By Ava Bartholomew

Growing up in a small town in Northern New York, sushi was a rarity my family only enjoyed on vacations. I assumed that would remain the same after moving only two hours away to Syracuse, New York. However, after a visit from family friends and the help of DoorDash, I quickly learned the opposite. If you find yourself in need of a break from dining hall food, here are a few great places to satisfy your seafood cravings.

Mist Tea Cafe

To start this list, I figured it would only be right for my first Syracuse sushi experience to be placed at the top. From California Rolls to Creme Brulee Milk Tea to Korean Corn Dogs, “Mist Tea Cafe” really has it all. Tucked in the alley off S. Crouse Avenue between Five Guys and Orange Crate, Mist Tea Café’s convenient location makes it a perfect post-class stop. However, if you can’t bring yourself to make the trip, they partner with DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. My go-to order while on my lunch break is the Pacific Roll with their Mango Milk Bubble Tea.

Oishi Sushi

Now, if Mist Tea Cafe doesn’t quite sound right for you, simply walk further down S. Crouse Avenue, and you will stumble upon “Oishi Sushi.” After trekking up to the second floor, the sit-down style of this eatery may intrigue you. Don’t let that fool you; they offer takeout options through Uber Eats and Grubhub. In addition to various types of sushi rolls, Oishi Sushi’s full kitchen allows it to provide several appetizer options to suit your needs. Before you leave, however, don’t forget to pick up an order of strawberry, vanilla, or green tea mochi.

Bleu Monkey Cafe

Unfortunately for us sushi enthusiasts, not everyone shares our appreciation for this entree. Luckily, the Marshall Street staple, “Bleu Monkey Cafe”, has something to offer for everyone, making it a great option for groups of wide palates. While they provide takeout and delivery through DoorDash and Uber Eats, their dine-in seating and service are exceptional. For our non-sushi-loving friends, Bleu Monkey makes delicious noodle bowls, rice dishes, curry dishes, and bento boxes. On the other hand, the aficionados out there might appreciate that the Diablo Roll, Dragon Roll, and Lizard Roll are only three of more than 30(?) available options. A meal at Bleu Monkey would also not be complete without an order of their must-try edamame. 

Wegmans Market Cafe

Now, this inclusion may be controversial, but bear with me. As someone who chronically becomes hungry every time I go grocery shopping, “Wegmans Market Cafe” is the perfect solution. Despite the vast selection of grab-and-go and made-to-order options, I always find myself drawn to the sushi section. While the wariness of grocery store sushi is understandable, a quick check of the dates can prevent a reason to worry. If that’s not reassuring enough, you can always opt for veggie rolls or cooked options, such as my go-to, the shrimp tempura rolls. In addition to being the perfect post-grocery shopping snack, this sushi is also available for delivery through DoorDash.

Yamasho Sushi Steakhouse

I figured I’d save the best, or at least my personal favorite, for last. As it’s located in a strip mall, “Yamasho Sushi Steakhouse” may not look like much. However, since my first visit there with family friends in September 2023, I have spent more money there than I care to admit. From hibachi to sushi, Yamasho gets it right every time. The Red Blossom Roll and the M16 Roll are both must-tries for any first-time customer. To make themselves even more appealing, Yamasho offers happy hour every day from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. You can enjoy numerous rolls for a fraction of the price before placing a drink order. If you prefer to enjoy your sushi in the comfort of your own room, it is available for takeout on DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. In my opinion, though, Yamasho is always worth the trip for the dine-in experience.