Years ago, Ninja developed the city's most vociferous group of partisans for its sushi bar offerings. Who would say things like this (a real quote): "If you don't think that Ninja's sushi is obviously vastly better than the junk everybody else serves, you must be stupid!" That's going a little far. But in fact I can't name a sushi bar whose work is better. To quote a dyed-in-the-wool Ninja regular: "Look at this fish. The color. It glistens. It's silky. The rice. Not too sticky, not too dry. Not too cold, not too warm. Always. It's perfection." Took the words out of my mouth. At the sushi bar, your first strategy is to engage the sushi chef's sympathies. Ask him what he has that's especially good and unusual. He (or she) will tell you about the typical tuna and yellowtail and all that, but press further to learn about the offbeat, once-in-awhile items they get. Although you save quite a bit of money by ordering the standard sushi assortments from the menu, you'll get better quality and attention by ordering custom assortments. The sushi chef has his fun designing your platter. (Not all sushi restaurants are that way, but Ninja is.) The service staff here is on the spot. Many members of the family that owns the place are in the dining room and elsewhere, and they keep everybody happy. Especially the regulars.
Declaring any sushi bar the best around is the fastest way to start an argument among lovers of Japanese cuisine. But my wife says I like to argue, so here goes: Ninja is my pick for the best Japanese menu and food in town. The sushi is exquisitely made--certainly in the flavor, temperature, freshness and texture departments. Lots of good specials every day.
It opened in 1993 in a converted cottage on Jeannette Street, premises that looked wrong for sushi. The quality could not be gainsaid, and the place attracted a large enough following to have people waiting for seats most of the time. In 2001, Ninja moved to its present, much larger location, causing upset among some of the less dedicated regulars, although they've gotten used to it. The waits have not entirely gone away.
Ninja rolled the dice by moving in 2001. The new dining room is on the second floor. Climbing stairs to eat is not popular in New Orleans. (If we liked altitude, we wouldn't live here.) After doing time in the stark, basement-like bar, you're eager to climb. By contrast, the dining room on the second floor is sleek and comfortable. Unlike the old place, it looks like a Japanese restaurant, with clean lines and bright light.
Sit at the sushi bar and inquire with interest about the specials. They really do buy unusual items here, and they should not be missed.
| Attitude | 1 |
|---|---|
| Environment | 1 |
| Hipness | 2 |
| Local Color | 1 |
| Service | 1 |
| Value | 1 |
| Wine | 0 |
