So you feel like some sushi? Great!

There are about a hundred places in San Diego where you can go, but what if you want to go to a special place? What if you have out-of-town company or a date that you really want to impress?

You need upscale sushi. You need “date night” sushi. You need Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill in La Mesa.

Tucked away in the Grossmont Trolley Center strip mall, Banbu Sushi is a beautiful restaurant with a circular sushi bar topped with Japanese artwork depicting mountains, Mt. Fuji, tempestuous ocean waves, pagodas, and cherry trees in full bloom. Large windows line the exterior walls. The patio is inviting and welcoming with many outdoor tables, a plethora of heaters, sofas surrounding a fire pit, the calming sound of water from a small waterfall, a large fire pit table and charming twinkling white lights complete the tranquil setting.

Many attentive sushi chefs (both male and female) are working behind the bar to take your order. They move swiftly providing patrons with culinary works of art.

According to the chefs a popular sushi roll is the Lemon Cilantro Roll which is Krab salad, cucumber and avocado roll with salmon, lemon, organic cilantro, chili sauce and topped with ponzu. Another popular roll is the Ultimate Hamachi Roll which is spicy tuna, cucumber, cilantro, avocado and shrimp tempura topped with yellowtail, and topped with ponzu.

The Japanese Fusion cuisine menu is extensive. It will take you a while just to read it.

Not only is the sushi amazing, but also the regular non-sushi menu of entrees and appetizers offers unique dishes. Try the Tangerine Chicken. You’re welcome!

If you enjoy craft cocktails, they offer an extensive bar menu as well as an Intriguing line-up of sakes such as a Strawberry/Mango infused Sake or Sayuri Nigori Sake. You may even want to try a Japanese dessert plum wine after your meal.

Banbu Sushi is located at 8555 Fletcher Parkway #106. Phone (619) 589-0071. Hours are Sunday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Reservations are recommended, it is very popular and no secret to La Mesa residents.

To pre-plan your menu go to: banbusushi.com/.

– Robin Dohrn-Simpson is a local food and travel writer. Reach her at: robindohrnsimpsn.com.