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Name: Joss Cafe & Sushi Bar
Address: 195 Main St, Annapolis, MD, 21401
Telephone: (410) 263-4688
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.56

Joss Cafe & Sushi Bar

195 Main St, Annapolis, MD, 21401

(410) 263-4688
Store is closed

Joss Cafe & Sushi Bar Menu

Sashimi Appetizers

Tuna

Salmon

Yellow Tail

Toro

Escolar
Salads And Soups

Spinach Salad

Garden Greens

Avocado Salad

Tofu Salad

Chopped Salmon Salad
Sushi Entrees

Sushi & Sashimi Combination

Sushi Deluxe

Sashimi Combination

Sushi Assortment

Non-raw Assortment
From The Kitchen

Eda Mame

Fried Bean Curd

Fried Soft Shell Crab

Crunchy Ebi Appetizer

Fried Geso
Side Orders

Rice

Brown Rice

Sushi Rice

Takuwan (pickled Ginger)

Small House Salad
Dessert

Tempura Or Grilled Bananas

Azuki Bananas

Tempura Cheese Cake

Tai Yaki

Fried Sweet Potatoes

Healthy Meal suggestions for Joss Cafe & Sushi Bar

Sashimi Appetizers

Tuna [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Salmon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Yellow Tail [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Toro [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Escolar [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Salads And Soups

Spinach Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Garden Greens [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Avocado Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tofu Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chopped Salmon Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sushi Entrees

Sushi & Sashimi Combination [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sushi Deluxe [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sashimi Combination [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sushi Assortment [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Non-raw Assortment [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
From The Kitchen

Eda Mame [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Bean Curd [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Soft Shell Crab [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crunchy Ebi Appetizer [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Geso [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Side Orders

Rice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Brown Rice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sushi Rice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Takuwan (pickled Ginger) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Small House Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Dessert

Tempura Or Grilled Bananas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Azuki Bananas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tempura Cheese Cake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tai Yaki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Sweet Potatoes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Visit below restaurant in Annapolis for healthy meals suggestion.

Chili’s ( 2339 Forest Dr )

Chili’s Grill & Bar ( 2339 Forest Dr )

Applebee’s ( 2141 Generals Hwy )

Visit below restaurant in Annapolis for healthy meals suggestion.

Chili’s ( 2339 Forest Dr )

Chili’s Grill & Bar ( 2339 Forest Dr )

Applebee’s ( 2141 Generals Hwy )

Write An Anonymous Review

Water G.

Not impressed - I expected much better in DTA. Ordered a green tea and got about 6 oz of water with a teabag. Steamed gyoza were poorly seasoned - flavorless even with dipping sauce -- and though ordered as an appetizer, they came out after our meal. Edamame was a tiny bowl (even by Japanese standards) and obviously previously frozen. No complaints with the actual nigiri or rolls we ordered, except quantity and quality for the price. My favorite dish was the kimchi poke.
(1)
Sam B.

Have lived here all my life and go here whenever I can. I live blocks from all of downtown and would say this is the best place in all of Annapolis. Don't go to nano which is right next to it but they are not at all comparable because joss is way better.
(5)
Lynn R.

Decent food and great options, but way over priced for the amount of food that you're given. I had the eel wrap, tako yaki and unagi gohan. I'd rate the food between 3-4, but b/c of the price and the quantity of food given, I've made my rating a 3.
(3)
Leah C.

I've been to Joss so many times only because a lot of my friends seem to really love this place. Personally, I think this place is a bit overhyped. Don't get me wrong, the food is okay but it's nothing special. I've been to many sushi restaurants around the US and lived in Japan for a few years. I would definitely rank the sushi here as average. Nonetheless, this place is still very popular in Annapolis so it usually has long waits on the weekends and it gets pretty crowded during the lunch and dinner rush. Overall, I only go here if the majority of my group wants to go here. There are better places to get sushi here in Annapolis.
(2)
Dick B.

I found a cockroach in my avocado salad. Need I say more? There was a fourtop table available but I had to wait 20 extra minutes for a table because the hostess wouldn't let me and my guest sit there. I could understand if they were busy but it was a slow night. I'm very disappointed with how Joss Annapolis has treated me especially since I've been a loyal customer for years. The sushi bar is the best in Annapolis but I will not return due to how I've been treated. If there are roaches in the salad, what other dishes may they be hiding in? Joss is like an arrogant, blonde, girlfriend who treats you like dirt and expects you to put up with it due to her beauty.
(1)
Yumi V.

Love this place! The sushi is always fresh and they have a selection of non-raw dishes for those that get squeamish around uncooked fish. Don't forget to order the garlic tofu and fried banana dessert. My main issue is the hours. Make sure to check if they're open or will still be open when you arrive. Make it a late lunch or dinner!
(5)
Kevin M.

I love this place. I'm in the military and had to move away from Annapolis for three years. The first thing I did when I moved back to Maryland was go to Joss. They have expanded the restaurant into the property next door and now the experience is even better due to the larger size. I've never had a bad experience here with the food or service.
(5)
Ron S.

If you come to Annapolis and want sushi, then this is the place. The most extensive menu I have ever seen and I travel the continent, including Hawaii. Ask for Natalie, most conscientious and courtesy I have had in a long time.
(5)
Amber B.

Incredible service! Loved our server, a tall guy with a Mohawk, I believe named Derek? Very friendly and helpful!
(5)
Dagny T.

I used to live in Annapolis, and I always thought this place was great. I went a bunch of years without going, and I went recently for dinner. It was a Saturday night. I was completely blown away. It got bigger and, I can't believe it, but the place got better. Let me tell you something about restaurants in downton Annapolis. Most of them cater to tourists, and most of them suck. Many of them, I've noticed, actually start out serving pretty decent food, soon figure out that they don't have to because of the throngs of tourists, and progressively serve worse and worse food. A different sushi restaurant actually comes to mind as a prime example. Joss, on the other hand, has been in Annapolis for.e.ver. And they have some of the best sushi I've ever had. I've always had a good meal here, but the very last one I had was just completely on point. Everything was fresh and delicious. The monkfish liver was particularly sublime. Go... but ummm... expect to drop a ton of money. p.s. don't be scared off by the Mexican sushi chefs. Those Mexicans know what they're doing.
(5)
Shari A.

The food is ALWAYS great. We go there often. Service is often hit or miss which is the only reason it didn't get five stars. If you are looking for great sushi in downtown Annapolis this is THE place!
(4)
Richard F.

(The star is solely for the food. The service rating is well into negative numbers.) We've been visiting Joss since the mid-90s. It's the place where our family lost its collective sushi virginity, and has been our go-to for MANY birthdays, anniversaries, business lunches, etc. We LOVED this place. Sadly, the Joss we knew as the cool little downtown cafe, with excellent food and consistent familiar and friendly faces on the waitstaff is gone, and replaced by a churn em and burn em machine with brutally--ridiculously--bad service. Thankfully the food has remained excellent, their Spring Roll Salad and Miso Soup are kissed by the Gods. But on each of our last several visits, the service has gotten more and more inexcusable. Slow, inattentive, apathetic, and downright clueless. Finally, after our last visit, we're done. It wasn't the 45 minute wait that they said would be 15-20 min. And it wasn't the goofy way that everyone now has to wait in their "Waiting Room" on one side of the restaurant, yet order drinks from a server station on the other side of the place and have them delievered. (why they don't have a proper bar continues to be a head scratcher.) No, it was their cattle drive approach that did us in. We were finally seated at the sushi bar--not our first choice because they really pack them in on the bar when it's busy--and our waitress was quick with drink refills. But it was all downhill from there. We quickly filled out the a la carte sushi checklist that we pretty much know by heart, and were starving. But the waitress just kept on flying past us. Finally I literally held it out in from of her on her next fly-by, and also ordered the Spring Roll Salad and Miso soups as appetizers, specifically asking that we get those first. And technically they DID arrive first, I guess: Miso was delivered by a different server, then the salad maybe 30 seconds later by another server, and then our sushi boat maybe a minute after that, by yet ANOTHER server! Like I said, the bar space was already tight, but now with all the food arriving at once, we couldn't move. And I'm sure I inadvertently elbow-checked the woman sitting next to me once or twice, who was receiving the same level of service that we were, and just as thrilled. Somehow, we traversed the food in front of us (all incredible, by the way), and the soy and wasabi had us needing another drink refill. But our server was nowhere to be found. (We never did see her again, actually). So we sat there with a stacked pile of empty plates in front of us for at least 10 minutes, parched and searching for someone-ANYone-to help. I was morbidly curious as to how long they'd actually keep us waiting, but my wife was more proactive and practically tackled a passing manager. She quickly (and angrily) explained what had transpired and asked him for two glasses of water. His reply? "Oh, ok". And then he disappeared too! Who knows? Maybe he fell into the same black hole that had consumed our server. Never saw water. Never saw plates cleared. Finally, we went back to the server stand where we ordered our drinks when we arrived, got our check (from ANOTHER server!), and paid for the last meal we'll ever buy at Joss again. If I didn't know better, I'd have guessed that Joss had only recently opened and had yet to get a firm handle on the front of house. So sad to see the mess that one of our all-time favorites has become. RIP Joss. We'll miss you.
(1)
Kat C.

Excellent! Food, service, atmosphere, everything! Main Street roll is the best. Also: sake, tofu appetizer, and seats by the window with a view of the street.
(5)
Meghan P.

Really good, fresh rolls and tons to choose from. Our server was attentive and informative. I don't eat raw fish and I still had a ton of options. Looking forward to going back.
(5)
Brandi P.

I've been to my fair share of sushi places, this including my second in downtown Annapolis.. both leaving me unimpressed. I may be a "snot-nosed" girl when it comes to sushi because I've been spoiled with so many other better places and options around the Baltimore area. Joss offers friendly service and an inviting atmosphere but the menu leaves little to the imagination. It is a very small sushi menu, with limited descriptions for first time patrons. My friend was planning to order a rainbow roll, normally consisting of a california roll with layered fish and avocado on the top of it, making it look like a "rainbow roll" but the waitress informed us that this wasn't the same roll. We of course didnt know this, because there was no description. For picky eaters (like my friend) Joss makes it difficult to decide what to order, because you never know what you're going to get. Also most of the items on the menu were "spicy", which my friend couldn't have. Therefore, for those who cant/wont eat spicy food, be forewarned that there isn't a lot of option for otherwise. However, it is important to point out that the shrimp wonton soup was off the hook, get it? :) If you're looking for a place to have some traditional upscale asian food, Joss is the right place to be but as far as sushi is concerned.. I would try another place.
(3)
Rachael K.

My boyfriend has never been here before so I was excited to take him. We walked in at 2:15 and instead of getting a warm welcome the waiter turned his head and sighed at another waiter. Then put his fake smile on and said how many? We were seated and ordered 3 sushi rolls. We were done by 2:31 as if they were rushing us out of there. As I was eating the waiter with the brown faux hawk walked passed and was picking his nose in the middle of the dinning room......foul. They make better sushi at Safeway. As much as Annapolis hypes this place up I was extremely disappointed about the food and experience. If you want real sushi go to Yama, Nova, or Zikki's.
(1)
Nicole E.

Love the food! Lots of unique rolls that scream Maryland. I go about 3 times a month and get a carry out, sometimes I call ahead others I just order there and never wait more than 15 minutes, even during the lunch rush. They have expanded the restaurant so it's much more roomy and larger, but like some of these other reviews I can see a downfall to service. Some new servers and new managers seem to lose the family feel. But I will still go back for more
(4)
Cyrus B.

Been going here with my family since we moved to Annapolis 10 years ago, atmosphere is great especially since they expanded. When family comes in from out of town we make sure to pencil in one night at Joss to show off the local sushi experts.
(5)
Ayanna C.

I ate here the weekend after 4th of July and the food, service and atmosphere was great, the sushi was fresh as usual and the manager even came around to see if we were being served properly and if everything was great with our overall experience, I really liked that and I will certainly go back again I ate here once before and it was packed but I think the best time to go here is right before rush hour and everyone gets off work to come and have drinks and sushi. I had a lovely time...
(4)
Joe G.

You have got to try the fried shrimp heads! I know it sounds disgusting (and it looks kind of disgusting), but it is sooo delicious! So close your eyes, open wide, and get ready for a big surprise. Definitely get the yellow tail sashimi. It is the bees knees and absolutely buttery soft and delicious. The sushi rolls are decent, but I wouldn't come here just to eat sushi. Also, skip the salt and ice carpaccio. It was alright, but kind of tasted like an overcooked smoked salmon. Get the fried shrimp heads, get the yellow tail sashimi, get some fillers, and walk it off on the waterfront.
(4)
Larissa J.

Aside from getting food poisoning - yuck the service left something to be desired. I will not be going back and it's a shame because their rolls were so inexpensive!
(1)
Kristy B.

Don't go to Joss on Valentine's Day! My husband and I drove from Woodbridge over an hour drive to eat at Joss. It's our favorite Sushi place. Well was our favorite. We walked by and saw tables available. We were told that there was a 25 min waiting list as there are no tables available?! I asked to speak to the manager and he told me that their policy is not to have incomplete tables. They do not sit 2 people at a 4 top table. While I was standing there four others came in and wanted a table for two and were not able to be sat but asked to be on a waiting list. It was 2pm and I counted 5 tables all four tops available but couldn't be sat. Whatever. We always sit at the bar when we go but wanted to sit at a table. We have brought friends and family there from out of town. Well, that's going to change. HORRIBLE policy! My husband and I both are former servers and if that was my section...waiting for a bigger party to come in...my bills would never be paid. We will let our military family and friends that are wanting a lunch or night for two that Joss is not the place. Oh and we asked about their section that was totally emptied (the side you walk in) and the weird hostess says "umm this area is only open on weekends" HAHA it's the weekend, It's SATURDAY. And hostess says umm well for dinner. More money out the door. They need to post that on their door not their Yelp posting rating. Poor poor poor business!
(1)
Justin B.

I will never eat here again. I drove from Virginia on Valentine's Day to treat my wife to lunch here. When we entered we were told they had no tables and the wait was 25 minutes. We could clearly see empty tables we asked to talk to the manager. They have a policy of not seating tables of 2 at any table that has more than 2 seats. They literally did not want out business because they were saving 4 tops in the hope that a party of 4 would come in. Joss this is the worst business policy I have ever heard of! You lost our business for life!
(1)
Christine C.

Got some take out the other day from them and the lady at the counter when I picked up was a total space cadet. She forgot utensils, napkins, you know the important stuff. The food was good. The chicken katsu was a bit tough though and she forgot the sauce, likely over cooked? The sticky rice was spot on, the salad was salad.. (no different than Sakura down the street - a restaurant we enjoy going to). We also had edamame, they were good. And we had veggie tempura. Which was ok. I was not impressed but I do want to go back to try the veggie gyoza.
(3)
Jenny L.

The restaurant is big and decor is nice but I don't feel that this is authentic Japanese restaurant. Also, I had ordered an of soft shell crab which there is not much of any crab in it. I almost feel that they had divided one single crab for 3-4 portions. The beef dumpling is for sure store brought and previously frozen. The beef ramen was from instant noodles and the chicken teriyaki is over cooked and cool when it arrived the table. There are 2 things I liked about this place. One, the grilled veggies that came along with my chicken was nicely done. The veggies and the crab was fresh, hence I gave it a 2 star.
(2)
A D.

Used to love love Joss. The sushi, seaweed, appetizers among the best in Japanese food. We started frequenting it more lately. Even with the expansion, the quality of the food was still pretty good, the service not as personable, or inviting, but still a fun place to eat. We had always brought in other food for the kids, to no issues. We also always order a lot and thoroughly enjoyed the food from the restaurant. However, we went the other night and the manager hounded us and disrespectfully told us to remove the children's food from the table because it wasn't from the restaurant. It wasn't what he said, it was how he said it. He had seen us do this before, and never confronted us. Now he approaches us with poor customer service skills. Doesn't even try to compromise with us, is just very adamant, rude, and disrespectful. This is certainly not the old Joss we once knew, a wait staff who bent over backwards to help us out. We used to love this place, but now we'll be spending our money and time at another Japanese restaurant downtown
(1)
Maria T.

I have gone to Joss since it was just that tiny little room that only seated a few patrons . I recently took my daughter for a special occasion to Joss because she requested it. The sushi was acceptable not amazing but the waiter was rude. He wasn't just rude to us either it appeared to be his overall demeanor. We will not return too many other places to go where the staff is great and so is the food,
(2)
Joe D.

This was awful! Sushi for white people. Means they don't know what they are eating!
(1)
Amy K.

I would consider myself a regular at Joss, but this is the first time I am reviewing. I usually get the same things - the rainbow roll and the crunchy scallop roll (which I dip in eel sauce.) My boyfriend likes their tempura broccoli, which you can order a la carte. In general, I like Joss for the location and the food, but they are usually short on servers so the service is generally lacking. You usually have to ask for refills on water and/or drinks, and sometimes food orders are slow, even on nights when its not that busy. If this is a pet peeve for you, I would recommend takeout. If you ask, they will bring it out directly to your car, which is a nice courtesy. Overall, the food is consistently good, and I would venture to say that Joss has the freshest sushi in town. And I do like their warm welcome shout when you walk through the door. The door in the vestibule is a definite fire hazard, as it opens in, instead of out, and when it is a crowded night and a lot of people are trying to move in and out, it can get difficult to move. This is an issue for a lot of those old downtown historic buildings, and I wonder if it can be changed. If I were Joss's owner I would look into it!
(3)
Joe D.

Excellent sushi, great new interior improvements, and an overall cheerful staff. Truly one of the best in the local area for sushi. My only issue is how come they don't have child's seats in this place. I can't be the only one coming in with a child requiring this. So sad to have to complain about this simple fix.
(4)
Amiel B.

Not sure what all of the fuss is about. The service is slow, food , couldn't tell you. Haven't seen it yet. 20 min wait for table and so far 45 minutes for food. Finally arrived, and it all tasted the same. I have eaten at at least 5 better sushi places in the 5 county area, but according to Annapolitans, this place is great! Very overrated. Try Otani in Gambrills. Much better. And you can drive out, eat, and get back to Annapolis before they would seat you at this place.
(2)
Ericho H.

Best sushi in Annapolis, hands down. Service staff is always awesome and semi-new layout looks awesome! If anything, I've been spoiled by their greatness and the standard that has been set leaves all other sushi joints efforts wasted on me. Date night, social gathering, hankering for some exceptional cuisine? This hits the spot again, again and again.
(5)
Beth K.

We decided to check this place out on a Saturday night, and it was slightly cool outside but we decided to sit outside on the patio. It was really nice out and not overly crowded. We started with edamame and seaweed salad. Both were good, but neither were spectacular or over the top amazing. We then split kobe beef sashimi, spring roll, and tempura lobster roll. The sushi was pretty good, but the kobe beef sashimi was awesome. It was buttery, and delicious. As a Texas girl that loves red meat, this was new and creative. I thought this restaurant was pretty good, and would definitely come back. The service was good, and the sushi was well prepared.
(4)
Liz M.

We came for lunch, and at first glance, the menu is a little overwhelming. I can't imagine what happens for dinner, but I do know that the price goes way up! I was bummed to see that the lunch specials mainly come with California rolls. I was looking for a standard soup, salad, 2 rolls deal. I took a recommendation from a friend and got the tuna carpaccio seaweed salad, and spicy tuna and salmon avocado rolls. My husband got the Sushi & Sashimi Combination that came with a soup, salad, sashimi, nigiri, and an 8 piece California roll. All of that was for $14.95, and is a steal for anyone catching a filling lunch. If I could sub the roll, that's definitely what I would go for. Everything was fresh, the waiter was super patient with our GF questions, and the restaurant was relaxed and quiet. On our way out, we received a good bye from at least 5 staff members, which was funny but really nice.
(4)
S. Paul L.

I'm dropping Joss down big time. The food is still good, but the way the staff treats customers with kids is pretty incredible. No tolerance at all and they pretty much do whatever it is they can to get you out the door as quickly as humanly possible. If they were going to treat people with kids like they are an inconvenience then they really should put a sign on the door that says "We hate babies" or maybe "Must be this tall to eat here". It's a shame because their sushi is very good, but I won't give a place like that business anymore. They don't deserve it.
(1)
K Sera S.

As I must always note: I have a sushi problem. I had to learn to roll my own, otherwise I'd have been hocking the family jewels to support my habit. I hadn't been here since the renovations/expansion (still underway), and was glad to see how much more space they have. All that much more room for sushi lovers. Quite possibly the freshest salmon sashimi I've ever had. Buttery yet firm. To me, that's a basic test for a sushi place. How's the nuthin-on-it-just-a-piece-o-raw-salmon. Joss wins. So give any of it a try!
(4)
Rob B.

Now in a setting it deserves, the new digs are spacious and include a patio. Joss sushi alfresco OMG. The sushi bar is enormous compared to the previous space, and while I miss the close rapport with the chefs, the new elbow room is much appreciated. The menu has grown with the space and the fans. I am totally befuddled and betwixt and between my old favorites and the new dishes passing through the dining room. Sitting at the bar assures every dish made passes inches from you. The Kobe 3 way was very nice, though the Kobe is a lower grade but still delicious. Crunchy Ebi is apparently not only my favorite but most of town too. My toro so fresh I am guessing it was pushing surf yesterday.
(5)
Brad A.

