microgreens bring a peppery bite that elevates the whole dish.

Verdict: A perfect appetizer to awaken the palate. It balances flavor, texture, and health appeal, ideal for sushi lovers or anyone seeking a light start.

Rating: 9/10 – Simple, clean, and deeply satisfying.

Seared Tuna & Eel Nigiri Sushi

Presentation: Visually elegant and thoughtfully plated. The bold pink tuna contrasts beautifully against the white plate, flanked by glossy eel nigiri topped with a drizzle of sweet sauce. A vibrant orchid adds a touch of luxury, and pickled ginger and wasabi round out the traditional accouterments.

Taste: The seared tuna is buttery and rich with a clean, oceanic finish, melting in your mouth with each bite. The eel is warm, sweet, and slightly smoky, with a silky texture complemented by the sticky rice and umami-packed sauce.

Verdict: A duo that offers the best of both raw and cooked nigiri. Elegant, flavorful, and well-balanced.

Rating: 9.5/10 – A standout selection for nigiri enthusiasts.

Caterpillar Roll

Presentation: Stunning and symmetrical, this roll lives up to its name. Topped with perfectly sliced avocado and drizzled with a sweet sauce, each piece is uniform and artfully placed. Garnished with sesame seeds and flanked by wasabi and pickled ginger, it’s visually striking.

Taste: Creamy avocado blends seamlessly with the rich eel and savory filling, all wrapped in seasoned sushi rice and nori. The sweet glaze of sweet sauce ties it together with a subtle smokiness and depth.

Verdict: A fan favorite for a reason—rich, satisfying, and beautifully executed. Ideal for those who love complex textures and sweet-savory flavor profiles.

Rating: 10/10 – A sushi roll classic, done...

I've honestly only been to the sushi places here in town (so those reviews from apparent aficionados claiming expertise may indeed know better), but I've been to most, multiple times, and this is the one I keep going back to. With the others, either every roll is coated in super-sweet-sauce and all taste the same, or they've simply cut back on size to save cost, or they lack variety... here, I find they're consistent, fresh, and a decent size. Of course, it depends on what you order, but there's a very comprehensive menu detailing what each roll has, so you know exactly what you're getting. I've found the wait is longer than average (compared to other sushi places), so I usually call in ahead of time and pick it up. The ambiance there is more of a lunch-type place, in my opinion, due to the casual demeanor of staff and it being a little packed in. The times I ate there, I did notice the staff saying pretty much whatever they want to each other, loudly and regardless of the customers present, and you can also expect to be hollered at from across the room when you come in to pick up an order. But, they are generally polite enough, so it could be worse. UPDATE: They stopped doing the stamp cards, which helped them stand out a little before, so I'm a bit...