Avenue A Japanese Restaurant

Contributor

Citysearch

The Scene
On initial examination, it's easy to mistake this place for a bar. Art and miscellany adorn the black-painted walls; strings of colored lights, disco balls and TVs are hung here and there; and on weekends a DJ fills the dining room with loud dance beats. All of this makes the environment far from serene, but the leisurely service is courteous and competent.

The Food
Given the emphasis on spectacle, it's a pleasant surprise that the Japanese menu is so good. A wide variety of sushi concoctions are available, ranging from the simple and traditional to more exotic inventions; but all are distinguished by very fresh fish and skilled preparation. "Blackened" tuna slices dressed with a spicy sauce are delicious, as is a salmon-skin salad with cucumber. Cooked dishes, like nabeyaki, a deep bowl of tender udon, chicken, vegetables and crisp tempura in savory broth, are tasty as well.