I'm a southern California transplant, and I'm used to having lots of choices for good, reasonably-priced sushi. Joss always pleases - a really nice restaurant with good atmosphere; friendly, efficient help; and really good sushi. The menu is expansive - lots of sushi options and other offerings, and while I've had my disappointments, that doesn't mean they were badly done; they just didn't suit my taste. The sushi I've eaten here has always been fresh and beautifully made. You'll wait to get in here many evenings, especially weekends, and there's a reason for that. Favorites include the O'Ebi roll, the softshell crab roll, the salmon nigiri (if you try nothing else, try this), and the Asahi Super Dry beer. If you come here with a serious appetite for a full meal and drinks, and order ala carte off the sushi menu, expect to spend $60 to $80 for a party of 2. Delicious, expensive, worth it as an occasional treat. I could get the same thing in southern California for 1/2 the price, but the airline ticket and hotel stay don't pencil out, lol. Happy to have this place walking distance from my home!
(4)
Lesley G.

I'm not a sushi expert, but I did enjoy the sashimi and beef ramen. Perhaps the best was the ebi shrimp, which gave a sampling of four different cooking styles of shrimp. They didn't serve all of our meals at once even though we all ordered our food specifically as entrees. Other than that, the service was good.
(4)
X J P.

The location and sushi were very good. The sushi presentation was excellent - I liked the scallions pressed onto the surface of the roll. The age dofu presentation would've been better if served in a shallower bowl and if served a minute sooner. The price wasn't bad, I've been to far more expensive sushi joints that weren't any better. I deducted a star for rampant server errors. The server made ordering errors on our order and both parties sitting on either side of us. Going zero for three is unacceptable.
(3)
Joe K.

By all means, Joss is one of my all time favorite places to get sushi. The rolls here are done right, everything is fresh and the fish is some of the highest quality around. Starting your meal with their Miso soup is a must. A quick review of the menu and you'll have a boat of sushi within a few minutes. Often my service has been quick and my dishes transition well. I also had their tempura banana desert and it's amazing. Sliced in half and then quarters, your banana is then deep fried but not before being battered a dredged through tempura batter. Served with ice cream in the center and honey drizzled around the plate; and topped off with walnuts, this desert isn't too heavy or expensive, but is delicious. I was very tempted to give 5 stars to Joss because I love their food and the experience every-time I visit. The only issue I have is the minimal credit card threshold of $10, to process your card. If you don't have cash no worries. There is a on spot ATM with a $3 ATM fee, and don't forget about your bank's charging their fee's too. * On a last note, this place can get busy, and it isn't too easy to navigate through the front entrance with a group waiting.
(4)
Allison L.

We went to Joss around 8:45 on a Wednesday night and had about a 10 minute wait. We were pleasantly surprised to see that the inside is much larger than it appears. First thing I noticed was it was very loud in the restaurant. My husband and I had to literally yell over the table to one another. Our server promptly took our order and brought out the crunchy ebi appetizer. The appetizer was decent, nothing overly extravagant. My husband ordered sushi and I ordered Beef Negimaki. The sushi rolls came out first and included the Rainbow roll, bagel roll, spicy tuna roll, dynamite roll and White Tuna Nigri. The spicy tuna roll is NOT your average roll. My husband loves spicy food and orders a spicy tuna roll it every time he gets sushi but he couldn't even eat this roll because the heat was too intense. The white tuna was amazing and melted in your mouth. The rolls were well made and didn't fall apart. My one complaint with the sushi is that Joss did not have many "unique" sushi rolls; they were all your standard rolls found at any sushi place. Our server checked on us about 5 minutes after the sushi came out and made no mention of my beef entree but I thought the sushi came out very quick so perhaps the kitchen was a bit behind. We didn't see our server for about another 20 minutes. My husband stopped eating his sushi because he wanted to wait for my food to come out. The server came over and asked if we'd like a box and that is when I asked if my entree was coming out. He got an awful look on his face and said he'd be right back. He came back and apologized and said it was his fault completely and he had forgotten the sushi was only for my husband. He said if I still wanted the entree it'd be about 5 minutes. I went ahead and told him to bring it out. The beef was very tender but I did not care for the scallions it was wrapped around because it took away from the tenderness of the beef and made the dish very chewy. When the bill came out I was charged for two glasses of wine, even though I had only drank one. When I brought it to his attention he said "they" said you had a glass while you were waiting. I told him that was incorrect and there was another couple who was in the waiting area at the same time as us and they had ordered drinks while waiting, not us. He took it off without complaint and we paid the bill. As much as I wanted to love this place because of the reviews, the service was really mediocre. We felt rushed because they closed at 10 and they started putting up chairs and pulling everything off of the tables even though there were still several patrons dining. We got there before 9PM and would have been out of there well before closing time if they didn't forget my food. For a $100 meal, I would have expected a bit more.
(2)
Jen L.

This is one of my all time favorite sushi places! The only downside to this place is that it is very small and very crowded on the weekends. So not only do you have to park a mile way (since there is no parking on Main Street...EVER) you will most likely have to wait about 30-40 min on a Friday or Saturday night. So plan accordingly...they do not take reservations. But getting back to the food....it is fabulous. The fish is fresh and the rice is perfectly seasoned. No bland sushi rice here! My favorite is the Tuna Avocado salad with wasabi-raspberry vinaigrette dressing. The menu is extensive, so read carefully because you will miss out on some of the good dishes. Their sushi menu is very good, they have a lot of unique rolls as well as your normal rolls like tekka maki and california rolls. The Ahi Poke is one of my favorites as well. The dessert menu is extensive as well, but you may not have room for it after you scarf down all of the sushi
(5)
Erica C.

I've had better. I've had worse. The sushi here is average. I went with my usual, tuna & avocado roll with a side of maguro nigiri. The rolls were tasty, but nothing mind-blowing. It's a nice lunch open. The lunch specials look decent, but I've seen better at local joints in my area. The sodas are in glass bottles, which is a nice touch. But, this touch makes it more pricey than most. The service is quick, which is perfect for the Annapolis crowd. The staff was very friendly.
(3)
Beth M.

Horrible sushi, have had better at the grocery store... Came in at 2:15 and was rushed to order our food, the server was trying to kick us out as quickly as possible, finished by 2:34.... Lights turned off while we were still in the restaraunt.... Completely disappointed in this meal and service do not eat here, choose somewhere else.
(1)
Katie C.

My first experience with Joss Cafe turned out to be the best sushi I've had! The restaurant is a little cramped; it is not group-friendly at all. However, it is in the heart of downtown Annapolis and is quite cozy. The restaurant looks very unassuming from the outside, but is very clean albeit small. My friend and I came here to meet two of her midshipmen friends at the Academy. We were seated promptly and our server had our drinks in the table in record time. Plus, she was was extremely friendly. I ordered simple sashimi tuna rolls and fresh does not begin to describe the taste. Exceptional. The sushi was freshly made but arrived quickly and presented nicely on the plate. It did not need to be masked by ridiculous amounts of soy sauce or wasabi. However, just a dab of wasabi on the sashimi was quite delicious. Highly recommend when looking for great sushi in downtown Annapolis.
(5)
Natalie F.

I've always been a huge fan of this sushi restaurant. Its usually our go to for sushi. I recently visited to experience the new remodel and man I was soooo impressed! What an upgrade. The restaurant is absolutely beautiful! They even added outdoor seating and a larger sushi bar. As always the food and service were both excellent. We even ordered a second spring roll appetizer because it is that good. Love the staff, the food and atmosphere. Can't wait for my nest sushi night out!
(5)
Nombre O.

Here fishy fishy fishy ... If you are a aficionado of great sushi go no further!!!Jane and Joe take sushi to a new level not only in terms of their food but also ambiance and service! If the weather is nice head out to the patio to enjoy a cozy seating are while enjoying great eats!! Family favorites include the spring roll, anything with Toro and when the weather calls for soup, the Salmon soup (can't remember the real name) is awesome!!! If you are one of those people who thinks all sushi taste the same you too should try this out so you can get a palate education on what great sushi is!! oh don't forget to save room for bananas Foster for desert!!!
(5)
Erin D.

Joss just made the top of my sushi list. I've been here twice and both times have been fantastic. The first time a friend and I went, we had a waiter that was absolutely awesome, on top of some great food, it made for a wonderful dining experience. As you well know by now, I base all my sushi restaurants on their ability to make the Philly (aka the bagel) roll. Joss's is right on with theirs. The salmon is delicious and the mix of cream cheese and rice on my tongue....omg, heaven! We also tried the vegetarian sushi (meh, but you can't really spice up greens much, I applaud the effort though). The miso is delicious and be prepared to get a little messy with the edamame. :) For dessert, we split the Tai Yaki (absolutely the best treat ever!), and the ice cream mochi sampler. The Tai Yaki came with a little scoop of red bean ice cream which I'd never had, and if I wasn't so full, I'd ask for more of! The second time we went was last night, and the place was PACKED. We had a 20 minute wait, and were seated at the sushi bar. While we had big lunches, so we didn't order that much. This time we got miso, meat gyoza, vegetarian sushi and bagel roll. Granted that SOUNDS like a lot of food, but it was just the right amount between the two of us. Then we ordered dessert, and I wanted Tai Yaki again, but they were out. *pouts* So I got a dish of red bean ice cream and my friend got the mochi ice cream sampler again. I'm almost 100% both items were made on-site. The red bean ice cream didn't taste mass-produced, and I've had store bought, frozen mochi, and the sampler beat store bought by a mile! Honestly, I can't praise them enough. The staff was absolutely fantastic and I will be back again and again!
(5)
Jay S.

This really is one of the best sushi I have ever had (and I've tried many from many states). Everything is seriously super fresh and delicious. The servers are knowledgeable about everything on the menu. I have yet to have a bad experience at Joss. EDIT: I just ate there the other day and noticed they completely expanded the restaurant by buying the space next door and cleaning up the decor. Quality fish with a much better dining experience!! What more can you ask for?
(5)
Anastasia U.

They offer GF which is nice but the sushi is not all that fresh. I had much higher expectations being right next to water and on the east coast. Thank God they have english speaking servers as well, the first lady had no idea what gluten was.... They are very particular on where you site as well, if there are only two people in your party you are required to only sit at certain tables. Kind of turned me off...
(3)
Chang K.

Food and service was worth 2 Stars. one dish only came out after we chased. the waiter said it was because the dish takes long to prepare. He was making it up. It was a nabe!!!! the dish came almost straight away but was warm rather than sizzling hot. clearly it sat waiting to be delivered to our table. we also noticed that waiters don't help out and looked out for their own table only. Hygiene was questionable. Plates came out wet and waiters laid out plates using fingers all over the plates.
(1)
Guinevere N.

Usual sushi and Japanese cuisine served by eerily attractive waitstaff.
(3)
Dan R.

I probably shouldn't be too picky about my sushi way out here in Annapolis, but Joss didn't impress me the second time around. At first they tried to seat us all the way in the back during a slow evening (it's a long, narrow restaurant) where it smelled like sewer and mold. There are plenty of nice tables towards the front, but beware, it's a cramped place and you will have people bumping into you constantly. The waiter brought us menus as well as a printed paper with a pencil, and then left without explaining how the ordering system works. To sum it up for you, the paper is their sushi-only menu and you can fill it out with the pencil based on what you want, but it has completely different items than the regular menu. The regular menu, which also has sushi options (different ones than on the paper) contains other non-sushi items as well, but you can't order them with the paper/pencil. It's actually not that hard, but the waiter didn't bother to explain it to us so we were quite confused. Why don't they just stick with one or the other? That would be significantly less complicated. The sushi was definitely fresh and the fish and crab are of excellent quality. If you're looking for plain, high quality sushi, this place is a good bet. I was feeling more adventurous and wanted something a bit more complicated, but I wasn't able to figure out a good one to get. The person next to us got the lobster roll, and that looked really good. The bagel roll was covered in roasted/burned sesame seeds, which completely overpowered the delicate flavors of the sushi. The rolls are fairly small, even the expensive ones. I didn't find what I was hoping for, just your standard fish/rice combos. Nothing particularly interesting.
(3)
Katrina W.

In my opinion Joss is the best sushi down town. They have a huge menu with much to choose from and items on the menu one may not find in other sushi joints around here. They have a cooked tuna jaw that is seasoned perfectly and when dipped into soy sauce, absolutely heavenly. My top dish for sure. Their fish is always fresh and presentation is on point. If you come here don't be afraid to be adventurous and try new things. If you are unsure, ask the waitresses they are very knowledgeable about the menu and if you describe what you are in the mood for they will be the ones to be able to point you in the right direction. They often hold sake tasting events. From past ones I have attended they bring out a fair amount of variety and the snacks/appetizers are yummy as well. Check their FB for announcements if you are interested in attending the next one.
(4)
Fernando D.

Nice...
(4)
Helen S.

I visited here on New Years Eve because most of the restaurants in the area was charging a cover fee for entry and I refused to pay just to get my feet into the restaurant. The ambiance was nice and our server was very friendly. My boyfriend and I ordered about 6 sushi rolls because we were starving and we regretted it. The sushi chef who made our rolls were either rushing our order or was just an ammature. The sushi rolls were poorly rolled. They fell apart when we picked them up and the appearance was just terrible. We lost our appetite almost instantly... I think I am just the unfortunate one that didn't have a good experience here....
(2)
Nina U.

I really shouldn't have tried to go to Joss' on a weekend night- we didn't want to wait 20 mins so walked back down to Sakura, closer to the dock. That place was empty and we didn't like the service so came back up to Joss' and put our name on the list. Yeah, know....I like to do things the hard way sometimes. haha. Good thing there were stores still open so we could escape the heat and pass the wait time. It was super crowded and super noisy but I was so happy I was at Joss and not at the other sushi place. Our order came out really really quickly even if the restaurant had been empty. It was like a ninja threw a knife up in the air and chopped the rolls so fast we didn't even know what was happening. Some of the pieces were thinner and some were real fat but they all tasted delicious in my belly. The veggie gyoza came out and was GREEN. I don't know if that was spinach coloring or what but it almost looked flourescent! yumm. The scallop fried wuntuns were just as delicious as ever. Thank you Joss' for another great dinner. Just remind me to come during the week when the rest of Annapolis isn't out at the same time.
(4)
Alex F.

Ah, Joss. As if there weren't already enough reasons to love Annapolis. I don't make it down to our beautiful state capital nearly as much as I would like, but I'd say two times out of three of my visits include a meal at Joss. I'm a sushi fanatic and I'm always impressed by how fresh the rolls are at Joss. Whether I'm eating a simple California Roll-- or something much more complicated, it's always incredibly fresh and delicious. I also highly recommend the spring rolls (a HUGE portion) and you can't go wrong putting the creamy spicy sauce on everything you order. I agree with my fellow Yelpers, it's not the best place to venture for a weekend meal (unless you're in the mood to wait more than 30 minutes), but that doesn't rule out take-out! Some of my best Joss meals have been far outside the restaurant-- call ahead, run ahead of the line to grab your food, and enjoy eating your delicious meal in downtown Annapolis (or better yet, on a boat in the Severn!). I've never had a mistake with a take-out order, no matter how large, and it's typically ready in less than 15 minutes!
(5)
Brian S.

Good for lunch, had the sushi special. It came with both miso soup and a small salad. Good fresh sushi but I'm taking a star off because they charged me $1 for a little sauce dish if chili oil... Who does that?
(3)
Carolyn B.

This place use to be my first choice in the area for sushi, but not so fast. I decided to order the a "hard to get" side (the sushi balls). I think they are called Takonaki. The problem was that it took almost 20 minutes to show up, then one ball did not have any octopus in it, which I thought was wrong, then I proceeded to pick into the next, only found a trace of a bitty piece, and the third had an effortless piece. I think it was a hint from the kitchen, to place only big orders. So I ended it with that, and did not order anything else. I think the expanded floor place, has them fat at the head, but poor at customer service and quality; a good loud greeting in & out does not cut it for "foodies". Sorry Joss!:(
(2)
Rebecca G.

I've visited this location before, and have been wanting to try out their newer Baltimore location in Mt. Vernon. Joss's is consistently packed, and at 9:15 on a Wednesday there were only a few tables open. To me, this is the mark of a great sushi place - serving quickly and efficiently. It's a bistro feeling - tiny tables, close together, bustling and full of people focusing on the food. If you want somewhere to be seen, go to Tsunami's - also great food, but more of an atmosphere. One of the best thing about Joss's is their prices - they're super reasonable. If we go to Edo Mae, I can spend $40 on two rolls and a soup, without blinking twice. That's one of the reasons that we don't frequent a lot of the sushi places in Baltimore - the quality of sashimi isn't as high as it could be, so we always end up ordering big, fancy, spicy, or crunch rolls that end up costing a whole lot. Joss has some of the freshest fish I've had in Maryland - consistently fantastic, delicious, and always cut properly. Just looking at the hamachi, you can tell how good it is. Their shrimp has more flavor than the shrimp at lots of other places, so I usually try to make a point of ordering something with shrimp - this time it was just a plain tempura shrimp roll, but as usual the flavor didn't disappoint. And our bill? $20, the same as we spent at Chick and Ruth's. Does Joss's sound familiar? You may have seen it on Food Network's The Best Thing I Ever Ate. Duff Goldman picked their fried shrimp heads as his favorite for the fried foods episode. Her plate: hamachi sashimi, spicy conch roll, tempura shrimp roll
(5)
Corinne D.

Joss is definitely the best sushi in Annapolis. I've been here sooooo many times. When I lived in Annapolis, my family would get take out pretty much weekly. I don't eat fish, but my family does and they all say that the fish there is super fresh and high quality. The only complaint I used to have about this place was that it was so cramped. I'm home from college so I just went back a couple days and saw all the renovation! They expanded into the store next door and they have a really pretty look outdoor seating area in the back now too! So, if you're in Annapolis and looking for sushi this is definitely the place to go.
(5)
Robert M.

Great sushi, staff suggests sushi that most of time is a winner, but what is up with the machine that spits out the rice sheets for the rolls? Really? you can't roll them yourself? I still go all the time.
(4)
Daisy Y.

I believe that this place is the best Japanese restaurant in the town. It is authentic Japanese food. Love their sashimi, so freshy. Highly recommended!
(5)
Kayla F.

Ever since I have moved to Maryland, Annapolis especially, all I hear is "have you tried Joss sushi???". Well, I have finally tried it and I must say, in comparison to my typical spot this place falls short on flavor for me. I went with two friends and upon entrance to the restaurant it literally smelled like we were in a fish market (not appetizing at all). The service was very nice however, we ordered six rolls to share and out of those six, four of them tasted exactly the same. There should have been some level of distinction. Their dÃ©cor is nice and if in the downtown area and not wanting to drive around I would choose this over the other main street sushi establishments.
(3)
Joshua G.

Friendly service (they always great patrons walking in), always fresh sushi, and reasonable prices. I've eaten sushi at a lot of places/ in different cities. Don't expect Manhattan, do expect quality sushi you will enjoy.
(4)
Jennifer J.

I may be biased, but this is the best restaurant ever. The fish is always fresh, portions aren't tiny (and not too much either!), and the prices are really great (they've barely increased their prices since they opened 20 years ago). Joss has a constantly growing menu of delicious appetizers and small plates which are suitable for all tastes and palates. Also the beer and sake lists are great to enjoy with your meal. My favorite dishes include the uni ika appetizer, fresh lobster roll, soft shell crab appetizer, and rockfish ponzu. The restaurant ambiance may be too energetic for some, but it's great for groups and children. There can be quite a wait at night as they don't take reservations, only a wait list once you get there. But if you enjoy sushi and are in the area, you'll understand that it's worth the wait.
(5)
Brian T.

Favorite. Sushi. Ever. They recently expanded and the newly remodeled Joss is beautiful. Been there many times and never had a bad meal. The sushi is great. Spring rolls, seaweed salad and tuna avocado salad are all delicious.
(5)
Shawn D.

Very nice atmosphere for dates. Food is great and arrived quickly, staff is courteous and the prices are good. If you want sushi in Annapolis you can't go wrong with this place. Only dinged them for not accepting discover card and the bench seats not being padded.
(4)
Anna T.

My husband is a huge fan of sushi but is super picky. He loved this place and said the roll he had here was as good and maybe even a little better than the rolls at his favorite sushi restaurant. The service was excellent!
(5)
Grace B.

Good sushi decent service but they don't have the whole package in my opinion. Their hot tea is not good at all. It tastes like they are just using Lipton of some tea from the grocery store. The miso soup was so meh. They get the food out to you very quickly but what does that matter if everything but the sushi is not top quality.
(3)
Rob N.

Not the best sushi a cramped little restaurant good portions but can easily blow a budget!
(2)
A C.

Extremely overrated. If you don't actually eat sushi, go here. They serve many very good Americanized "sushi" entrees. I stopped going here awhile ago because I love real sushi, and there are sooo many delicious sushi restaurants in town such as Nano, Katana, Ziki's and Yama, to name a few. A couple other reasons I stopped going here. When you walk in the door, they scream something in Japanese (?). I guess it is to notify other employees that they need another table, but it is very jarring. Also, they do not take reservations but if you go there on a crowded night, there is no seating area to wait for a table. You are forced to stand in a crowded hallway with servers walking back and forth. Not fun. Also one time I went there, I asked the waiter if there were any sushi rolls with salmon sashimi or that served salmon on top. He replied "no" very rudely and offered no other suggestion off the menu. What kind of "sushi" restaurant doesn't serve salmon sashimi.
(2)
Al G.

Good sushi. We went there for lunch with a group of 6. Service was slow, and they have all kinds of rules, like no more than two tickets and 4 credit cards per table. Lunch took 1.5 hours with all the waiting. I was also surprised that there was no lunch menu.
(3)
Cindy L.

