Well Fed On the Town

I would like to give thanks for advanced refrigeration methodologies and rapid, global shipping. Because of these two items I am able to enjoy outstanding Sushi in America’s Heartland. In this case, Sakura Bana in Omaha, NE.

When you think Omaha, you think probably think of insurance (Mutual of Omaha, anyone?), corn, beef, the College World Series and the Henry Doorly Zoo (hint: World Class Zoo - on par with San Diego or any other top notch zoo).

When you think of Omaha, you don’t think of sushi.


However, one trip to Sakura Bana can change your perceptions for the better. In a recent trip with a friend it was my job to do the ordering with the instructions: 1. Get something I’ll like. 2. Make sure we have enough to eat.



Having only been to Sakura Bana once, I wasn’t entirely certain how big many of their rolls were. Unfortunately while that information is sometimes provided, it is not on their Sushi Menu. So, I set about selecting 6 rolls for us and 6 pieces of nigiri. Let’s just say… I ordered WAY too much. However, we were able to shoulder the burden and get it finished, oh bother.

We had:

• Acapulco Roll: Cooked Salmon, avocado, cilantro and Jalapeno. This roll was distinctive in that it was topped with small, torn leaves of fresh cilantro. The bit of heat and crunch from the Jalapeno was a very nice balance to the creamy Avocado, both of which paired well with the cooked salmon. 8 pieces.
• California Roll: Avocado and Imitation Crab. Believe it or not, I actually get this in a lot of places just to see what care they take with their most basic offerings. There was nothing surprising about it. However, it was rolled tightly and professionally. All in all, very well done. 8 pieces.
• Asparagus Roll: Asparagus, Cooked Salmon, Cream Cheese and Eel Sauce. Sometimes the small touches make all of the difference. Instead of the clump of cold, thick cream cheese you sometimes see. This was just a dab of softened Supreme Cream Cheese, which perfectly set off this roll. It should be noted that on all of these, the rice was perfect. 8 pieces.
• Spider Roll: Soft Shell Crab, Avocado, Smelt and Spicy Sauce. First of all, this roll was huge. Each piece was very large and it covered the whole plate from end to end in a line. It was also, perfectly done with the salty, crispy, crunchy tempura fried soft-shell crab. 10 pieces.
• Tropical Roll: Tuna and Mango. Very simple, very tasty. The soft texture of both made it a delight to eat. But the sweet, tangy, buttery flavor combination proved to be a big hit. 8 pieces.
• Volcano Roll: Baked Scallops with Spicy Sauce on Shrimp Tempura Roll. This came on a side plate and was covered in the thick baked scallops/spicy sauce. There were only 6 pieces, but each was very large, twice the diameter of their other rolls. The sauce was creamy, tangy and went very well with the crunch of the tempura shrimp.

My lunch partner usually just goes for rolls. But in the interest of introducing him to a bit more Sushi offerings, I also got two pieces each (nigiri) of Fresh Salmon, Hamachi (Yellowtail) and Unagi. Each was enjoyed, but the Unagi (Fresh Water Eel braised and brushed in a sweet bbq style sauce) was the favorite.

Service was prompt and courteous. The Sushi was pricey compared to what you might expect to spend if you live closer to the ocean. But portions were large and quality was excellent. Not ”I’m far from the Ocean” excellent, but just plain excellent. Each item was artfully created as well. A genuine treat for each of the senses.

Photos courtesy of the Sakura Bana website.

Sakura Bana
7425 Dodge St
Omaha, NE 68114
(402) 391-5047