HORRIBLE service. I had been going here a few times before I went one time around Christmas with my brother and his friends. The manager, large robust blond woman was the rudest manager I have ever encountered. She had an attitude the whole night, was rude and mean to her staff....our server kept apologizing on her MANAGER's behalf! The manager then rejects a military-issued ID stating that it's unacceptable proof..an ID that is accepted in any US govt building/military base/international, etc. She barks that we cannot move out chairs as it's a fire hazard...I don't mind if we can't move the chairs...why do you have to be a witch with a b about it? The owner needs to look into the management as they are ruining business. I have never returned since that night and neither has my brother. The sushi is small and not always fresh. The non-sushi items are better. If you want good sushi...it's not in Annapolis.
(1)
Dmytro A.

One of the best sushi places in Annapolis, with a great location. The only drawback is that its seating arrangements are kinda tight. I preferred Kyma but it looks like that place has closed. Tsunami is also worth checking out, and probably actually even a more enjoyable experience, due to physical environment.
(4)
Chris H.

Yes, as one of the other reviewers said, Joss is the king of Annapolis sushi. I'd put it up there in the top 5 sushi places anywhere in the states. I lived in Annapolis, and call me snob or whatever, but I thought the food sucked for the most part. If you're wealthy, there are some good places, but even then, I felt like everything was grotesquely overpriced. This place, while not necessarily cheap, is totally worth it.
(5)
Jennifer C.

It was 9:30pm on a Thursday night. We were seated immediately and the waitress was attentive. Then the problems began. I started by ordering the Toro Toro Toro appetizer, which is toro three ways. The waitress came back to inform me that "the sushi chefs say the toro is too high quality to sear" (keep in mind this dish was ordered from THEIR menu) and they will not serve it. I was a bit taken aback, but the waitress suggested that I try a different entirely raw toro dish. I agreed to do so. Not three minutes later and she was back at my table to tell me that now the sushi chefs were saying that they were sold out of the good toro. Um, what? Is it too good to sear, completely sold out, or are you just lying to me? I think we know the answer to that... So I ended up ordering a raw tuna dish, that I didn't really want, but I figured it would be a fine substitute. Nope. It was warm and nasty. The preparation was strange and the "creamy wasabi" was flavorless. So the lying and refusal to serve me two dishes on their menu was followed up with a crappy tuna item. Great. To top it off? They got my check wrong and tried to charge me for the tuna AND the toro. Wow. Insult to injury. The waitress (who was very nice) corrected the problem. It wasn't her fault they screwed up my experience. I live in Annapolis, and I stopped going to Joss a year ago because they do not devane their shrimp. Ever. Including in the tempura. Tonight I was downtown and close by and figured I'd give them another shot. I was sorry I did. I won't be going back. Ever.
(1)
Donald M.

Wonderful sushi. This place was packed on a Tuesday evening, so we sat at the bar and gad a wonderful time. reasonably priced and the sushi was great.
(4)
Leah S.

We finally got a chance to try this place and it definitely lived up to our expectations. We got the shrimp and vegetable tempura platter (amazing!), the dumpling sampler, a sushi combo and a futomaki roll. It was all wonderful! The only bad part is that you have to by the soda by glass bottle ($1.50 ea.) and their water tastes like really chemical-y. But still, a really great place and I look forward to going back soon!
(4)
Darius M.

Joss has been a favorite stop anytime I'm in Annapolis. Have never been disappointed. We do the standard miso, ginger salad, some nigiri and a few rolls. The avocado salad is tasty. It's hard to go wrong when you order the specials. Small and cramped, but that makes it feel even more authentic than a hibachi/sushi strip mall joint. One of the better sushi joints on the right coast.
(5)
Ann Marie V.

I'm sorry to day I was disappointed. I've been going to Joss for years, recommend it to out-of-town friends and - are they losing their sushi spark? Had a very disappointing lunch at Joss on 1 May. Let's begin with what worked well - the vegetable tempura is terrific. Highly addictive. The wait staff are knowledgeable and friendly. The Main Street roll sounds more interesting than it tasted. Now for what didn't work: the yellowtail didn't look fresh, just faded, and tasted dull and bland; the salmon sashimi was slimy... and there was a roll with Spanish mackerel, shreds of pickled ginger and seaweed, with WAY more rice than anything else in it. No seaweed, too. Just a big lump of rice. I'm disappointed because Joss has been a very reliable and delicious sushi place for years. Fuji in Crofton is far superior - try the Angel Roll or the Arigatto. So many excellent rolls, and the freshest sashimi ever. As for atmosphere - know that the tables are super close, and the adjacent diners will hear your conversation. The sushi bar is a nice place to sit, but there are only about 7 bar stools there.
(2)
Amanda A.

I use to never like sushi, it wasn't until about 6 months ago that my friend convinced me to go to Joss with him and I loved it. I don't eat fish, so this review won't help a lot of people, but for those that don't get sushi because they dont eat or like fish, then go to Joss! The avacado rolls are amazing. And cheap, only $3 for a roll! The vegetebale tempura is delicious as an appetizer. It is a small place and I havent been during a really busy time but I imagine dinner on weekends its probably hard to get a spot. I recommend lunch during the week. great service, good prices, and cute building and a nice location, just a short walk to the waterfront
(5)
Skye A.

Had dinner last night, should have known there was a problem when the AC was not on. Sushi was below temperature, the counter was over crowded with inexperienced chefs, and within minutes of eating my spicy tuna toll, I became ill. I'm hurting and paying for it today. The should not open if the air is not working. Poor service, poor everything, they dont even serve MISO, or EDAMAME for free. What a rip off!
(1)
Jayvie C.

Joss Cafe is an unassuming hole in the wall on Main Street, Annapolis. It's crowded, it's known for 30-60-minute wait times at peak hours, and the little space you have between tables is not so much a bug as it is a feature. On Saturday afternoons locals and tourists are elbow to elbow, and this is not a place for snotty, sushi elitists. This is not Masa in NY. Joss is its own animal, and the place bustles with the same energy that fills downtown Annapolis. The specialty rolls are excellent for sushi newbies who prefer to eat cooked fare and still have the "sushi experience," but the nigiri is where JOss shines. A few tips: for more... isolated seating arrangements, request a seat "in the back," as the tables near the entrance and the bar are for far more personable folk. Keep conversations casual, as this IS MARYLAND, where strangers like to jump in and say hi and ask you what it is you're eating. Foodwise: don't miss the hotate-gai (scallop nigiri) and if you're into entrees, beef negimaki is a safe but tasty choice. Service: it's usually tops, the staff are friendly, they remember who you are and as of my last visit some of them have been there for at least three years. Pricing: go nuts with appetizers, rolls and an entree and you'll find yourself on the receiving end of an $80-tab for two. What you make of the night is certainly up to you. You will not be hurried by the staff and I've seen patrons take two, even three smaller rounds of sushi while they talk and take their time. Don't expect a tiger to look like a cheetah; don't expect Joss to be Masa. Keep this mind and you'll appreciate the uniqueness of Joss Cafe Annapolis.
(5)
Chase M.

Let me preface this review with my background: I have dined all over mainland Japan for six years. In the U.S. I have tried Japanese restaurants from Juneau, Alaska to San Juan, Puerto Rico and most the states in between. Visiting Annapolis' "old town" for the first time I did not have grandiose expectations for the "Joss Cafe" and Sushi Bar. But was I in for a very pleasant surprise. Upon entering, the four to five sushi chefs from various ethnic backgrounds loudly greet customers with the Japanese business word for welcome. My friend and I luckily scarfed up a seat at the sushi bar where the magic began. My friend ordered a couple of sushi dishes where as I went rogue and ordered my own assorted sashimi mix with double portions. We also shared some gyoza, a spicy kimchi dish mixed with small pieces of maguro and some Mabo nasu- egg plant slices with finely ground beef. Everything was very good but the quality and flavor of sashimi is usually what separates the best from the less. I ordered 4 salmon, 4 yellow tail, and 4 escolar pieces and after my first bite of a yellow tail I realized this was to become a serious chowhounding experience. The yellow tail was the best bite of sashimi I have had in a very long time. Moving on to the salmon my luck held; succulent and very flavorful. I saved the escolar for last and it definitely was not the least. After all was said and done this was simply the most delicious sashimi I have had in a very long time. So good that I began to feel guilty for allowing past restaurants to pull the wool over my eyes serving up with lesser qualities. Thank you Joss Cafe. My quality expectation meter has been correctly re-calibrated. I am told that Annapolis is one of Kevin Bacon's favorite towns to visit and Joss Cafe can be one of his stops. Kevin must like sashimi almost as much as I do.
(5)
Heather B.

This is the best sushi restaurant I have found in the greater DC area. The fish is always fresh, the staff provides great, friendly service and they want to keep you as a customer. Their maguro (tuna) is the deep, red steak-like color it should be instead of the bright pink of defrosted maguro that you get in most sushi places in the region. They always have fresh rockfish and real crab as options, too; no crab stick unless you ask for it! I haven't ever ventured that far off the sushi map except for a few forays into basic miso soup and a handful of desserts. The sodas are single-fill glass bottles, so don't be surprised that there are no complimentary refills! The restaurant is small and can have long waits in the summertime and on weekends, so plan to go at an off-time, sit at the sushi bar, wander to the bar on Main Street to wait, or order take out if you don't want to wait in a hallway for an hour.
(4)
Patrick C.

I work at the State Senate, and needing a change from the Canteen and as someone who loves sushi, I figured I would check this place out as I pass it each morning while getting my coffee. Came by for take out lunch, the server who served me was a bit short with me, but got my order quickly and within a few minutes I had my food and was ready to go. Normally I am not a fan of California Rolls(I hate imitation crab meat) but I saw that they had a real crab meat California Roll and I was looking to keep it low budget, so I ordered the spicy version of that. It was bland, I had never tasted such flavorless sushi before in my life. I couldn't taste the spicy roe or the crab meat. It did the job of filling me up so I didn't have to make a snack run later in the day, but there was seriously no flavor to this sushi at all. Really a disappointment, I may come back to try some of their other selections, but this was not a very encouraging first visit.
(2)
W H.

Very, VERY overrated. I don't know what the big deal about this place is. I've had better!
(2)
Mina A.

We ended up here on a Tuesday night and the restaurant was packed, but were lucky enough to get a seat by the window in the front room. The restaurant has a cool vibe, seems like an old house. We ordered miso soup, chicken katsu and sushi assortment along with hot sake and beer. The drink prices were pretty affordable. The sushi was very, very fresh. I could tell the chef took pride in his fish. I couldn't find fault with the katsu, but it wasn't mind blowing, then again it's just katsu. If I found myself in Annapolis again, I would definitely go back here.
(3)
pseudo n.

Best sushi I've ever had. I'll caveat that with I'm not a raw sushi kind of guy, but I love the tempura roll, california roll, bagel roll, etc. All awesome and this is where I always want to go for birthday dinners, etc. It's in the cool, fun, nice part of Annapolis and makes for a nice area to walk around before or after chow time. Definitely something that is so good that I can overeat on it - I had about 6 rolls last time I was there!
(5)
Gibboney H.

Don't eat here. The owner is a jerk who despite driving a Lexus SUV is too cheap to park in a lot or metered space and constantly takes up residential parking places.
(1)
Peter A.

I'm not normally the sushi lover in the relationship, but even I was blown away by this place. The prices were good, the service was great, and the food was delicious. We heard promising things, and had come here hungry after a very long day in DC. We were promptly sat, and given some time to look things over. Our server was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. I can't stand when you ask a server whats good, and they have no answer. Worse yet, the server responds, "I don't really eat here." That answer says a lot about the restaurant, and none of it good. Delirious from hunger, and our eyes growing larger than our stomachs, we realized we had almost ordered 7 rolls. Rather than fumble around and figure out what to eliminate our server grabbed the helm and steered us away from distaster. He helped eliminate the redundancy in our order and helped us get what would be the best arrangement of food. He pointed us in all the right directions, and even offered an off the menu item of steak Tartar that was his favorite. The rolls were fresh and clean and delicious. The steak tartar was so incredibly good that I find myself thinking about it in moments of idol thought. I had never had raw beef before and thought the concept unsettling. Out of an adventurous spirit we tried it and were very impressed. The only downside to this place is having to find parking, and that like most places in Annapolis the seating is a bit tight. This little sushi spot though will be a goto place whenever I'm in town again.
(5)
Megan F.

Joss is right down the street from my house, but I always seem to go to Nano instead. I decided to switch after I had some poorly rolled maki at Nano during my last sushi splurge. I went around 8 on a winter Sunday nite, so I immediately got a seat at the empty sushi bar. My waitress was polite, extremely fast, and attentive to my six-glasses-of-water-a-meal problem. I got a 1/2 seaweed salad (plenty for one person), which was delicious, for an appetizer. I also ordered the Dynamite Roll and the Eel Roll. The first was fine... the filling (an orange mixture of several kinds of fish and a spicy sauce) was a little mushy. Maybe I just like a little more crunch, but I don't think I would get it again. It was definitely good, but not the simple/fresh roll that I really freak out over. Eel rolls, on the other hand, are an old favorite and Joss did not disappoint. Tasty tender eel and crisp cucumbers make a great contrast. Yum. For dessert, I chatted with the sushi chefs over Adzuki Stuffed Bananas and Ice Cream. Also wonderful and big enough to share with a friend. I've eaten at almost every restaurant in the downtown area, and I highly recommend Joss for a laid back atmosphere with yummy food at a decent price.
(4)
Jaime F.

This is the best sushi that I have ever had in my life. I will be stopping here everytime I am in Annapolis...heck, I may drive to Annapolis just to eat the sushi!
(5)
Aindrea C.

Three words: Kobe Beef Roll - kobe beef tartar, wrapped in nori and rice, topped with raw kobe beef, garnished with scallions and fried garlic chips = Heaven. You seriously MUST try this is you are ever in the area. The rest of the rolls are very good as well. Some of my favorites are: Dynamite Roll: Salmon, flounder, yellow tail, crabmeat and fish roe mixed with creamy spicy sauce. Not the best spicy sauce I've ever had, but still very good. Spring Roll: mixed greens, shrimp and avocado, wrapped in rice paper and topped with their creamy spicy sauce.
(4)
Nick H.

For the price, I definitely expected something more quality and refined. I came to this restaurant only twice so obviously this is in no way a comprehensive review. I'm sure they offer many great dishes that I haven't tried. Unfortunately, in both of my two visits, the food was average, if not mediocre. The first time, I ordered the sashimi combo because I love raw fish. The salmon tasted great, but the rest of the dish was simply tasteless, especially the squid and tuna. Sashimi garnish was also scarce; they should include a lot more herbs and radish. Presentation was good. The second time around I ordered some dumplings and an unagi bowl. The dumplings tasted like food out of the frozen section. The miso sauce accompanying it was too salty. The eel was delicious and well-executed but they went too far with the teriyaki sauce, it made the rice basically inedible. I haven't given up my hope for this restaurant yet; but they need to really look for ways to amend their menu - basically to get rid of crappy items. The look of a Japanese restaurant is definitely there; the spirit of it however is devoid.
(2)
Mike S.

I was passing through town, read the good yelp reviews for Joss Cafe, and thought I'd give it a shot. Ate at the sushi bar on a lively night there. Tried a few rolls - they were all very fresh and well prepared. Service was friendly and the price is about right. I thought it was fun that restaurant staff yelled something that I couldn't quite understand as each table left the restaurant.
(4)
Neal E.

This is a sushi joint you don't want to miss! The time we went to eat - we were told there would be a 15 - 20 minute wait - but in actuality, we only waited 5 minutes before being seated. The place was very crowded on a Friday evening - and everyone looked like they were very happy to be at Joss'. Everything we ordered was wonderful! We started with the Miso soup and Edamame, and then an order of the Poki, and then the main course - a selection of sushi and sashimi. We ordered a selection of rolls - some with raw fish - some with none, as well as nigiri scallops, tuna, and salmon. My girlfriend had never tried raw fish before and was somewhat apprehensive. But some careful thought about what to introduce to her - in consultation with our waiter - resulted in a home run! She liked the Poki and enjoyed the raw tuna rolls as well as the raw scallops. We will definitely be back and drag all of our friends along!
(5)
Michael R.

I wrote a 5 star review the first time I came here, but felt the need to make an updated review since last time. The food was still superb; hostess very friendly. The problem was our waitress. It was one of the worst dining experiences I've ever had. She wasn't downright rude, but I think standoffish would probably be the right term. She seemed like she wasn't really interested in being there or doing her job. She later spilled my brother-in-law's beer all over my sister. She never once said sorry or showed any degree of regret. Plenty of beer was spilt, but there was no free beer to replace that one. The beer wasn't taken off the check. Like I said though, the biggest issue was that she didn't even apologize. I realize mistakes happen but own up to them. I'm not going to give you less of a tip for making an honest mistake if you handle it well. She didn't.
(2)
PC W.

Joss was excellent. We got a cute little window seat right in the front of the restaurant. Their lunch special runs on Saturday too so we each took advantage of that. Miso and salad was included so we started with that. My friend started with the wasabi pork dumplings and had the beef negamaki (it was thin beef wrapped around scallions in a teriyaki sauce with yummy grilled summer squash and cucumbers) for entree, both of which were pretty good. The beef negamaki was priced at $7.95 during the lunch special. For appetizer, my bf had Toro, Toro, Toro which was amazing . It was fatty tuna prepared three ways and presented beautifully in 3 separate "spoons". First was toro in a spicy sauce (two thumbs up), next was cooked toro in ponzu sauce (I liked it, my bf didn't care for it) and last was just plain, raw fatty tuna (heavenly!). I had the Ebi four ways (shrimp cooked 4 ways) for my appetizer - all of these you can get a la carte. The first was an Ebi stick and that was by far my favorite. It's a long shrimp stick wrapped in spring roll paper and fried - it comes with a yummy plum sauce for dipping. I am definitely getting that again next time. Second up was a shrimp wonton which was just that - a shrimp embedded in a deep friend wonton. 3rd was the shrimp tempura which my bf really enjoyed so I left him have 2/3 of it (in exchange for more toro). Lastly were two shrimps breaded in panko (Japanese breadcrumb) and deep fried. That ebi platter hit the spot. We then split the Sushi & Sashimi combo from the lunch menu - $12.95, what a deal. You get 8 slices of sashimi (2 of each fish - salmon, tuna and two types of white fish), 4 nigiri and 8 pieces of california roll. The quality was very good especially for the salmon and tuna. Oh and I cannot forget that they served mochi! For $4.95, I got 6 mini and I mean teeny tiny mochi so it was a rip off but I've never had vanilla and chocolate mochi. They have those two flavors and green tea mochi. At most restaurants you can get 2 full size mochi for $5 and here the 6 mini mochi did not equal the size of 1 full size mochi. I was just happy to have mochi so I won't hold it against them. I highly recommend ordering off the sushi bar menu which is where we got the Toro, Toro,Toro and the Ebi dish. They're specialty offerings that you might not find anywhere else. They're pricey but that was the best part of our meal.
(5)
Neha S.

I ate my first morsel of sushi here nearly 8 years ago and at that point I knew that I had found the food of the gods! I live in DC.. my husband and I love to drive to annapolis to eat at Joss and spend the day sitting lazing about on the boardwalk with gelato. What I like about joss is the family type atmosphere.. friendly service, great food and very reasonable prices. Even though the place is tiny and you sit at close quarters with other diners, I still think the joss experience is great. I will keep coming back!
(4)
Bobby F.

I just have to laugh when I think about eating at this place. You are squeezed into a table, when I mean squeezed I mean you can hear every word of conversations on both sides of you. The sushi was horrible, first of all when I pick up a roll it should not completely fall apart!!!! I looked to see who was making the sushi behind the counter and lets just put it this way, they were not sushi chefs. I got up to go to the restroom and let me tell you between the maze of trying to find out where you are going and the staff that just lingers in front of you, I was ready to leave. Honestly, the worst sushi I have ever had. No TASTE whatsoever!!!! To add insult to injury, a former moron coworker told me that he and his wife found the best sushi place ever, as he was talking to me I was saying to myself if he says Joss's he's more of an idiot than I thought. No sooner did I think that then the words came out of his mouth, "Joss's on Main Street in Annapolis". The only reason I will give this place 1 star it because the service was good and I am not completely oblivious to servers who are hard workers. I think I still left her 25% tip.
(1)
Misty D.

Still probably my fave spot in Annapolis. Been going here since it was just a little hole in the wall. The lunch specials can't be beat--many choices under $10 and most include soup and salad. For the kids: there is no dedicated kids' menu, but the chefs are happy to put something together for them. Chickadee has gotten the steamed rice with avocado slices on top ($3). She's also had kids' portions of chicken or tofu teriyaki. There's only one booster seat here (last time I dined in), so you may want to lug your own portable chair. Although there's not a changing table, there's plenty of space near the restrooms upstairs for mom or dad to change bebe.
(4)
Hong K.

Really? Why would they be rated 4 stars? They were trying to do the shrimp tempura udon which was bland,, u can make better at home with instant. The service was down hill from the moment we said hot water instead of the 1.95 for a bottle of soda. We would of spent more but the moment the server start to have an attitude of " they won't spend much money" since a standard gratuity is added for a group of 6 or more. The firecracker roll tasted funny. After we complained of the bland udon, they said "what is wrong with it?" Which is a valid question but not with an attitude of "again?". Also Zagat rated? I would rate this place below any place in. Fairfax that I have been to. Do not go there!
(1)
Jim G.

I loved my meal here. Everything was incredibly well prepared and served. Just a great place and a great meal.
(5)
Luda E.

I love Joss. I have many allergies [gluten, dairy, soy] and my waitress [Franni] was very accommodating to me. After listing all my allergies, she met with the chef and determined which meals were safe for me. Not only do I know I can trust their food... the food was delicious! I give it only 4 stars because the seating was extremely limited, not very comfortable to be flush against the door in winter. The restaurant was over packed. But yes: the food is great and allergen friendly!
(4)
Annie M.

I LOVE Joss! It is a tad bit on the expensive side but what GOOD sushi place is cheap? All of their rolls are fresh and wonderful. I don't remember which sushi rolls I get when I visit, because I usually get about ten different rolls, but there are some rolls that are a MUST try. The fried scallop roll is absolutely delicious. The spicy scallop roll is also very very very good. The only thing I don't really like about the sushi rolls are the spicy sushi rolls. Joss uses some kind of chili that I'm not a fan of. The first time I had a spicy tuna roll I actually thought I was eating bad fish. I came back and ordered another spicy tuna roll and realized it was just the weird taste of chili paste they were using. You might like it.. I didn't. Some of the must try items are their spring rolls, fried soft shell crabs, and their azuki bananas dessert. Their spring rolls are so fresh and so delicious! It consists of lettuce, imitation crab, avocado and I think shrimp, I don't remember, wrapped in nice rice paper and topped with their amazing spicy mayo. YUM. The fried soft shell crabs are a little more expensive so I don't always get it but the crabs are fried to perfection and a vinegary sauce is served with it. DELICIOUS. Last but not least, their azuki bananas. Most nights I can't find anymore room for this delicious dessert but I TRY! The bananas are fried, tempura style, with red beans on the inside. They are served with vanilla ice cream with honey drizzled on top. DELECTABLE! The atmosphere of the restaurant is great even though it is a bit cramped in there. But the service is absolutely wonderful. I would definitely recommend this sushi place to anyone looking for some fresh and delicious sushi!
(4)
Gary R.

Best sushi in Maryland, if not the East Coast, despite what some other "sushi snob" reviewers have to say. I've had sushi on both sides of the country and have yet to find the freshness and quality that Joss serves. Get there early, especially on weekends. Waiting list forms very early. We find it nice just to get there around 6 p.m. and not have to wait for a seat before the chaos begins. Some may find the tight seating uncomfortable. Many tables are spaced only inches away from each other. Definitely too small for kids. The shrimp tempura (we order it ala carte) is simply wonderful, as are the spicy scallop and Chesapeake rolls. The sashimi is excellent and very fresh. Service has always been predictably good. Enjoy.
(4)
Dana M.

I've been to sushi joints all over the country and I tell ya, this is the BEST!! I have been there a lot and every time it has been consistent and delicious!! The eel rolls and sauce are the bomb!! Always fresh and always yummy!
(5)
Anpan W.

My friends said this was their favorite sushi restaurant in Maryland, a statement that reflects poorly on all involved. I ordered a la carte sushi pieces: tuna, ama ebi; and crab. It was all warm, mooshy and terrible. The crab appeared to have been scooped from a can. The rice was bad. Service was poor, i.e. drinks were slow, server did not take our order until a member of our party flagged her down. The server smirked when a member of our party asked a question about a menu item. My friends recommended the rolls, maybe that is a safer bet.
(1)
Shane N.

I have been going to the same sushi place for about four years. Over that time period I have not tried any other sushi. Finally, after living and working in Annapolis for over two years, I decided to try Joss because everybody raved about it. The problem is that it is hard for me to judge the sushi because I really have nothing to compare to other than my regular sushi place which I think is the best. The best way to describe it is pretty good sushi and really good service. I went late on a Saturday at around 8:45. We had to wait about 15 minutes for a table. Our server was very friendly and professional. He told us the specials and even gave some of his personal recommendations. The inside is small and they kind of cram you in there. The person at the table next to you is practically in your lap, but it is not that bad unless you are someone that needs privacy. To start I had the lobster miso soup. The soup was pretty good, however, there was some hard piece of shell (maybe?) in my lobster that I bit into. That was not pleasant. Next we got in to the sushi. My SO and I ordered some maki rolls and nigiri. We ordered the Joss Roll, Dynamite Roll, Shrimp Tempura Roll, and Main Street Roll. We also ordered the white tuna nigiri. Let's start off with the nigiri. The white tuna wasn't very white. It was more pink. I am not sure if this is because it was a different type of tuna or cut from a different part (i am no sushi or fish expert), but it was not like the white tuna I usually get from sushi places. Not only was the color different, but the texture was different. At my usual sushi place the white tuna practically melts in your mouth. The white tuna here was a little more chewy. It was not bad, just not what I was expecting. Now on to the rolls. The best roll was the Dynamite Roll. It has this creamy spicy sauce that is very good. The roll had several types of fish (salmon, flounder, ?) and real crab meat. It was my favorite. The shrimp tempura roll seemed a little dry. The shrimp wasn't moist and the rice was kind of dry. In fact, all of the rolls seemed a little dry. Normally I don't use any soy sauce on my rolls, but this time I needed some. Maybe it was because we showed up at 9:00 PM and the rice was drying out. Another criticism is that some of the flavors of the rolls were kind of mundane and boring. A lot them seemed like they were missing something to tie all the ingredients together. Also, maybe I just over looked some of the rolls, but nothing seemed particularly creative or unusual. The exception to this would be the Dynamite Roll where the spicy sauce was something exceptional. Like I said before, I am no sushi expert, but I know what I like. Maybe I just have a unique taste. For dessert we had the tempura fried bananas with honey and vanilla ice cream. It was pretty good and probably my favorite part of the meal. The bottom line is that the sushi is pretty good, but nothing amazing. The service is really good and I will probably go back because it is so close to home and work. That said, if I have the opportunity I will always choose to go to Baltimore for my regular sushi fix.
(3)
Cat B.

Mmm-mmm Joss. Sushi here is wonderful, and the atmosphere is cozy and fun in the heart of Annapolis. I've been here a couple times with a big group, and a couple times with just one other person. Never a let down. The sushi boats are great for a group, and have a nice selection. Friends (twins) were celebrating their birthday with some sake bombs, and on the first try one twin's glass broke when we pounded the table and the shot glass hit the rim. On the second try, the other twin's glass broke in the same way! I hope they purchased some new glasswear since last summer.
(4)
Alexandra T.

We went to Joss for a late dinner on Saturday. Following the reviews on Yelp we figured it was the best sushi place in Annapolis. Probably other places are very bad. The only ok item was seaweed salad. Sushi were warm and far from being fresh. No presentation whatsoever. Tiny-tiny-tiny amount of brownish wasabi which i probably can eat with a spoon. Just a few (about 5 or 6, no kidding) small flakes of ginger. O'Ebi roll was tasteless. Spicy tuna and dynamite were a bit more spicy but seemed identical in taste and appearance. Fish in sashimi combo was cold but not fresh. The back dining hall and the stairs to the bathroom look like a filthy cheap chinese place on a big campus. Prices on the actual menu are a bit higher than the ones posted online. Service was rather professional, though. Overall conclusion: below average.
(2)
Molly G.

Joss is probably the best sushi in Annapolis - always very fresh and they have an impressive selection of Japanese fare that goes far beyond the already lengthy assortment of sushi and sashimi. The rolls are beautiful and masterfully crafted, and the wait staff is extremely knowledgeable about the entire menu. The only reason that I give it 4 out of 5 stars is that a.) it's pretty pricey - as a Seattle native I know that it is possible to find superb and inexpensive sushi and b.) you'll probably wait for at least 15-20 minutes in the crowded hallway before you get to your table which is nestled extremely close to your neighbors. With that said, I always look forward to a great meal at Joss. And, it's nice to be right downtown to take a postprandial stroll around town.
(4)
Janet K.

This was my second trip to Joss, and I have to say I am a big fan. The shrimp tempura was among the best I've ever had (See my review of Joey Chiou for the other) What keeps me from giving it 5 stars is the tightness of the space. Sitting arm to arm with a woman nursing her baby is not my idea of a good time. (See my review of Cantler's for this same issue..)
(4)
Katie W.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Joss!! I barely even liked Sushi before I was first dragged to Joss by coworkers. I then started wanting to go every week. It is small and intimate. Some people think it is too crowded. Personally, I believe it adds to the ambiance of the eatery, making it feel more authentic. The servers are always friendly and accommodating. The food never disappoints. (if you do not like sushi, the tempura and chicken terriyaki is excellent as well). My favorite is the Chesapeake Roll. I have recently moved to Chicago. I am dearly going to miss Joss and hope I can find something that resembles the Chesapeake Roll in the Midwest. Joss never disappoints, if there is a long wait, it is worth it!!
(5)
Michelle P.

Before I begin, let me make clear that I am an Annapolis local, and have thus visited the immortal Joss many, many times. I'm a bit sad to say that this little gem hasn't changed many, or really any of it's problems over the years. To start off, Joss is one of the "trendy" restaurants that refuses to seat you until your entire party is there. Generally, as I like to be on time for dinner, I find myself the unfortunate victim of having to wait in Joss's crowded little access ramp while I wait my dining companions to arrive. And really- a ramp is the only waiting area? If you are going to force people to wait for their friends stuck in traffic, at least provide a little SPACE for them to do so in! After finally being seated, I find that each and every time I visit Joss I am overwhelemed by the suffocation of a very crowded and loud setting. Provided, there are a few good tables in the house - okay, maybe only one good table- but the vast majority of the tables are the stuffy banquettes that cheap restaurants are so fond of nowadays so that they can fit as many people as possible into the restaurant. Provided, the food at Joss is quite good- the best of Japanese/sushi in Annapolis, if you ask me- the service is above average, and the prices are fair. However, if you are looking for a swanky evening, or even a pleasant one, Joss is not the relaxing atmosphere you should seek.
(3)
Emily G.

(I recently upgraded Joss from a 4 to a 5. Not because it's THE best place imaginable, but because I think I'm too stingy with my stars, reluctant to grant 5s...so, in the interest of scale creation, I'm granting 5 to one of my current favorites.) I absolutely love the teriyaki tofu and avocado salad at Joss. The only Japanese food I've tried that compares is in Boulder, Colorado. (too far!) It's a fun place--friendly and charming. It can get a bit crowded, and there's nowhere to stand or sit when you're waiting for a table, so you have to hope the weather's nice, but it's a favorite of mine.
(5)
Nancy W.

Good fish, bad service. Service: Hostess was a real you know what. Disgruntled when I asked not to be seated a foot from the kitchen. Also, our waiter didn't know what the specials were, and the waiter serving the section next to us talked really loudly and checked up on his customers every 2 minutes, butting into their conversations and even massaging the shoulders of one of the patrons next to us! Inappropriate. My dining companion equated him to cruise ship staff - disgustingly chipper and loud. Food: Highly recommend the Lobster Tempura roll. Very tasty. Delicious spicy cream sauce.
(3)
S K.

Had a good feeling about this place when I walked in - cozy ambiance, etc. I ordered the shioyaki with their "market fish" which was escolar (aka the controversial butterfish, "white tuna", which I didn't realize when I ordered it). Having ordered shioyaki before at other Japanese places, this sadly did not meet my expectation - didn't taste like a Japanese dish at all, missing that nice salty brown crispiness and juiciness that makes shioyaki so good! Came with some grilled vegetables - and all was bland. So... I was pretty bummed, and to make matters worse, my entree ended up costing twice as much as anyone else's that I'd dined with (market fish had no price on the menu, but I was feeling very trusting when I ordered it). Fortunately, I don't seem to be having any trouble digesting the escolar so far (but I hear that is not the case for a lot of people).
(3)
Andrew W.

While in town recently for my sister's wedding, some locals mentioned Joss as a place where their sushi snob friends from New York always liked to go when visiting. Though I wouldn't consider myself a snob, I certainly think being a New Yorker makes me a good arbiter of all things sushi, so my girlfriend and I made it our mission to stop by for a snack on a Friday afternoon to find out for ourselves. After sampling their menu, I can understand why some may consider this place a hassle to get into, it's really good! Fortunately, our fortuitous timing of arrival kept us from having to brave the crowds. Our snack almost became a full-fledged Omakase given the ridiculously wide-ranging array of choices on the menu. It was so hard to decide! You'll never see Escalar on a sushi menu in New York. We also had to try a crab roll (it was Maryland and crab is one of the two things apparantely that Maryland "does") and I would have been remissed to have not sampled the Kobe Beef Sushi. Everything came very quickly. Prices were about average for NYC, so it may seem a little steep for locals. After my recent experiences at Joss and Braun's ( yelp.com/biz/braun-seafoâ€¦ ), I'll be on the lookout for sushi whenever I'm in a fishing town. You'll find places that rival the best places in the big cities.
(5)
Patrick H.

This is a great Sushi bar, but a bit of a hassle. Always difficult to get into Joss, and since there is always a wait, you are relagated to the waiting ramp until a seat opens. Tables are close, but it's all part of the fun. I find Joss to be the perfect late night dinner stop. The sushi is super fresh and expertly prepared. We had a number of different rolls on our most recent visit. I followed up the maki with some lucious toro and a huge spicy tuna Gunkan Maki. MMMMMMMM. Prices are very reasonable and service is great. Sushi Taro in DC is still my fave, but Joss comes close.
(4)
Fat T.

I would say the best sushi house in MD. I've almost all sushi restaurant in 75 mile radius. Try the friend ice cream for dessert. It's light and done very well.
(5)
ST M.

In my view the best Sushi bar in MD, and for that matter, in a 60 mile radius including most of DC. Great selection, good vegetarian options, great food, good sake- All of that would earn 4 stars from me. But what earns that 5th star is the fact that I have taken visitors from the NW, California, and NYC, all of whom love the place, and once they get off the plane it is the place they want to go. Joss is held in high esteem by those meat eaters I know, who tell me that the sashimi items are some of the most generous portions, and best anywhere. And having to drag around a bunch of west-coast sushi fiends around DC looking for quality is no fun, so thank you Joss. Yes, very high praise for Joss!
(5)
Alyssa K.

If I could eat Joss sushi every day of my life I would and it'd never get old. It's definitely the one restaurant in Annapolis that's worth going to over and over and over. With fairly inexpensive prices, me and my fellow teens always try to pile up in this tiny dinner spot. The only reason any other sushi joint gets business is when Joss has a long wait, which they usually do because I'm pretty sure all of Annapolis loves this place. Its cramped corners are irritating at first, but when the food touches your mouth cramped becomes cozy out of pure bliss. Even if you don't like sushi, this place has a lot to offer. All I can say is when you order, order a lot. If you don't leave here feeling 100 lbs. heavier you haven't had the full experience. (on a side note, if you order the California Roll get crab stick. For some reason Joss's crab [in Annapolis of all places] is not always fresh)
(5)
Trevor M.

A little bit of Tokyo in Annapolis! Ok, i'll admit that when I first walked in and saw the place....I was not impressed. A gaigin owner...are you kidding me. Wait...we're all foreigners here...my bad. But, I relented...I went in and i've been coming back since. Atmosphere: see above. Looks small from the outside, but plenty of seating in the back. Limited space at the bar...but, that's where the action is. Food: Great selection of fish...great daily specials. Ok...they still have all of the favorites...udon, sushi, katsus, but what sets these fine folks apart many other Asian restaurants...is that they're not trying to be fusion...they're not trying to be pan-everything food that you see so many other asian restaurants attempting to be...They're trying to be Japanese...and doing a damn, fine job of it. Japanese pickles. Fried shrimp heads....yummm. And you thought that Duff was the only one to like this. Probably, one of the largest selections of seaweed salads that you're going to get. Ok...For my fellow Japs...They have Takoyaki here! Yes, Takoyaki! And quite frankly, beats the drive to NY. Nothing beats a little taste of home. Now, if they would only make proper Yakisoba and curry. I'll live there. Fresh, tasty...it's like the ocean at your bar filled with fish. Drinks: Standard beers and sakes Service: I can't say for other folks...but service has been outstanding every time that i've been there and no, it's not because i'm a fellow Jap, it's good old fashioned service with a smile and bow...but admittingly apart from the guys behind the bar and the owner...they do butcher the language. Price: Good overall pricing. Return rate: pretty much when i'm in Annapolis, I'm there or at an Irish bar...(that's a different review) Bottom line: Good food, good service, reasonable pricing. A little taste of home.
(4)
Matthew L.

I thought it was good but not spectacular. I've been there for lunch with clients a few times. It's got the wow factor with the location and edgy decor, but the food is average. Their are a ton of special rolls. They did a really nice unagu. I'd say it's okay for lunch, wouldn't spend the money for dinner.
(3)
Misty W.

Way too small. No elbow room and sushi is not worth being cramped.
(2)
Garrett P.

Visiting a good friend after a long absence, we had already been drinking a fair amount to kill some time before heading here for a last meal before my departure. This is her favorite sushi spot, as well as her sister's, the latter due partly to the fact that it was her mother's last meal before she was delivered. Perhaps this makes this restaurant a small part of her? Philosophical musings about amniotic fluid dwelling infants aside, we were seated promptly, but in a slightly awkward corner. We started off with the Maguro Poke and Fried Bean Curd apps, then ordered a various selection of sushi rolls/nigiri to nibble on as well. The apps came out quickly, with the Maguro Poke being a real star. This thing is seriously delicious, and I am quite unhappy that I've been unable to find anything like it here in NYC. The fried tofu tasted like, well, lightly fried tofu, and was served in a nicely balanced ponzu sauce. *Disclaimer: during this portion of the meal, we continued drinking, and therefore I will be unable to be quite so informative with the rest of this review. If you don't want to read my nonsense-filled description that follows, avert your eyes now. A giant tray of sushi arrived moments after we were done with the apps, the size of which is best described as "effing massive", with some retardedly good looking Chutoro, O'toro and thickly sliced salmon on it, as well as rows of neatly arranged rolls. Our waitress had to be wondering at what point we were going to begin regurgitating to clear room to finish this. Then I took the first bite of the very fatty and clean tuna. This fish was the shit. We ate like a refugee from a developing nation that just caught an air-dropped Hot Pocket. I did things to that pile of sushi that would make a Hell's Angel blush. The rolls were also quite good, and I would tell you what they were except for the fact that I was drunk (weren't you paying attention earlier?!) and inhaling sushi like I was Kirby of GameBoy fame. After this, we finish off with a glass of wine and a dessert of red bean ice cream, which comes with a fried Goldfish snack cracker-shaped pastry filled with mashed red beans. Highly tasty. On the way back to the restroom (which requires basically leaving the restaurant via a stairway into what looks like a dentist's office hallway in one of those non-descript medical buildings) I noticed that they have been tops in Sushi since 1999 for the area, as per the good ole' Zagat guide. That's strong as wolf pussy. Total damage for all this, including alcohol? $60 per person before tip. Pros: Really fresh fish, cheap, cute place, waitress was very knowledgeable and kept water glasses full even though she was busy. Cons: Some rolls were not quite as epic as others, seating was rather awkward.
(4)
Pooja D.

Rlly good, love the location and atmosphere!
(4)
Greg S.

Probably the best restaurant in Annapolis hands down. Great food, consistently good service, and nice atmosphere. This is one place we come back to time and time again.
(5)
Jen C.

This is the best sushi restaurant in the DC area, hands down. They have the freshest fish, big portions, and really decently priced. All of the sushi places you will go to in DC (Ko, Kaz, etc) are really pricey for rather small portions. I love Joss's. I will drive all the way here from Arlington, VA just to eat here. Plus Annapolis is such a cute town and the food is always really good. I always get the shrimp tempura roll, it's phenomenal. Also the Maryland crab is really good usually but it was a little bland last night. We also got the dynamite roll, among other nigiri and sashimi, all of which is really fresh and yummy. Been here many a time and will return for sure. We ultimately heard about it through some of our local Annapolis friends so that was a sure bet for us. So glad they told us about it! Love this place and will definitely miss it if I move from the DC area.
(5)
Megan R.

I am a toro and veggie sushi lover. However, this cute little spot made me fall for salmon and flounder as well. For starters we had the Toro, Toro, Toro. The raw and chili tuna were excellent. I was not so impressed with the grilled toro, but I am not the biggest fish fan. I know funny since I eat sushi. We were on an oyster kick and ordered the fried oysters, they were good with the plum sauce but there was a bit too much breading. The sashimi and hand rolls were amazing. I would definitely return next time I am in annapolis. There was a wait even though we put our name down on a list prior to when we wanted to eat. Be prepared. The ambiance is warm and family style. It tended to be a little loud since it was crowded.
(4)
Robert S.

We've been going to Joss for 6-7 years now, typically on weekends in the evenings. We almost exclusively order the nigiri sushi, a roll or two, and have sake and edamame, as a general rule. Everything we've had there has been fantastic: the crab kani-su, while expensive is delicious along with the F.F. Caviar, the toro, and the snapper. In short, if you know your sushi, or at least know enough to know what you like and don't like, you won't be disappointed here. Yes, Joss is expensive, but for what I've sampled in the DC area, the cost seems somewhat justified because we've never had a sketchy meal or experience here unlike some other establishments we've tried. The wait and waiting area are royal buzzkills, but typically we have good servers who always know what they're serving as they exhibit when bringing the sushi to the table. All-in-all, I'm very pleased, but the price makes it prohibitive to go often. Perhaps our bias comes because this was where we cut our teeth on sushi, but I can think of little better place that I've been on both coasts, albeit that experience limited.
(5)
Paul B.

Sushi was okay. But the portions/rolls were small and it was overpriced. I expected much much more after seeing the reviews.
(2)
K D.

This is my favorite sushi spot in all of the DC area. Great for locals or if you're just taking the day to explore downtown Annapolis. Seriously, don't miss it because it's the best restaurant down there and it's the best sushi you've had in a while. Guaranteed!
(5)
Blair H.

I've eaten at Joss's in Annapolis a lot and I haven't had a bad experience yet.The major pro for Joss's would be the price, it's a lot cheaper than other sushi bars in the area. The only con is that its a little crowded (as are most places in downtown). Sometimes I feel like I'm eavesdropping on other people's dates without even trying loll. But all in all it's good quality sushi for a pretty decent price.
(4)
Cindi N.

eh......nothing to write home about, so not sure what the hype is all about but i'm going by san francisco standards i guess....... we got: - seared scallop medallions served w/ some greens with this sweet dressing i didn't care for....... now couldn't tell that it was seared, it was mostly raw. would of like the scallop seared for reals. prefer raw scallop on sushi @ sushi zone in s.f. - california rolls w/ real crab -- good but where's the crab??? they seem to skimp on the crab. - tangerine beef salad -- good, the best dish i had. dressing & tangerines were good. they definitely don't skimp on the grilled beef. but where's the greens??? would be really good w/ more greens. disclaimer: this dining experience was our 2nd one that evening. i just didn't have an appetite after we had some appetizers & drinks @ pusser's, so i was ready for dessert. AND i didn't feel like switching gears from fun tropical seafood to sushi. AND we just had sushi a couple of times within the past 4 days. so if i was hungry AND/OR if this was our first stop that evening AND/OR if this was our 1st sushi during our week here in maryland........ i might have a more positive dining experience .....or not...... but unfortunately i'm going to base it on this experience & i won't be coming back. on a good note -- great service from good server -- he was attentive & prompt. pretty crowded when we went @ 5:30pm on a tuesday evening. we had to wait about 15 min. to be seated. it seems like a popular spot, so they're doing really good........
(1)
Robert K.

At long last I had the chance to try this place, after hearing murmurings in my circle of friends about a great sushi spot up in Annapolis over the last year or so. The wait for us was about 30 minutes, and this was for a table of 3 at around 8:30pm or 9. That's not too bad if the food is good, and by all reports, it was. It was also not unexpected since I had done my homework on this site. During the wait in an actual separate waiting room, a waitress serves beer as you bide your time. It's not so bad, obviously helped along by the people you're with and the anticipation of good food around the corner. We did get seated at around 30 minutes, and I finally got to try the sushi. We took a fairly decent sampling, selecting the Toro Toro Toro and the special Eel from the menu directly, and then an a la carte sampling of a couple of rolls and numerous nigiri sushi. One person at the table preferred non-sushi, so she had Beef Teriyaki. By her account, it was good. I wouldn't know. The sushi was excellent. Texture, taste, freshness- they all get high marks. The way the best sushi places distinguish themselves after passing those tests are through presentation and variety, in my opinion. Presentation was great, with good color and interesting garnish on what we ordered. Variety was also solid, as we had jellyfish and conch, which have been rarer options for me. The conch was somewhat bitter. The jellyfish was great. It was sliced in small pieces, and wrapped in seaweed to look like a typical roe wrap. The texture has more substance than salmon roe, but less than a more typical piece of sushi. Joss definitely fits into my top list of sushi places. With Tono being so local, Joss is probably worth a trip every few months or so, but Tono is just as good on most of those variables. Just for a little change up though, Joss will probably be a place I stop by on occasion.
(5)
John V.

I've lived in Annapolis for over seven years now, and Joss remains the clear winner for sushi north of the Potomac. I've never bothered with the cooked entrees here ... when I'm in a place that focuses on sushi, only the raw stuff will do. So please note this review does not address the quality of anything but sushi. The nigiri sushi here is very nice and authentic, with the proper ratio between rice and topping. Mostly very traditional, although a few oddball items show up that, like many of the rolls, would be scoffed at in Japan. But I digress. The various types of tuna (maguro, hamachi, toro, o-toro, escolar, etc) are wonderful and fresh ... but hey, in a review like this, would a sushi place rate anything over one star if the fish wasn't impeccably fresh? They also offer some excellent gunkan-maki choices. On the traditional side, you've got the whole array of fish roe and uni, but they also have some spicy tuna treats. in fact, I've seriously considered going in and making a complete meal off gunkan-maki. The rolls ... everyone in America seems to be trying to outdo each other with wacky maki roll combinations. I think it all started with California rolls back in the '80s. Okay, so I confess to indulging in some of them, even an occasional soft shell crab roll. But these rainbow rolls and other combos just seem to be piling crap on without any consideration for the diner being able to discern individual tastes and textures. Joss has a couple of these, I suppose to keep pace with the competition, but they also treat the traditional stuff extremely well here. Tekka maki, for instance, is always perfectly composed and formed. Same with kappa maki and futomaki. And to their credit, they do a bang-up job on the pressed sushi, oshizushi, sometimes called Osaka-style. Rice in a rectangular mold topped with eel or mackerel, seaweed, maybe some other ingredients, then pressed into a tight package, with fish flavors permeating the rice. Money! Skip the other Annapolis places ... Joss is the go-to place for sushi here.
(4)
amy v.

My friend and i decided to try this place out tonight after hearing rave reviews. She also wanted to try the fried shrimp heads that she saw Duff from "Ace of Cakes" claim as the best. We went on a Thursdays but it still looked pretty packed but the wait wasn't too long. We ordered the Dynamite and Manhattan roll, which were so-so. I've definately had better. We also ordered to a few specials, the Toro, Toro,Toro, a Kobe roll(Cant remember the name) and a sashimi dish dressed in a really good sauce(can't remember the name either but I would recommend getting this). The sashimi dish was my favorite everything else slightly failed my expectations. It might be because I've spoiled in the sushi department so I'm very picky. But the shrip heads that my friend was eyeing left her content, the ones she had from Sushi Sono was better. It was slightly pricey as well,but that may be from all the specials we ordered. Overall it was good, I would visit it again if i happen to be in the area but won't bother going out of my way to eat here.
(3)
Maria D.

Joss is a wonderful place in downtown Annapolis. They have a great reputation around the area! (Next to Nano's too, which is another great sushi joint) Their sushi is yummy. However, I wished they had different selections to choose from sometimes. I go there probably 3 to 4 times a year and I usually stick to a few favorites. The rest all sound the same or have most of the same ingredients in each. I usually order the Dynamite Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Rock n' Roll Roll and if I have enough money, The Main Street Roll. The Main Street Roll is fantastic!! I could eat billions of those and never get tired. It has crab meat, scallions, FF Roe mixed with creamy spicy sauce and avocado plus smoked salmon outside. The smoked salmon is my favorite part. Their quick with your order too! The staff is very friendly, they greet everyone who comes through their small door. The restaurant is super tiny. It's like you've entered someone's house, plus you can't help but overhear the conversation at the table next to you because it's that small. But don't let that stop you from coming because it's all apart of the atmosphere! However the major downsides: Parking is hard to find on a busy night. They don't take reservations, so plan accordingly. A lot of families come there to eat, so if you don't want something noisy request a different table and they'd be happy to help. Overall, give it a try! It's not so close to sushi in California, but I'll take it :) PS- They do take-out too!!
(3)
Nickel W.

So many sushi places in a small radius. This one is the best! I am a veggie, and love their veggie sushi and all the acrutements!
(5)
Nicole L.

This small little japanese restaurant is the pride of Annapolis downtown, being near the water - it serves up to its name for the quality of seafood. It is also run by a real japanese person which is rare around here. No reservations so go early or wait in line. I judge a japanese restaurant by the types of fish available - and they have some of the freshest and less common varieties. A successful sushi restaurant with quality will have more varieties and the right crowd for it. Eating sashimi may not be for some but the sashimis are so fresh they have no fishy smell or unchewable texture. Their sashimis melt in your mouth and the sensation of the flavor is unreal. This place is much to rave about even some japanese clients I went with said it's really really good japanese food. I've been fortunate that every time I go to joss it was an all-out affair-usually about $100 and up for dinner. All the sashimi-o-toro, markerel, yellow tail, tuna, rockfish, salmon, snapper, sushi- baby octopus, fish roe, giant clam, marinated squid, egg, and spicy tuna handroll. I also love their seaweed salad, avocado roll and for dessert, fried banana with honey and walnut. Yumm!
(5)
S R.

Best sushi i have had in the maryland, dc, virginia area! I love this place, i try and go as often as i can. The spring rolls are great, and you can't leave with out eating the unagi. The grilled escolar is also amazing. I have been to the original NOBU and I still think Joss' is better.
(5)
Tom H.

one word ..... GREAT.
(5)
Jung-Ah P.

I was up late one night - for no reason really, just staying up late and flipping through TV channels. Food Network had me stop, drooling and suddenly hungry at 1:30am. I was looking at Food Network celebrities describing the best fried food they've ever had and then actually going to the restaurant and savoring it in the most mouthwatering fashion. The guy from Ace of Cakes talked about a sushi restaurant that served fried shrimp heads. He described how delicious it was and that they didn't have it on the menu. Who eats shrimp heads?! I thought they were filled with weird shrimp brains (do they have brains?) and goo. I was intrigued. So I tracked down Joss Cafe and Sushi Bar in Annapolis and ordered the fried shrimp heads. The server seemed surprised that I asked for them - since they're not on the menu and brought out the cute little heads, looking super crispy, with the black beady eyes looking up at me. The people at the next table asked what they were, so I explained my story and soon, I had an audience as I prepared to eat what we would generally throw out. I dipped one in some soy sauce and put the whole thing in my mouth. It was difficult to chew, as the head is very spiky and pretty large in size, but oh my gosh, it was amazing! The outside was crispy and a bit salty, but the inside was creamy with an intense shrimp flavor. It was like being in shrimp heaven. If you live in or are visiting the Annapolis area, you need to check out the shrimp heads at Joss Sushi. I think the next time I purchase shrimp, I'll reserve the heads and try deep frying them myself. Tasty tasty!!!!
(4)
Tim M.

This is at least one of the top 2 sushi places in the Annapolis area in general. Their daily sushi specials and unusual and creative appetizer dishes are what really stand them out. While they serve other cooked japanese fare I don't really see any point in going here unless you're after sushi. The Tuna Avocado salad is one of my favorites - half a fresh avocado stuffed with cubes of ruby tuna riding on a bed of daikon and sprinkled with raspberries and a wasabi cream sauce. They have an impressive assortment of seaweed salad combinations, an unusual array of sushi selections you don't find often elsewhere (jelly fish, whelk, escolar - varies daily). Only place in the area I know you can get Po'ke. The only reason it doesn't get 5 stars from me is it is incredibly small and the tables are very 'cozy' - be prepared to shout the whole time you're there especially if you're seated up front. This is a sushi bar - if you're ordering something other than their main specialties you're risking the experience a bit... #update 08/15 - just a quick update on the newly expanded Joss - it's better than ever. Menu is expanded as is the space. It'll take a year to go over the new items - grilled yellowtail collar is one of my favorites so far. This place is the best sushi/japanese anywhere in the area period.
(4)
Chris E.

Great sushi!!! When we go out for sushi, this is the place we head for! It's not cheap, but it's worth it. The atmosphere is a bit crowded and noisy, but fun. I've always had great meals here!
(5)
Majelly P.

loved it!
(4)
Irene W.

I thought the sushi here was very good, especially the spicy scallop hand rolls, escolar (white tuna) ngiri, and the fresh spring rolls. However, my gripes include the long wait (even though you can put your name and they'll call you when you are the next available table), the loudness factor, and the tight seating (you might be able to contribute to your neighbor's convo, that's how close you are!).
(4)
R C.

I agree with the posters who say that those who have experienced truly "good" (or even decent) sushi will not be impressed with Joss. The positive reviews are most likely coming from people who have never left this provincial little town. If you really want sushi and are stuck in Annapolis, this is probably your best bet, but it's a good idea to keep your expectations fairly low.
(2)
stephanie t.

This is an Annapolitan favorite, but that doesn't necessarily mean there is anything worth raving over. The fish is typically fresh, but the pieces are small, and it's fairly expensive for what you get. Non-sushi items seem inconsistent. I have no issue eating at Joss, and if you want sushi in Annapolis, how many options do you really have? but in the grand scheme of things Joss is fine and nothing more.
(3)
Sue A.

My husband and I wanted some sushi, and heard some good things about this place, so we were very optimistic. I had actually eaten here for a quick lunch a couple times, and it wasn't bad. However, we went here on a busy evening. We waited a LONG time, which I can't really complain about if it's a popular place, b/c you expect that you'd be rewarded w/ good food (that there must be a valid reason for the wait). We were wrong. Not only was the staff rude to us, but after waiting so long to be seated, we were finally crammed at a tiny table in b/w 2 other couples, and were forced to wait yet again. The tables were so crammed that you had to keep your elbows to your body, or risk touching the couple next to you. So there we were, waiting, waiting, waiting, yet again. Then my husband noticed that you could smell the less-than-fresh sushi from the table next to us. That did it for us. If you're going to eat raw fish, it had better be fresh. We got up and left w/o ordering anything, even though we had already invested an enormous amount of time waiting.
(1)
Ann B.

I love this place! The sushi is excellent. Try the sukiyaki and the jellied red bean paste dessert - you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Christine C.

had lunch there yesterday with some girlfriends. tables are ridiculously cramped. staff is indifferent. service was SLOW. food was not amazing. we are sushi lovers, and none of us thought it was anything special. definitely overrated.
(2)
Lindsey W.

Damn good sushi for a small city. I hear its authentic too if that matters to you.
(5)
Anna V.

My friend and I ordered the shrimp tempura and the chicken teriyaki to share. Sharing is always good because you can eat two diffetent things. So we asked the easier for spoon for the tempuras dipping sauce. The waiter gave us the spoon and told us that the side is for dipping that's why they don't usually bring a soon out. I thought that was unnecessary to even say because my friend and I were sharing and we didn't want to double dip. It gets weirder with our easier. When we asked to have our leftovers packed, he told us that when he takes it to the bank kitchen to pack, they use the same utensil as prepping for the sushi so basically it's best if we pack it ourselves because we can use our utensils because our food might get the raw stuff on it from the utensils. Overall, the food is good. It's just the experience with the waiter was not good.
(4)
Sydney F.

I have to say, I have some mixed emotions about Joss. I have a bit of a soft spot for this restaurant, being that it's where my boyfriend and I had our first date. Because of that, I feel the need to give it "another try", but my experience always seems to fall short. I am someone who enjoys having a side of spicy mayonnaise with my sushi. Most all sushi places I've been to has this condiment, and is happy to serve it to me. And if they don't have it, the politely let me know. For whatever reason, I get the weird impression that Joss employees are stingy with their spicy mayonnaise. One time I asked my waitress for some, and her response was "umm.....sure..." as if she wasn't sure how I even knew they had any. This happened to me a couple times. The last time I'd been there, my friend and I asked our waiter for some, he gave us the same response, and then "forgot" to bring it to us. After a good 10 minutes, he brought us the spicy mayo. We later got the nice surprise that Joss now charges for a small little side of spicy mayonnaise. Call me a cheapskate, but I don't see the big ordeal. Are they hoarding it or something? I'm not sure, but I think I'd rather take my business a couple doors down to Nano where I think their sushi is better anyways. And they don't hoard their condiments.
(3)
Jessie C.

Food was good, service was awesome. Don't remember his name, but it was the redhead guy. Honestly when I go places a good server will make or break the meal. Didn't like the saba shisho roll (I think I butchered that spelling) but it really wasn't my taste anyway. Everything else was awesome. Spicy tuna melts in your mouth and you have to try the dumplings!
(5)
Rachel L.

I was in Annapolis meeting a friend for dinner and since it was a little on the later side, we were in the mood for something a little light. I suggested sushi and my friend was responsible for picking the place. My friend knows about my slight Food Network obsession and took me to Joss Sushi. Joss was featured on The Best Thing I Ever Ate for their fried shrimp heads. I personally don't eat shrimp so I didn't try this, but it was still cool to go to a restaurant recommended by a professional chef. My friend decided to start with the Seaweed Salad. It was incredibly light and fresh and a great way to start the meal. I decided to begin with a Miso Soup, even though the days are finally getting warmer, at Japanese restaurants miso soup is one of my favorite things. The miso soup at Joss was very good, not too salty like it can be some places. My friend and I decided to split three rolls of sushi between the two of us. We ordered a Spicy Tuna Roll with Avocado, a Spicy Salmon Roll with Avocado, and a Crunchy Scallop Roll. The fish was incredibly fresh, which is possibly the most important thing when ordering sushi. I loved the spicy tuna and the spicy salmon, unfortunately my friend did not because they were too spicy for her. She really enjoyed her scallop roll though which included deep fried scallops which she said were cooked perfectly. If you're looking for excellent, fresh sushi in Annapolis, look no further than Joss Sushi. I'm sure you won't be disappointed!
(4)
Ben W.

Have always loved the food here and have enjoyed great service. I was surprised tonight when I found out they do not accept military IDs. Disappointed and slightly offended to say the least.
(1)
Kevin M.

Big servings but some dishes were hit and miss. The service was good. Overall probably 3.5 stars. No complaints but had better.
(3)
AsianZing L.

DESERVES ZERO STARS!! So, the first time I went to Joss to celebrate my birthday about 3 years ago, it lived up to all of the wonderful Yelp hype. Fast forward to last night. My boyfriend and I went to Joss to celebrate a friend's birthday, and I was excited since I hadn't been there in so long. Joss was disappointing to say the least. First, they didn't seat our group until 40 minutes after we arrived; (we had called days ahead and made a reservation). Then, my friend, the birthday boy, asked to have our sushi on a boat; the waiter said that wasn't a problem since we had ordered more than enough sushi. Sushi came...no boat. I suppose this isn't a big deal, except on your birthday, it's the one day you should get what you want! Now, onto the sushi. It was DISGUSTING. My boyfriend and I ordered 6 rolls: spicy tuna, eel, firecracker, spicy scallop, dynamite, and one I cannot remember. Except for the spicy scallop, all the rolls tasted the same: excessive bad rice, mushy ingredients, and the fish did not taste fresh. There was no differentiation in taste among any of the rolls. My boyfriend said it was the worst sushi he's ever tasted, and I have to agree. However, all of the above wasn't even the worst part. After we received and split the bill, I included the gratuity on my credit card and wrote "included" on the tip line of the credit card receipt. I then went to the bathroom before we left the restaurant, and right when I walked out, the waiter, (Stephen L, I believe was his name), jumped me and grilled me about the tip I left him, and what "included" meant. I explained it to him 3 times before he finally let it go. My group was waiting for me and said they'd been questioned by him about the tips they left, too. (Note: we must have been his last table and he must've immediately celebrated our leaving because we all agreed he reeked of beer.) But wait, there's more!!! As if his gauche, egregious behavior wasn't already more than enough, the birthday but realized about 5 minutes after leaving the restaurant that he left his birthday cards at the table. He went back and got them...MINUS the gift cards that were included! The server STOLE my friend's gift cards!!! When confronted, server lied and said he didn't do it, and then my friend got the manager involved. The MANAGER did NOT care whatsoever!!!! Magically, after more questioning and arguing the server "found" the gift cards and returned them. UNBELIEVABLE and UNACCEPTABLE behavior. So, if you want over-priced, disgusting sushi, a server that gets drunk and hassles you about the tip you generously left him, a place where you have to worry about getting stolen from, and a completely apathetic manager, by all means visit Joss Sushi in Annapolis.
(1)
Veronica L.

Came here for my first time tonight with my brother. We got here around 7p and I will say, especially for a Tuesday, the place was packed. We sat at the sushi bar and our server was Cindy. She was very friendly and helpful. She gave us wonderful suggestions on what we should order for sushi and drinks. I thought the Mainstreet roll was the best. The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the crab wonton.
(5)
Alayah H.

The waitress, Rachel, was very rude when we thought that she mistakenly put crunchy ebi roll on the bill. Instead of explains it nicely to the customers, she became rude and snarky.
(3)
Ryan H.

Best sushie in Downtown Annapolis. Waitress was nice, and the food was delicious, and at a good price. My only complaint would be that the wait time seemed a little longer than it could have been.
(4)
Alesia M.

Try the Yuba dumplings. Delicious! We also enjoyed the salmon negiri. Sushi rolls are excellent. The tempura and grilled banana dessert is creative and yummy.
(5)
Emily M.

Spicy tuna roll and rock n' roll rolls were excellent. Great atmosphere and great prices.
(5)
Karen F.

Some of the best maki I have ever had with fresh soft rice - not too sticky, not warm, not cold, not hard, not too vinegary. The shrimp tempure rolls is simple (shrimp tempura - no avocado, no cuke) and PERFECT. Fresh Cali rolls with REAL crab (not that crab-kani-stick crap!) are worth it! House-made Tamago!!!! (Oh yeah!) The tempura is good- a little bit greasy - but they had Kobocha Squash (Pumpkin), Yam and Sweet potato (all similar and all great) and GREEN BEANS! Excellent service and delicious miso soup. (The 9 year old was feeling a it tuckered out and this perked her right up.) Expensive soft drinks. (8 oz diet coke in a glass bottle was like - REALLY?? 8 ounces is not very much, you know!) There are better joints in NY, LA and Lahaina, but for Annapolis? This place ROCKS!
(4)
Sierra W.

I really wasn't impressed with Joss, which I found surprising because all of my friends recommend it so highly. I found my server to be really brusque and unpleasant, the rolls I got all tasted the same with very little distinction and the overwhelming taste of sesame seed, and I tried some of my friend's yuba dumplings, which I thought were really not very good. All in all, I don't think I'd come back when there are so many other options in Annapolis for sushi!
(2)
Katherine H.

My fave sushi joint in the DMV--it's a bit of a hike out to Annapolis from NW DC (Ok, I'm just that lazy), but sometime's it's worth it. Can't believe I only have one "check-in" as I've eaten here at least twice in the last 5 mos. Which is a lot considering the distance. What to get--you can get the off-the-menu shrimp heads, or anything. Seriously--the rolls, sashimi, etc. are all delish. I wish I could be more specific but I've yet to have a bad dish here. Recently, we had the poke roll. It was a play on poke (generally tuna chopped, roe, and some spicy sauce--I've been craving it since Hawaii)--wrapped in lettuce and rice wrap. It was delightful, though I wished for more poke.
(4)
Cheryl J.

Way over priced!! My meal was not worth $42! But I did order super fatty toro at $18 for 2 pieces. I must be going through sashimi withdrawal to spend that kind of money. The super toro was not as tender as expected. It didn't melt in my mouth. I found myself chewing and chewing. I know what toro looks like, but the experience was totally different than I'm used to. The Spicy Tuna in the little cucumber cup was way too spicy for me. I did a take out order so i even added a little mayonnaise to try to dilute the spice. It worked just a little bit I should have just rinsed off the spice rub that was on it. It taste like they use some sort of super spice dry rub instead of sriracha sauce. I may come back to try something else, but there are so many other favorite sushi restaurants in my area that's better quality and better priced. I do like their extensive a la carte sushi/sashimi menu.
(3)
Billy H.

I myself have never tasted or had the desire to have sushi until a friend brought me to joss. We ordered the crunchy ebi rolls which were amazing. I enjoyed the food a ton. If you are going for the food it's all worth it. A few things though. The seating is so packed together it is hard to have an easy enjoyable conversation when you can hear exactly what the two tables next to you are saying because they are only 2 feet away. Waiter outfits are just not very flattering. OH WAIT and the fact that they decide to close for 3 hours during the day, about 230-530 if I'm not mistaken. And that just blows. I've probably tried to go to kiss 3-4 times and nope I get there at 3ish and... Closed. Guess no sushi for me.
(4)
Sarah D.

Food was good. Large variety on menu. Avocado and tuna salad was delicious, a great wasabi cream sauce. Sushi rolls were good, though a bit expensive. Entree plates for non-sushi eaters were good as well! Longer than expected wait (nearly 30 minutes with a predicted 15 min wait from the hostess). Would go again!
(4)
K. H.

OK... My husband and I frequent Joss. The food is great. I know.. so why the bad rating?!? The service sucked! I don't know if they're hurting for help (shouldn't be... it's always packed)... but Megan was apathetic-- at least towards us. We started off by asking for a large (22 oz) Sapporo... and 2 glasses. We just figure, why order 2, and let them get warm! We just share, and order another! However, this apparently was a faux pas in her book, and we received poor service the rest of the evening. We always spend at least $100 on just the 2 of us, Kobe Beef tartare, sushi, etc... couldn't get a refill to save our lives. Asked for more wasabi when the sushi was brought out... finally had to walk up to the sushi bar and ask someone, because it was over 10 mins and she hadn't brought it. Her most attentive moment was when we put cash in the folio, to pay the bill... and she snatched it up immediately-- awkward! Most attentive she was toward us all evening. We wanted to see the manager on the way out, but he was slammed. Didn't want to make it any harder on him.
(2)
Scott L.

wife and I enjoy sashimi/sushi 3-4 time a week, mostly make at home Joss really impressed us, fresh and perfectly seasoned, quick wait staff (not necessarily knowledgeable about the products) but got the information from chefs, no problem at all, great atmosphere too
(5)
Wing K.

I went to Joss Cafe and Sushi Bar after a college football game in the evening around 7-ish with a group of 6 people. From a tables standpoint, not much as far as accommodation goes for large groups of people. The waitstaff seemed understaffed as there were a lot of customers there, but service seemed to take a bit of time. I get it, sushi needs prep. But its not like there are complicated sauces and difficult plating. The bathrooms are practically in a whole other connected building and considering the amount of people eating there (I'm not saying the food makes you go), but there are only two bathrooms and when I went to use it, it was 13 people long for both men and women. This does make sense though considering food is super overpriced so even if you did bring lots of people nobody would be able to afford a decent enough portion of food. Overall I think I got a bit lucky and chose a dish that at least seemed ok-ish as far as value which was the soft-shelled crab for about $14 which had an interesting spicy vinegar sauce. I also got some tempura which was a very tiny skant amount for the price. Others in my group had the same experience as far as insane pricing for little amounts of food. A person in my group got a kobe beef trio which was like $25 and it wasn't much food at all. Another person got roughly an equivalent dish in some kind of beef tartar which was similarly priced with a pitiful portion size. The food wasn't bad, it tasted good. The wasabi was good. I just wish I wouldn't have to pay an insane amount for such a small portion. I get it, seafood is expensive, but you could still have a section of non-seafood related items that are actually portioned for an adult. Maybe its a being from VA thing, but a single bite of food shouldn't cost $8 in my opinion especially considering the atmosphere isn't on the same caliber as similarly priced places with better portions. Its not like I'm asking for a sushi buffet. I am not a large guy. I'm 5'10 and weigh 158 lbs with clothes on, I don't need a ton of food but I would like to get full off $20. I'm not broke, I'm a single person with a middle class salary. I put not good for groups because unless you are a straight baller, most likely its unreasonable not to split the check because the way orders are taken and the bill is received it is not good for splitting easily with cards and cash. Its also not good for sharing food as easily despite being sushi which is made for sharing, because you don't know how much food it is and it turns out to be very little which you can't really share much with other people. Not sure what the bang-for-you-buck items are on the menu as everything is still somewhat heavily priced which is an interesting dichotomy considering neighborhoods in the area seem fairly broke. In any case, I should probably know better. If you go to an ethnic restaurant and the number of white people outnumber the number of people by which the food is based off of you should probably go elsewhere for a better experience. While this isn't the place for me, if you are used to paying an inordinate amount for small portions, than this might be the place for you. Also, I put "Good for Kids" because the portion sizes for the value are for children.
(3)
Milen T.

We should've gone to Nano- this place is not as good as yelpers rating. Sushi was dry, lots of rice, no fish. Rice is old and hard. Table outside needs lighting. Not recommended! Go to Nano!
(2)
Special K.

In one word...NO! What happened to this place? I mean, how HARD is it to consistently maintain mediocrity? We regularly order the same things and spend about $100 each time (3 people without alcohol) and the quality of the fish, how the sushi rice is cooked, the hot food from the kitchen, and the quantity are so inconsistent each time. And the last time (which was earlier this week), we have just about had it with Joss. -salmon sushi: the quality and the cut (really? a total rectangle?) was worse than the worst sushi buffet -conch sushi: tastes and chews like a rubber eraser -sweet shrimp (ama ebi): so stale, old, and stinky that it looked like the regular (cooked) shrimp (ebi) -sushi rice: so cold and hard (did they pack the rice down in a Tupperware, pressed the lid on, and then place the rice in the refrigerator over night?) -rice on the rolls: so soft and improperly rolled that the rolls just fell apart as soon as you grabbed them with chopsticks (did someone without fingers roll them?) -vegetable tempura: this time, the number of veggies decreased in half Meanwhile, these people continue to be stingy...extra ginger = $1, extra wasabi = $1, extra sauce of any kind = $1...even if you spend hundreds of dollars, and you are a regular, they've got to collect their extra dollars. It is true that there are very few options when it comes to sushi in Annapolis, but Joss shouldn't push their luck and take advantage of that (WAY OVERPRICED for the quality & quantity) and it's time for Annapolitans to demand better.
(1)
Cindy S.

Been going to Joss' Cafe for 10+ years. Quality of food as well as service is at an all time low. This was a top rated Sushi place for years. They need to realize, they have a lot of competition now, and step up their game.
(1)
Eve C.

Mmmmmmm we had a lovely dinner here tonight. Great service, fresh tasty fish. There's really nothing more to say.
(4)
Lily S.

If you're looking for the best sushi in Annapolis, this is THE place to go. I'm quite picky about sushi, I live in the DC area but if I want sushi, usually I will drive all the way out to Baltimore to my favorite place (Matsuri in Federal Hill) because I simply will only pay for the best. Maybe it's the proximity to the sea, but this place has very, very fresh fish. We got the yellowtail sashimi, fried shrimp sushi, spicy tuna sushi, and the dynamite sushi. The presentation was on point, the flavors were complex and combined wonderfully, but I was most impressed by the quality of the ingredients (seaweed, rice, and fish). I would highly recommend the yellowtail sashimi and fried shrimp sushi roll, I could eat these alone for an entire meal. Finally, if the patio is open, take seating outside at the patio. It's this beautiful outdoor seating area at the back of the restaurant with the right amount of trees, lighting, and soft jazz music playing in the background. I will definitely return to Joss when I'm in the mood for sushi and in Annapolis.
(5)
Lisanne B.

The food here was quite good...we had arrived in Annapolis rather late and went to Joss at 9:15... they close at 10. We were asked to order everything as it was last call... no problem there but no one asked if we wanted another drink or how the food was. I was a bit annoyed as we ordered a fair amount. The check was dropped with a take your time except I didn't think that they meant it I feel as though if you're open until ten, you figure that you seat until then and act accordingly. If you want everyone out by ten, then open until 9:30. Without that criticism, I'd give this place four stars because the food is really good.
(3)
John M.

Great food!! Once we had napkins, plates, and chopsticks, that took a bit and several reminders! Cool little court yard out back, beautiful day!
(4)
Christopher S.

It has been awhile since we dined at Joss. I liked the much needed addition to the original restaurant. The new space looked great. Service was very good. Some of those critical reviews may have awaken the management. Our server Tina was excellent. We ordered a variety of appetizers, soup, Sushi and hot entrees. Everything was perfectly prepared and tasted very good. I like this establishment. I find it comfortable and consistent, almost predictable. Good price/value relationship for Annapolis.
(4)
Daniel T.

I wen to Joss about a year ago to celebrate a friends birthday. We got a prime seat at the sushi bar where the chef gave us a detailed run down of all the specials and even let us have a sample of some of his new sushi creations. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive. I had a blast here and would definitely recommend it to any sushi lovers.
(5)
Ellce C.

You would think that being in Annapolis on the water that the sushi would be fresh, but alas... I ordered a sushi salad which would have been great if the fish didn't taste well fishy. The portion size was good with plenty of fish on top of a mix of rice, lettuce, cucumber, sesame seeds and ginger. But unfresh fish is unforgivable for a sushi place and hence the one star.
(1)
Drew P.

Sushi is good atmosphere is ok but the service is unbelievably bad which is typical for Annapolis. Sad because it could be way better if they just did something about the poor attitude and the "no exceptions" mentality. Been going here for years but doubt I will ever step foot in there again. Ordered some food to go for the millionth time and they forgot the lobster sauce so I had to go back. Got home and saw they didn't do what I asked for in regards to the appetizer (which they've done every other time I've been there) and when I called after already going back I was met with contempt and disdain. So if you do have an issue and the manager is named Jason ask to speak to someone else.
(1)
Meryl G.

Joss, you rock my sushi world! I love the sauces they use. They also have very creative appetizers and sushi rolls. I think that's the best part about this place. I have enjoyed the O Ebi Roll and The Chesapeake Roll (my personal favorite) combined with their knockout creamy spicy sauce. I also love the shrimp shumai with a really amazing chili vinegar sauce. I just had the Chilean Sunset roll which I liked alot. The only downside to this place is that the seats are sometimes pretty uncomfortable.
(5)
Katherine S.

The sushi itself is fine, but the Japanese food are not good nor authentic. I had shrimp temptation udon, I can tell the broth and noodle are from a convenient pack so it lacks proper texture. The shrimp is ok, but serve in wrong way, they don't have a proper tempura sauce either. The noodle came is pretty clay bowl, but the noodle spoon is plastic chinese soup spoon instead of ramen Woden spoon. It's so ironic like someone serve you food on golden plate but with disposable utensils. The owner is definitely not Japanese, probably not from countries used to be immigrated by japan either. Well, I guess that's already good enough in this area. I'm just a little disappointed that their food is not authentic as their decoration and serving plates.
(3)
Robert O.

This once great place is in need of serious management attention. Cold rice, 45 min wait in an empty place, rolls fell apart i When picked up. Very sorry to see. When we complained pseudo manager came over and told us we were wrong..
(2)
Hetax P.

Good sushi selections. Has amazing starter soups. Their pink ginger is calm in taste.. Just a great place to eat even for a first date or anniversary.
(4)
Garrett T.

Hands down the best sushi in annapolis by far. Go there probably 4-5 times a month and it just gets better and better. The valentine roll is my personal favorite plus great appetizers like the maguro poke, and the amberjack tataki. Also remember to try the crunchy ebi as that seems to be a crowd favorite. Sashimi is always fresh
(5)
Anie S.

Although my friend and I came in when it was very crowded, we were immediately seated and our food and drinks were served fairly quickly. Our waitress was wonderful and recommended the Beef Negimaki (which was delicious) and was very attentive. I would definitely recommend to anyone visiting Annapolis who like sushi or similar cuisine.
(5)
Kelsey G.

Service was horrible. Sushi was delicious. Passive servers, one of who complained about the patrons next to us, kept our drinks filled. We waited twenty plus minutes for edamame and seaweed salads. We waited over thirty minutes for our check and splitting the bill among our cards really pissed off our server as did our decision not to pay more than the tacked on 18% gratuity. They also charged us for the extra order of gyoza they brought to our table. aholes. But the sushi is enough for me to go back and give it another shot. Yummy California rolls with real crab.
(3)
Kenny F.

Mouse In Sushi I went to Joss Cafe tonight and got there shortly before the kitchen closed at 10 o'clock. I ordered sake and beer, which did not come for a long time, but I can forgive that. Probably because I was one of the last customers, the food I ordered arrived all at once, except for one dish they forgot. It was pretty obvious they were closing and I was the last person. The food was pretty good, but as I was getting ready to leave, I noticed a mouse running back and forth under the area directly below the refrigerated rails on which all the fish rests for the sushi chefs. I immediately called one of the sushi chefs over, and he and another person tried to catch the mouse. They were unsuccessful and the mouse disappeared into the kitchen. It was really disgusting, and my waiter said the same thing. I was standing up, ready to leave, but hadn't gotten my check. My waiter went to get it, and I thought they would offer to make some concessions, but no...I was presented with the check for the full amount of my dinner. I was pretty upset and asked the waiter whether he thought I should pay the full amount and he said he asked and they were not willing to make any adjustment. Frankly it wasn't a question of the money. To see a rodent running around right where the fish used to prepare my meal had been was pretty unsettling , and one would think the restaurant would want to make some gesture to show they understood. But they didn't, and to me that showed a surprising lack of regard for their customers. Unsanitary and uncaring. Needless to say, I'm not going back there. If that mouse had been seen by a health inspector I am sure it would be a problem.
(1)
Kenneth L.

After reading all the excellent reviews on Joss Cafe and Sushi Bar, I decided to give it a try. We ordered 4 rolls, the sushi that came out were extremely small. Come on, rice is not all that expensive! The tables beside us were asking if they had forgot about us, we waited for about 10 minutes to order and 30 minutes to receive our food. They kept on opening the backside door and it was windy and cold! The tables we had were so close to each other it felt like you were sitting next to strangers. I went with another friend and it felt like I was talking to 4 other people, 2 on each side. Overall the food was just okay but the experience was not favorable.
(2)
Betty M.

If this is the best of MD it doesn't say much for the rest of MD. Everything is mediocre at best and the lobster miso soup is horribly salty. Different? Yes. Good? Not quite.
(2)
Rinde K.

I've been eating at Joss for years and it seems to always get better. I love the new outdoor space and I finally don't feel like I'm on top of all of the other diners when I eat. And some of the special rolls are so yummy. Hands down, this is the best sushi in Annapolis. Plus, they now deliver! A bit pricey, but worth it.
(5)
Kasumi L.

Update: I miss the old layout of Joss. Before they renovated it was so unique, cute and cozy. Now it looks just like any other restaurant. The food still tastes amazing though, if not better than ever. Original review: What a great sushi place to have in the neighborhood! It's such a charming little place, reminds me of where a hobbit might go if they liked sushi. Random, I know... but really, it somehow feels smaller inside than most restaurants, which sounds unappealing, but it's just cozy and adorable. I've brought several of my friends here and they all loved it. It's a unique Japanese restaurant . More so than Nano down the street, which is good too, but seems more rigid and predictable. Joss has a lot of creative things on the menu (in addition to traditional options) that you wont find at most run of the mill Japanese restaurants. Some of my favorite things here include the tamago, which is my favorite thing to order at Joss, anything having to do with unagi, the wakame miso seaweed salad, the miso soup, the chirashi and the salmon sashimi or sushi. The avacado roll and umeshiso roll are also great. Would have given 5 stars if the fish was fresher.
(4)
Jennifer M.

Oh how I love Joss. I don't get there nearly enough. The crunchy ebi is just amazing. Service is always friendly and prompt, and with the expansion, things are really improved. Love this Main Street establishment!
(5)
E L.

Sashimi sampler - 4 stars 5 stars tuna appetizer - 3 stars (out of toro) Service - 4.5 stars
(4)
Jessica S.

Amazing atmosphere. Their hand rolls were delicious. They have a lot of hot and cold sake options. Our waitress was very knowledgeable on all of the Sake and made a very good recommendation.
(4)
Kelley K.

It's certainly not the BEST sushi in the world, but it's surely one of the best in DC. It was surprising to know that the fish is not local (pollution in Annapolis, anyone?). But where-ever they source their fish from, did a pretty good job getting fresh fish! Their takaki(sp) needs work in the flavor department. The ponsu/sesame oil combo wasn't too great tasting, but at least the fish is fresh.
(4)
Becky B.

Great hamachi. Great sake selection and great fresh lobster roll!!
(5)
Rick S.

We really liked this trendy restaurant on our vacation in Annapolis. The waitress was very helpful, providing the chop-sticks challenged in our party with 'fun chops,' and patiently answering our beginner questions. The only thing standing in the way of giving this 5 stars was the extent of California rolls on their assortment specials. Since they were special deals (i.e., lots of sushi for $10), I probably shouldn't complain, but it was in the other types of sushi that Joss really hit it out of the park. Namely, the saba hako, a Mackerel on top of rectangles of sushi rice, nicely seasoned with ginger and chives (?). A delicious way to fill up on your omega-3 acids. Honorable mention goes to the Red drum and salmon. Sitting out on the patio is recommended for a partially sunny day (though they do have umbrellas if it is very sunny).
(4)
Charles S.

Great spot and service. The sushi was good. Nothing spectacular.
(4)
Wen-fai F.

Small space but they do have two dining rooms! This restaurant was very accommodating to our large group of 13. The waitress was so nice about splitting up the bill. My only minor complaint is that the menus should be organized better, as it took us awhile to decide on everything as we all tried to huddle over the menu to check off which rolls we wanted. An important comment is that the rolls are quite cheap for what you get. As I remember, there were several maki rolls on the menu for $5-6. With ample drinks, rolls and appetizers, we each ended up paying $20, and that would have been significantly lowered if we didn't get any alcohol. Two in our group had never had sushi before, and our experience at Joss turned them into sushi lovers! :) In particular, the roll with shrimp tempura and any dish with eel was very memorable. If Joss were in Boston, I would be back every week!
(4)
Nikki A.

I wasn't very impressed. First of all, the soy sauce was the saltiest I have ever had. They said they use Kiyoko, but it was MUCH saltier than average. Secondly, my friend and I both got Eel rolls and they only gave us a teeny amount of sauce on it. We asked for more and and ended up getting charged $1 for it. Our waitress gave no indication of this whatsoever. Finally, we were splitting the check and we asked for $20 on one card and $16 on the other. They got mixed up. And I honestly didn't think the sushi was that good--we had salmon, yellowtail, the eel, a dynamite and a Chesapeake roll.
(2)
Kellysue H.

It was all right nothing great about it, but nothing bad either. The prices were ok as well. I would have to try it again to maybe really give it a fair review. Right now I would say it would be fine for lunch but not for anything special.
(3)
J T.

One word--mediocre. The food was tasteless and unpresentable. The decor was rather simple. I didn't get why it was so dim but possibly the purpose was to hide the uncleanly nature of the tables. The busboy cleared the table but failed to change the linens, which had stains incurred from the previous diner. The fish wasn't very fresh even though this place is near the dock and received four stars thus far. It was a massive disappointment for my insatiated hunger. If you want a good authentic sushi cuisine experience, you have a better chance at Edo Sushi in Baltimore.
(1)
Jessie P.

Delicious. I love the Futomaki. You could order the half roll (5 pieces) or the whole roll at a slight discount. I started with half, giving my stomach room for a sampling of other rolls and appetizers, but then went back to gorge myself on an order of the second half. Our server was sweet enough to just charge for one whole roll. The other dishes were great as well and reasonably priced. The menu is extensive. We stayed with the sushi side of things, but I imagine there's something for everyone. There are a lot of dishes pictured in the menu, which really helps. The atmosphere is definitely a bit loud and crowded even on a Wednesday evening, but it's cute and it suits it well.
(4)
Tedra W.

It was ok. The food wasn't the best sushi I had. We've tasted better. The end.
(2)
Sarah B.

DC really needs to get it together, and what I mean by that is that they need to kidnap some of the chefs from Joss and open up a restaurant for people in the district that can appreciate good sushi, fish, noodles, other Japanese fare. I am ridiculously picky when it comes to sushi, so I was very surprised at how much I actually liked the food at Joss. The sushi is fresh and did not need to be disguised in wasabi and soy sauce. When going out for sushi I generally stick to rolls and sashimi and never take a second look at the menu. Luckily my buddy suggested we get the raw beef marinated in lime and vinegar(?) and it was off the heezy fo' sheezy (that means it was rather delightful). Another gal that accompanied us ordered the spring rolls and while I did not try them, they were not only large and in charge, but by the mouth full of food smile on her face and the "mmm's" of deliciousness, I think it is fair to say that those too were pretty darn good. As for the joint itself, its rather small and a bit noisy, but that does not take away from the tastiness of the food. The staff was super nice and knowledgeable, and maintained an extreme amount of poise and patience when it took our threesome over 35 minutes to figure out what to order.
(4)
Tim H.

If you are in Annapolis and looking for sushi, Joss is the only place to go! Sushi is by far the best in Annapolis and the creamy spicy sauce puts it over the top. Only reason I refrain from giving it 5 stars is because the servers can come off as aloof. Their is a definite hipster vibe which if off-putting for me, but for the most part it is a very friendly place and is always delicious!
(4)
Star K.

This was a first time visit for me... A little too crowded, but hey, that's to be expected on a late Friday night. The Sushi was good, but the menu for a rookie sushi eater like myself was a little overwhelming. I'm used to the "commercial" sushi (like at Wholefoods, lol) where it's very simple to choose from :) Our server was very helpful with going over the menu w/ me. Either way, I'd definitely visit again.
(3)
Susie J.

If you normally order fried rice... tempura... basically cooked foods, than read no more. This review is all about their sushi. I would give this place two stars, maybe 2.5 stars, because it was mediocre at best... BUT, their uni bumped up the experience from being another total sushi excursion disappointment in the bay area. The uni was fresh and just as it should be- the butter of the sea. mmm.. However... To try a bit of everything & not cloud our judgement of Joss by the rave reviews that led us here, we ordered: Sushi an sashimi combo, amaebi, uni, a few rolls, toro thrice, and a a few other a la carte items. Everything was just so-so. Nothing extraordinary. The sashimi cut was all wrong but it wasn't an expectation. The wasabi was NOT hot- in fact I could stick a wad of it in my mouth before I felt a tingly sensation in my sinuses- closer to a would be sneeze than an official clearing. Sigh* Plus the wasabi mound was the size of my thumb nail- a ridiculously small amount. We tried the shrimp heads Duff of FN mentioned. They had a different taste than the usual shrimp heads we would get at any sushi spot. In this case, different was better- almost a slightly sweeter taste. But, by it's texture you could definitely tell it was fried earlier and not freshly yanked from piping oil; so it lost out on the delicate warm crispness I had anticipated. But I digress. Someone earlier said "beggars can't be choosers." I couldn't agree more. For the area, its alright. It would fix your needs; but by fix, I mean duct tape to a flat tire- temporary but nothing close to a real, satisfactory chopstick hand cramp caused by a variety of delectable swimmers. Would I come again? Not by choice.
(3)
Darren G.

This was the single worst sushi experience in my entire life. Holy crap I've eaten sushi in Lansing Michigan and its been better. This is the epitome of a downtown Annapolis tourist joint. It's a no. The 1 star is because the service was also bad. My lady and I made a rookie mistake dropping a couple of hundred bucks on nigiri in this joint. We should have stuck with a couple of rolls and then we would have been forewarned of the dry rice not properly seasoned, the barely legal fish, it was borderline off. Christ I have to say this was the worst. Even the misu soup tasted like out of a packet. God awful. I could eat decent sushi here in New York for the prices they charged. Holy mother of god don't eat here.
(1)
Dave S.

Been a long while since I ate at Joss -- the restaurant has expanded into an adjacent space and all my earlier comments about space are no longer relevant. Best sushi in Annapolis.
(4)
J W.

the 3 stars are for the wonderful 4 years we had with Joss when we first moved to the area until 2013 when we're finally done with it. we came here regularly before the expansion. always loved the food and the service, and didn't care that we paid over $100 (food only) for only 2 people every time we came here. we even made our non-sushi-loving friends come here at least once a month plus our regular visit almost once a week, thats how much we loved it! sadly, after the expansion, changes of management (at least 3 managers had worked there since the expansion), some old staff departing from the restaurant (Aaron for one, we loved his bubbly personalities!) and newly hired staff who didn't seem to be well-trained, we finally gave up on this place. it was like a sad and painful break-up. for instance, one time we were seated, but our server just disappeared for a long time before even taking our drink order, when she finally showed up, she brought food and drinks to tables near us and skipped our table. I'm pretty sure we didn't upset her since it was the first time we ever saw her there, and we'd been very generous tippers over the years at Joss. another time, when we asked for yuzu sauce, the staff was confused and didn't know what we were talking about. and there also had been times when our food was out, it was just seating there at the counter with lots of other staff around it chatting and walking by. by the time it was picked up by our server, it was already kinda cold. if you happen to be in DTA and want to give this place a try, go for it, and make sure to ask for Jackie if she still works there. but for me and my family, it's time to move on. you'll be missed, pre-expansion Joss.
(3)
Trey S.

BEST SUSHI IN THE WORLD! Seriously, the best. My wife and I have been eating at Joss since we were kids and there is no other place in the U.S. that compares. Try the Spring Roll.
(5)
Peter C.

They have grown sine I've been there! Larger dining room with curtious wait staff. Great sushi and sake collection. The sushi was very tasty. My only comment was that the nigiri had too much rice. This seems to be a common problem in America but still I feel that the food warranted the 4 stars. I will go there again.
(4)
Shanna E.

Really great, unique Asian food (not your typical American-Asian flavors) and an AMAZING dessert selection. My only complaint is that the restaurant is fairly big but there are only two bathroom stalls for the whole restaurant...I had to wait about 20 minutes!
(4)
George A.

I moved from Annapolis approximately 7 years ago, and it has been at least that long since I had visited Joss.....until last week. Everything was as fresh as I remembered it to be. The rolls are always prepared super fast and the sashimi is the freshest I can find in Maryland. The service was quick and efficient. For a weekday afternoon, they were pretty busy. If someone could just pick up this restaurant and move it to Harford County, I would be eternally grateful.....
(4)
Kalee C.

Best sushi I've ever had. The service was great and the variety and creativeness of the dishes were awesome. It's the kind of place that makes you want to try everything on the menu.
(5)
Suzzie T.

Joss use to be excellent. I've been away from Annapolis for a couple of years and was so excited to go back and bring friends. I saw the Yelp comments saying it's gone down hill since the expansion. I was hoping the bad news wasn't true - it was. The new extension looks nice - cool sushi bar and a nice patio in back. The sushi has gone down dramatically in quality. Service was still pretty good. Lost a lot of its authenticity with the expansion. Newcomers probably won't know the difference - it's now on par with the run of the mill sushi place - decent, but not great. Hopefully they'll find a way to return to excellent.
(2)
Yana M.

My experience with sushi in the greater DC has been extremely poor. With so much ethnic food and the oceanic coast so close, you would think that there would be an abundance of sushi places worth their salt. Joss is hands-down the best reasonably-priced sushi spot I have found in the DC area; better than Sashimi, Raku, or Koi. Their sweet shrimp rolls are the best - slightly sweet, perfectly fresh, and coated in some delectable delicate sauce. And their wasabi pork dumplings are absolutely delicious. They get crowded most nights, so I recommend reservations - but even the half hour wait is totally worth it!
(5)
Amanda K.

There are so many reviews, I won't subject anyone to another long-winded dissertation on the virtues of their sushi. It's all good. Every last piece (and I think i've tried just about everything). My only issues are a) the seating is close together which is a pet peeve of mine and b). their servers can be snarky and snippy. it sets me off sometimes. Also, their takeout has been wrong about 25% of the time.. which seems to be a high number to me.
(4)
Laura A.

Went here with a couple friends before catching a show at Ram's Head. Always a pleasure scooting into the tight tables, especially with good company! The SPEED at Joss is rockin - multiple rolls coming out a few minutes after we ordered them. Edamame almost instantly. Cold beer, hot sake, and great spicy sauce. I have to admit that when it comes to boring old spicy tuna roll - they do it right here. no mayonaise seeping out of the rice, just something hot and lots of chopped tuna. Spicy scallop roll was great too. We had a 3 round dinner and barely made the show in time! :) Can't wait to come back.
(5)
Russell R.

This is our favorite sushi restaurant in the Baltimore Annapolis area. We tend to go there with family on special occasions and have never been disappointed. The spicy tune, special rolls, sashimi, everything always are a treat. Because it tends to get busy we usually go a little early to make sure we don't have to wait. It gets a bit crowded and the back room tables aren't the most comfortable but I come there to eat great sushi and ignore the mediocre ambiance or the back room.
(4)
Nick W.

Hands down my favorite place for sushi in Annapolis. It was a sick obsession for a while. My wife and I would go once or twice a week. We knew it was bad when we started hanging out with the staff outside of the restaurant. But I guess that's a testament to how friendly they are and how great the food is. Really traditional fare, including tuna jaw... something you don't find a lot, but is absolutely delicious. It can get super packed, as the tables are packed in tighter than the rolls they serve, but it kind of adds to the atmosphere, and makes it that much easier to ask your neighbor "Oooh, what's that?!", and isn't that part of the fun anyway?
(5)
Casey F.

Best sushi I have had in a long time, only complaint is that the sushi chef was not flexible about substitions in rolls. I am a vegetarian, but that doesn't mean I just want to eat cucumber sushi. Still, what I had was very, very good sushi.
(4)
M K.

Joss has the best sushi in town, hands down and their newly renovated and much improved space makes for a great experience. Go for the specials. Always a treat.
(5)
Megan F.

Expensive and crowded - BUT totally worth it. Excellent sushi. Best in Annapolis for sure.
(5)
JR C.

Shrimp heads!
(5)
Ashley H.

Best food in Annapolis!!! I can't get enough! But the ambience ... Please redecorate.
(3)
Guy F.

All hail Joss, the king of Annapolis sushi. As a public service announcement: People who are used to Japanese sushi in Japan, please understand how smug it sounds when you write "It's no Japan, but....." You're not going to find better in Annapolis, it's pricey but good Sushi ain't cheap.
(5)
Blaine S.

Joss is awesome, best sushi around, really. The only reason it's not a 5 is it's small and sometimes the wait can be really Loooong! But we choose this first over other sushi joints and just go early. The spicy scallop roll is incredible (order 2, you'll thank me), and the staples (Tuna, Eel, yellowtail) are always fresh.
(4)
Charlene S.

A nasty staff member stood between the front dining area and the rear dining area and blew her nose--loudly for the entire hour I was there. I had our waiter pack our food and left!! Not bad tempura style sushi--that's all I eat. Scallop wontons were good. Great greetings and cozy feel, but really tight seating-small.
(3)
Christina N.

Have never found better sushi anywhere. Yes, it is small, yes, it can take a while on a weekend night to get seated, but it is always worth it. Spring Roll is the best! I have friends from college that drive over an hour to meet for dinner there once a month.
(5)
Abegail A.

Last time I went to Annapolis, I was looking at the menu they posted on their window and everyone who came outside said that this was the best sushi place in Annapolis, and some even said in MD. So, when I came back to Annapolis this weekend, I decided to give it a try. It might be the best in Annapolis (I've never tried any other sushi place in this city so I wouldn't know), but it definitely wasn't the best in MD, or the best sushi I've ever had at all (definitely doesn't come close the sushi I've had in San Diego or Los Angeles, CA). I thought it was just okay. We went on a Friday night, and the wait was about 35 minutes. We ended up ordering some drinks, and then sat in their waiting area upstairs (which was kind of weird...there was a couple of tables and several chairs up there and there was an awkward silence up there). After about two minutes of sitting down, we were told our table was ready. We didn't really wait at all...loved that! To start, we ordered the lobster seaweed salad and tuna sashima appetizer. The salad was good, but was pretty tiny (not enough to share w/another person) and the sashima was fresh. Then we ordered several rolls (asparagus and smoked salmon, dynamite roll, MD crab roll, and the spicy tuna roll). The prices were pretty cheap for sushi, and the quality definitely matched the price. I thought the first two rolls were okay, but didn't like the MD crab roll or spicy tuna roll at all. They make their spicy tuna a different way than I'm used to (they make their own spicy sauce), so I didn't like their sauce too much. Please skip the MD crab roll on your visit. Our waitress was very knowledgable and the service was quick. If it wasn't for good service, I'd give this place two or 2.5 stars. Next time I'm in Annapolis, I hope I'm not craving sushi if this is the best they got.
(3)
Bianca F.

In the DC metro area, this is the freshest fish I've been able to find in the area. Even my Japanese mother agrees. I also like their grilled squid in some sort of a teriyaki sauce. It used to be very packed place though the wait was tolerable. But now they expanded their space, which looks very nice (haven't tried the outdoor patio yet). Maybe it still needs work though because I feel like it's lost some of it's cozy atmosphere that made it like that special find on a side street in Japan. But as long as it keeps this place open, then I'm okay with the atmosphere.
(5)
Charles J.

I live almost two hours away from Joss and look for any excuse to drive to Annapolis to eat there for lunch or dinner. Joss is not only the best sushi restaurant in Annapolis, it is likely the best restaurant in Annapolis. I've heard this from many people who live in AA County and have eaten in many more restaurants in Annapolis than I have. The menu is comprehensive and diverse with many daily specials, some new items and many old favorites. There are plenty of items that satisfy those who prefer their food spicy and an equal number of items that are mild. Raw fish aficionados know that subtle things like the quality of the wasabi can add to a meal. Joss hits on all cylinders in the subtle and the sublime. The service is always first rate, you will never see a pimply faced neophyte server in Joss. Every server knows their menu, their fish, and their customers. They recognize first timers from old timers and treat everyone appropriately. Don't be concerned with cost comparisons. When you're looking for a memorable Japanese meal (there are oodles of cooked entrees and appetizers) just cast aside the cares and indulge. Joss Cafe is a great place to do that with no regrets.
(5)
Anne F.

I miss Joss now that I have moved to Boston. Where else can I find such excellent, fresh sushi? Where else can I find such imaginative New American and Japanese food? Where else can I find a decent wine selection in addition to a good beer and sake menu at a sushi restaurant? Where else can I find winking cat statues? That said, I don't think that Joss is as good as it used to be. While it is still the best sushi restaurant in Annapolis hands down, it is under new management and consequently does not update its menu as much as it used to. There are three separate menus given upon arrival - one regular menu, one specials menu, and a drink/dessert menu. The specials menu is really just another part of the regular menu as it has not changed for an entire year, if not more. Still go and enjoy the sushi and extensive hot menu. The pumpkin cheesecake is to die for. I just hope that Joss does not go downhill any further than it has. Favorites? Try the Poke roll and the hand rolls.
(4)
Shanna R.

My husband and I frequented this place for years, as the quality was typically pretty solid and it was just a few doors down from our apartment. The service, however, is absolutely horrible. I have never been treated so rudely as I was there. On our last visit we waited on the cramped ramp in the middle of the restaurant for over an hour for a table. Finally we were seated and our server took our drink order. Right after our drinks arrived, the host came up to our table with a mortified-looking couple in tow and said, I kid you not, "You're going to have to get up." I said "Excuse me?" and the host explained that this couple was ahead of us in line and he called their name but they didn't answer so he called ours. They had apparently gone outside and when they came in they asked about their table. The host thought that the proper thing to do was kick us our of our table. I asked why he couldn't give them the next available table, especially considering that we had our drinks and were already filling out the sushi ordering menu. The host just reiterated himself that we needed to give our table to this other couple. We asked to speak to the manager and he just pointed across the restaurant at her. We told the manager (who I believe is the owner) what the host had said to us, and calmly told her that we really didn't think that was acceptable. Her response: "I don't know what kind of list he keeps. I can't do anything about that." We then told her we were leaving, and she told us we needed to pay for the drinks we ordered (but did not get to drink because we were forced out of our table). We've never been back, and never will go back.
(1)
Abby K.

As far as sushi places go, Joss is fine. They have all the typical offerings, but their menu was a bit confusing. It seemed like they had a lot of options but I just wish it had been better organized. Their salad dressing on the traditional green salad is super lemony.. I LOVE the traditional ginger dressing that most japanese restaurants have, so I was a little bummed. All the people that I was with enjoyed their meals though, and the service was good. Definitely fine as far as japanese restaurants go. Also, I think that they recently expanded into the neighboring store, so there is plenty of room.
(3)
Gloria F.

Chesapeake roll, seaweed salad....oh and I must mention the EEL WRAP mentioned under appetizers!!! Best sushi ever.
(5)
L W.

I am a big sushi lover from CA where the sushi experience is well...unmatched. This was a most disappointing experience. Nothing I tried was palatable. Tried it based on yelp reviews. I won't be returning.
(1)
Jeffrey S.

Joss is now three times its former size and the noise is deafening - so loud and unpleasant we couldn't carry on a normal conversation across the table. The sushi is still good, but be prepared to eat and shout to your spouse or companion less than three feet away. Joss desperately needs help to dampen the horrible acoustic unpleasantness of its newly expanded space.
(2)
P C.

I can see what all the fuss is about. The place is crowded and chefs keep yelling "oy" to let the wait staff know of new arrivals. Friendly and attentive staff, great prices and a decent wine/ alcohol list. There are a lot of things that the place has going for it. But the best part of the experience is the food. Amazingly fresh and smack your chopsticks delicious. Will definitely visit again.
(5)
Matt L.

Waitress was awful. There were problems with our meal and she didn't care. Sushi roll descriptions sounded exotic and unique, but they had no flavor. I eat sushi weekly. Nothings is more disappointing than spending over $65 before alcohol for two meals to leave disappointed.
(2)
Matt R.

Great place to bring Sushi virgins. The servers are knowledgable and creative. Sushi is fresh and very delicious. Lots of stuff you won't find at a run-of-the-mill joint. Definitely visit here.
(4)
Jeremy H.

I think sushi restaurants -- especially those of Joss's reputation -- should be judged on the basics. Not crazy rolls, swimming in mayo and crunchies, but straight up nigiri and sashimi. Wow, were we disappointed. The toro at 12 dollars was pure grissle. Couldn't even chew it. Had to spit out and ask for refund. The fish was sliced as if with a butter knife. Thick, wide, clumsy pieces of fish that were either inedible (the toro and also the anago which was as dry and chewy as shoe leather) or really mediocre (the hamachi, kanpachi, uni). What's all the fuss about? Yuck.
(1)
Scotto B.

This is without a doubt *the* place to get tasty sushi if you are in the area... or even outside of it, and willing to make a trip to go get some. The wait can be long because there is limited seating, but the food more than makes up for it. Plan on $40 or more for two people if you plan on sampling sushi rolls. Plan on $60 if you're a pair of hungry newlyweds that really like sushi. I've heard that the appetizers and non-sushi food is quite good, but why bother? The sushi is plentiful and delicious - that other filler will just take up valuable tummy real estate! I would recommend their tempura shrimp roll - mmm mmm good. Chesapeake roll and crunchy lobster roll are also great standby faves. Possibly my only complaint is the Conch - it has to travel a bit to get to Maryland, and sometimes the travel-factor can result in a more "fishy" vibe than necessary. As a whole the seafood is quite fresh, however. Every time I've gone, the staff has been friendly, informative and swift to refill my kettle of green tea.
(5)
Patapsco M.

Awesome and extraordinarily consistent sushi. I've eaten here once a month or so for the last 10 years. Always for lunch, as it's a short walk from where I work. I've never, ever had a bad or even mediocre experience. The prices are very good for lunch, the fish is always the perfect temperature, and the seaweed salad is the best I've ever eaten. I highly, highly recommend getting the "sushi assortment." Ask to replace the OK green salad with the crunchtastic seaweed salad, and get a roll off the a la carte menu. It will only set you back $25 incuding tip, and you will not go away hungry. The urimaki roll is phenomenal, as are pretty much all the rolls I've tried. The service is almost always solid, but the place does get packed.
(5)
Peter U.

Great sushi! Great service! Great prices!
(5)
Dave W.

Joss is hands down my favorite sushi places. The atmosphere is great and the food is better. The only down side is that it can be a bit cramped. The food is always awesome though!
(5)
Melissa G.

The first place I ever went to eat in Maryland was Joss and that was 14 years ago. I still love Joss, I just don't get there as much as I'd like since I live in Los Angeles. Now, Los Angeles is a sushi mecca.... I'm talking about blocks with 5+ sushi places on it. I'm talking Nobu, Matsuhisa, Katsu-Ya, Sushi Ike, etc. Most of the great sushi places can be found in LA, but one can also be found in Annapolis. I think Joss is all about the fresh spring rolls.... or maybe I'm all about the Spring Rolls! I could eat three of these.... they're THAT good. The creamy spicy sauce is delicious and definitely one of a kind. I have yet to find a place in LA where the creamy spicy sauce comes even close. The rolls are good -- I even created my own... aptly named "The Melissa Handroll" which is, Shrimp Tempura, Asparagus and Creamy Spicy Sauce..... I admit I got the idea from eating at Matsuhisa as a kid but I'll tell you the Melissa Handroll is DAMN GOOD. Lastly, the tempura bananas. How did they get so good? Just save room for them, they're worth it!
(5)
Tim M.

I've been here a handful of times. The sushi is fine, although their rolls all tend to taste the same and nothing really stands out. I have ordered from the regular menu and have not been impressed. The tables are cramped to the point of discomfort but I understand they are renovating soon so maybe that will get better. I know the shouting when people arrive is a Japanese thing but on a busy night when there is a constant flow of customers going in and out this loses it's charm very quickly.
(2)
Daniel T.

A great place for good, fresh sushi. You can't get much better, especially in Annapolis, MD.
(4)
RB B.

OMG!!! A family friend from Baltimore recommended this place to us. I had never been to Annapolis, and I didn't feel like just walking into some random place. The fatty tuna was so rich and delicious (and they're nice enough to put the price on the menu rather than listing "market price," so you're not ordering something that can be super over priced.) The spicy tuna roll was made with huge chunks of tuna and a tad of mayo, which I consider to be premium. The crunchy spicy scallop rice was amaaaazing. The avocado and cucumber salad we started with was refreshing and delicious; the avocado perfectly ripe. Our server was incredibly attentive and patient as I asked him his opinion about several rolls. The place is really cute, and no attempt to rush us out.
(5)
Jessica P.

Delicious and well worth the price, this little hole in the wall literally is the best in downtown. You go to Tsunami for it's great bartenders that make a mean Espresso Martini and their fried bananas and ginger ice cream. You go to Joss for the sushi and other delectables. Unfortunately, if you are clostrophobic this is not the place for you. I am not but, I felt so close to the old lady next to me, I might as well stretch out and lay down...you are literally on people..they should seriously expand then they could accomidate all of the walk-ins being the best in downtown
(3)
Andrew C.

I hate to be a wet blanket but I just want to give some of these reviews some balance. Yes, sushi is fine and some good dishes. Aside from that you should know they shout the traditional Japanese welcome every time someone comes in the door. So if you are unfortunate enough to sit in the front part of the restaurant you will hear this jolting welcome a lot. The staff seems to get pleasure doing it loud enough to startle you. It's very small and waiting for a table is uncomfortable and awkward. Staff is friendly enough but can be slow.
(2)
Graham T.

Best sushi in Annapolis. And make sure you get there early to get a table or you will be waiting a LONG time. I live out of the area now and try and get to Main Street once a year to eat at Joss.
(5)
Vegetarian Diner A.

OK place, but very tight quarters. Try the back of the place for more elbow room. Food is decent, but limited for a vegetarian- the miso soup and other items are made with animal products. Service has declined over the years. There are better places.
(2)
MiniVan D.

I came across this place when I saw Doff from "Ace of Cakes" said this place had really good sushi, and I really wanted to try the shrimp heads. Me and my friend went there, looked packed and thought it was gonna be a great dinner. We ordered alot of sushi and some specials slike the toro toro toro and to be honest, I wasn't impressed. I've tasted better sushi then that, I think thats why I'm picky but
(2)
Reid M.

I suppose the food here is fairly decent, but I cant get past the factory like attitude of customer in customer out. There was little personal feel to the place. Additionally, if you have young children who might need a high chair then you are plain out of luck. Not my favorite....try nana two stores down.
(2)
Jay P.

Read everbodies reviews, so we gave it a shot. Seaweed salad is great! Their shrimp tempura rolls are huge!! Staff acknowledges new customers entering, with something that sounds like "OOUUIII! Everyone says "Thanks and goodbye" as you leave.
(4)
Matthew K.

I've debated on giving it a 2 or a 3. If I judged it on food alone, I would probably give it a 3-3.5, but a restaurant is about the whole dining experience. Went on the recommendation of an acquaintence, and it was definitely over-rated. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad, but I think I would've been more satisfied if it wasn't hyped up as it was. First, the list of specials that weren't on the menu - annoying! The waitress started rambling off a couple, and got tired, and asked us if we wanted her to keep on going. When we said yes, she had to narrow down to ask what kinds of fish we were interested it, and then gave us a couple of specials from that. write it down, so I know what I can choose from. From that, we got confused and ordered an special item that turned out to be a roll, instead of handroll, giving us with a lot of extra food. The menu's built in sushi/sashimi combos were insufficient, and the list of rolls they had were insufficient. The whole ordering process left me a little frustrated so that I didn't enjoy the rest of my meal as much. we ended up getting a spicy combo from the regular menu, a couple rolls from the rolls menu, and a couple of specials that our waitress told us about. the fish itself was fresh. I did get a kobe beef roll from the specials, which was good, but left me wanting more of the kobe flavor, and not so much of the marinade/seasoning they doused it with. the I was pretty disappointed with the eel roll. that and the screaming baby nearby... left me with an evening that wasn't that great, but left me full.
(2)
tracey s.

I have been to Joss once and ordered take-out about 6 times! For such a small town, I never expected to find such good sushi! I have to suggest asking for the creamy spicy sauce instead of the chili sauce in the spicy tuna rolls - much better! (get a little side of the sauce too - to dip!)
(5)
Daniel T.

I wen to Joss about a year ago to celebrate a friends birthday. We got a prime seat at the sushi bar where the chef gave us a detailed run down of all the specials and even let us have a sample of some of his new sushi creations. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive. I had a blast here and would definitely recommend it to any sushi lovers.
(5)
Anna V.

My friend and I ordered the shrimp tempura and the chicken teriyaki to share. Sharing is always good because you can eat two diffetent things. So we asked the easier for spoon for the tempuras dipping sauce. The waiter gave us the spoon and told us that the side is for dipping that's why they don't usually bring a soon out. I thought that was unnecessary to even say because my friend and I were sharing and we didn't want to double dip. It gets weirder with our easier. When we asked to have our leftovers packed, he told us that when he takes it to the bank kitchen to pack, they use the same utensil as prepping for the sushi so basically it's best if we pack it ourselves because we can use our utensils because our food might get the raw stuff on it from the utensils. Overall, the food is good. It's just the experience with the waiter was not good.
(4)
Sydney F.

I have to say, I have some mixed emotions about Joss. I have a bit of a soft spot for this restaurant, being that it's where my boyfriend and I had our first date. Because of that, I feel the need to give it "another try", but my experience always seems to fall short. I am someone who enjoys having a side of spicy mayonnaise with my sushi. Most all sushi places I've been to has this condiment, and is happy to serve it to me. And if they don't have it, the politely let me know. For whatever reason, I get the weird impression that Joss employees are stingy with their spicy mayonnaise. One time I asked my waitress for some, and her response was "umm.....sure..." as if she wasn't sure how I even knew they had any. This happened to me a couple times. The last time I'd been there, my friend and I asked our waiter for some, he gave us the same response, and then "forgot" to bring it to us. After a good 10 minutes, he brought us the spicy mayo. We later got the nice surprise that Joss now charges for a small little side of spicy mayonnaise. Call me a cheapskate, but I don't see the big ordeal. Are they hoarding it or something? I'm not sure, but I think I'd rather take my business a couple doors down to Nano where I think their sushi is better anyways. And they don't hoard their condiments.
(3)
Jessie C.

Food was good, service was awesome. Don't remember his name, but it was the redhead guy. Honestly when I go places a good server will make or break the meal. Didn't like the saba shisho roll (I think I butchered that spelling) but it really wasn't my taste anyway. Everything else was awesome. Spicy tuna melts in your mouth and you have to try the dumplings!
(5)
Rachel L.

I was in Annapolis meeting a friend for dinner and since it was a little on the later side, we were in the mood for something a little light. I suggested sushi and my friend was responsible for picking the place. My friend knows about my slight Food Network obsession and took me to Joss Sushi. Joss was featured on The Best Thing I Ever Ate for their fried shrimp heads. I personally don't eat shrimp so I didn't try this, but it was still cool to go to a restaurant recommended by a professional chef. My friend decided to start with the Seaweed Salad. It was incredibly light and fresh and a great way to start the meal. I decided to begin with a Miso Soup, even though the days are finally getting warmer, at Japanese restaurants miso soup is one of my favorite things. The miso soup at Joss was very good, not too salty like it can be some places. My friend and I decided to split three rolls of sushi between the two of us. We ordered a Spicy Tuna Roll with Avocado, a Spicy Salmon Roll with Avocado, and a Crunchy Scallop Roll. The fish was incredibly fresh, which is possibly the most important thing when ordering sushi. I loved the spicy tuna and the spicy salmon, unfortunately my friend did not because they were too spicy for her. She really enjoyed her scallop roll though which included deep fried scallops which she said were cooked perfectly. If you're looking for excellent, fresh sushi in Annapolis, look no further than Joss Sushi. I'm sure you won't be disappointed!
(4)
Ben W.

Have always loved the food here and have enjoyed great service. I was surprised tonight when I found out they do not accept military IDs. Disappointed and slightly offended to say the least.
(1)
Kevin M.

Big servings but some dishes were hit and miss. The service was good. Overall probably 3.5 stars. No complaints but had better.
(3)
Ryan H.

Best sushie in Downtown Annapolis. Waitress was nice, and the food was delicious, and at a good price. My only complaint would be that the wait time seemed a little longer than it could have been.
(4)
Alesia M.

Try the Yuba dumplings. Delicious! We also enjoyed the salmon negiri. Sushi rolls are excellent. The tempura and grilled banana dessert is creative and yummy.
(5)
Emily M.

Spicy tuna roll and rock n' roll rolls were excellent. Great atmosphere and great prices.
(5)
Lisanne B.

The food here was quite good...we had arrived in Annapolis rather late and went to Joss at 9:15... they close at 10. We were asked to order everything as it was last call... no problem there but no one asked if we wanted another drink or how the food was. I was a bit annoyed as we ordered a fair amount. The check was dropped with a take your time except I didn't think that they meant it I feel as though if you're open until ten, you figure that you seat until then and act accordingly. If you want everyone out by ten, then open until 9:30. Without that criticism, I'd give this place four stars because the food is really good.
(3)
AsianZing L.

DESERVES ZERO STARS!! So, the first time I went to Joss to celebrate my birthday about 3 years ago, it lived up to all of the wonderful Yelp hype. Fast forward to last night. My boyfriend and I went to Joss to celebrate a friend's birthday, and I was excited since I hadn't been there in so long. Joss was disappointing to say the least. First, they didn't seat our group until 40 minutes after we arrived; (we had called days ahead and made a reservation). Then, my friend, the birthday boy, asked to have our sushi on a boat; the waiter said that wasn't a problem since we had ordered more than enough sushi. Sushi came...no boat. I suppose this isn't a big deal, except on your birthday, it's the one day you should get what you want! Now, onto the sushi. It was DISGUSTING. My boyfriend and I ordered 6 rolls: spicy tuna, eel, firecracker, spicy scallop, dynamite, and one I cannot remember. Except for the spicy scallop, all the rolls tasted the same: excessive bad rice, mushy ingredients, and the fish did not taste fresh. There was no differentiation in taste among any of the rolls. My boyfriend said it was the worst sushi he's ever tasted, and I have to agree. However, all of the above wasn't even the worst part. After we received and split the bill, I included the gratuity on my credit card and wrote "included" on the tip line of the credit card receipt. I then went to the bathroom before we left the restaurant, and right when I walked out, the waiter, (Stephen L, I believe was his name), jumped me and grilled me about the tip I left him, and what "included" meant. I explained it to him 3 times before he finally let it go. My group was waiting for me and said they'd been questioned by him about the tips they left, too. (Note: we must have been his last table and he must've immediately celebrated our leaving because we all agreed he reeked of beer.) But wait, there's more!!! As if his gauche, egregious behavior wasn't already more than enough, the birthday but realized about 5 minutes after leaving the restaurant that he left his birthday cards at the table. He went back and got them...MINUS the gift cards that were included! The server STOLE my friend's gift cards!!! When confronted, server lied and said he didn't do it, and then my friend got the manager involved. The MANAGER did NOT care whatsoever!!!! Magically, after more questioning and arguing the server "found" the gift cards and returned them. UNBELIEVABLE and UNACCEPTABLE behavior. So, if you want over-priced, disgusting sushi, a server that gets drunk and hassles you about the tip you generously left him, a place where you have to worry about getting stolen from, and a completely apathetic manager, by all means visit Joss Sushi in Annapolis.
(1)
Veronica L.

Came here for my first time tonight with my brother. We got here around 7p and I will say, especially for a Tuesday, the place was packed. We sat at the sushi bar and our server was Cindy. She was very friendly and helpful. She gave us wonderful suggestions on what we should order for sushi and drinks. I thought the Mainstreet roll was the best. The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the crab wonton.
(5)
Alayah H.

The waitress, Rachel, was very rude when we thought that she mistakenly put crunchy ebi roll on the bill. Instead of explains it nicely to the customers, she became rude and snarky.
(3)
Karen F.

Some of the best maki I have ever had with fresh soft rice - not too sticky, not warm, not cold, not hard, not too vinegary. The shrimp tempure rolls is simple (shrimp tempura - no avocado, no cuke) and PERFECT. Fresh Cali rolls with REAL crab (not that crab-kani-stick crap!) are worth it! House-made Tamago!!!! (Oh yeah!) The tempura is good- a little bit greasy - but they had Kobocha Squash (Pumpkin), Yam and Sweet potato (all similar and all great) and GREEN BEANS! Excellent service and delicious miso soup. (The 9 year old was feeling a it tuckered out and this perked her right up.) Expensive soft drinks. (8 oz diet coke in a glass bottle was like - REALLY?? 8 ounces is not very much, you know!) There are better joints in NY, LA and Lahaina, but for Annapolis? This place ROCKS!
(4)
Sierra W.

I really wasn't impressed with Joss, which I found surprising because all of my friends recommend it so highly. I found my server to be really brusque and unpleasant, the rolls I got all tasted the same with very little distinction and the overwhelming taste of sesame seed, and I tried some of my friend's yuba dumplings, which I thought were really not very good. All in all, I don't think I'd come back when there are so many other options in Annapolis for sushi!
(2)
Katherine H.

My fave sushi joint in the DMV--it's a bit of a hike out to Annapolis from NW DC (Ok, I'm just that lazy), but sometime's it's worth it. Can't believe I only have one "check-in" as I've eaten here at least twice in the last 5 mos. Which is a lot considering the distance. What to get--you can get the off-the-menu shrimp heads, or anything. Seriously--the rolls, sashimi, etc. are all delish. I wish I could be more specific but I've yet to have a bad dish here. Recently, we had the poke roll. It was a play on poke (generally tuna chopped, roe, and some spicy sauce--I've been craving it since Hawaii)--wrapped in lettuce and rice wrap. It was delightful, though I wished for more poke.
(4)
Cheryl J.

Way over priced!! My meal was not worth $42! But I did order super fatty toro at $18 for 2 pieces. I must be going through sashimi withdrawal to spend that kind of money. The super toro was not as tender as expected. It didn't melt in my mouth. I found myself chewing and chewing. I know what toro looks like, but the experience was totally different than I'm used to. The Spicy Tuna in the little cucumber cup was way too spicy for me. I did a take out order so i even added a little mayonnaise to try to dilute the spice. It worked just a little bit I should have just rinsed off the spice rub that was on it. It taste like they use some sort of super spice dry rub instead of sriracha sauce. I may come back to try something else, but there are so many other favorite sushi restaurants in my area that's better quality and better priced. I do like their extensive a la carte sushi/sashimi menu.
(3)
Billy H.

I myself have never tasted or had the desire to have sushi until a friend brought me to joss. We ordered the crunchy ebi rolls which were amazing. I enjoyed the food a ton. If you are going for the food it's all worth it. A few things though. The seating is so packed together it is hard to have an easy enjoyable conversation when you can hear exactly what the two tables next to you are saying because they are only 2 feet away. Waiter outfits are just not very flattering. OH WAIT and the fact that they decide to close for 3 hours during the day, about 230-530 if I'm not mistaken. And that just blows. I've probably tried to go to kiss 3-4 times and nope I get there at 3ish and... Closed. Guess no sushi for me.
(4)
Sarah D.

Food was good. Large variety on menu. Avocado and tuna salad was delicious, a great wasabi cream sauce. Sushi rolls were good, though a bit expensive. Entree plates for non-sushi eaters were good as well! Longer than expected wait (nearly 30 minutes with a predicted 15 min wait from the hostess). Would go again!
(4)
K. H.

OK... My husband and I frequent Joss. The food is great. I know.. so why the bad rating?!? The service sucked! I don't know if they're hurting for help (shouldn't be... it's always packed)... but Megan was apathetic-- at least towards us. We started off by asking for a large (22 oz) Sapporo... and 2 glasses. We just figure, why order 2, and let them get warm! We just share, and order another! However, this apparently was a faux pas in her book, and we received poor service the rest of the evening. We always spend at least $100 on just the 2 of us, Kobe Beef tartare, sushi, etc... couldn't get a refill to save our lives. Asked for more wasabi when the sushi was brought out... finally had to walk up to the sushi bar and ask someone, because it was over 10 mins and she hadn't brought it. Her most attentive moment was when we put cash in the folio, to pay the bill... and she snatched it up immediately-- awkward! Most attentive she was toward us all evening. We wanted to see the manager on the way out, but he was slammed. Didn't want to make it any harder on him.
(2)
Scott L.

wife and I enjoy sashimi/sushi 3-4 time a week, mostly make at home Joss really impressed us, fresh and perfectly seasoned, quick wait staff (not necessarily knowledgeable about the products) but got the information from chefs, no problem at all, great atmosphere too
(5)
John M.

Great food!! Once we had napkins, plates, and chopsticks, that took a bit and several reminders! Cool little court yard out back, beautiful day!
(4)
Nick H.

For the price, I definitely expected something more quality and refined. I came to this restaurant only twice so obviously this is in no way a comprehensive review. I'm sure they offer many great dishes that I haven't tried. Unfortunately, in both of my two visits, the food was average, if not mediocre. The first time, I ordered the sashimi combo because I love raw fish. The salmon tasted great, but the rest of the dish was simply tasteless, especially the squid and tuna. Sashimi garnish was also scarce; they should include a lot more herbs and radish. Presentation was good. The second time around I ordered some dumplings and an unagi bowl. The dumplings tasted like food out of the frozen section. The miso sauce accompanying it was too salty. The eel was delicious and well-executed but they went too far with the teriyaki sauce, it made the rice basically inedible. I haven't given up my hope for this restaurant yet; but they need to really look for ways to amend their menu - basically to get rid of crappy items. The look of a Japanese restaurant is definitely there; the spirit of it however is devoid.
(2)
Mike S.

I was passing through town, read the good yelp reviews for Joss Cafe, and thought I'd give it a shot. Ate at the sushi bar on a lively night there. Tried a few rolls - they were all very fresh and well prepared. Service was friendly and the price is about right. I thought it was fun that restaurant staff yelled something that I couldn't quite understand as each table left the restaurant.
(4)
Neal E.

This is a sushi joint you don't want to miss! The time we went to eat - we were told there would be a 15 - 20 minute wait - but in actuality, we only waited 5 minutes before being seated. The place was very crowded on a Friday evening - and everyone looked like they were very happy to be at Joss'. Everything we ordered was wonderful! We started with the Miso soup and Edamame, and then an order of the Poki, and then the main course - a selection of sushi and sashimi. We ordered a selection of rolls - some with raw fish - some with none, as well as nigiri scallops, tuna, and salmon. My girlfriend had never tried raw fish before and was somewhat apprehensive. But some careful thought about what to introduce to her - in consultation with our waiter - resulted in a home run! She liked the Poki and enjoyed the raw tuna rolls as well as the raw scallops. We will definitely be back and drag all of our friends along!
(5)
Michael R.

I wrote a 5 star review the first time I came here, but felt the need to make an updated review since last time. The food was still superb; hostess very friendly. The problem was our waitress. It was one of the worst dining experiences I've ever had. She wasn't downright rude, but I think standoffish would probably be the right term. She seemed like she wasn't really interested in being there or doing her job. She later spilled my brother-in-law's beer all over my sister. She never once said sorry or showed any degree of regret. Plenty of beer was spilt, but there was no free beer to replace that one. The beer wasn't taken off the check. Like I said though, the biggest issue was that she didn't even apologize. I realize mistakes happen but own up to them. I'm not going to give you less of a tip for making an honest mistake if you handle it well. She didn't.
(2)
PC W.

Joss was excellent. We got a cute little window seat right in the front of the restaurant. Their lunch special runs on Saturday too so we each took advantage of that. Miso and salad was included so we started with that. My friend started with the wasabi pork dumplings and had the beef negamaki (it was thin beef wrapped around scallions in a teriyaki sauce with yummy grilled summer squash and cucumbers) for entree, both of which were pretty good. The beef negamaki was priced at $7.95 during the lunch special. For appetizer, my bf had Toro, Toro, Toro which was amazing . It was fatty tuna prepared three ways and presented beautifully in 3 separate "spoons". First was toro in a spicy sauce (two thumbs up), next was cooked toro in ponzu sauce (I liked it, my bf didn't care for it) and last was just plain, raw fatty tuna (heavenly!). I had the Ebi four ways (shrimp cooked 4 ways) for my appetizer - all of these you can get a la carte. The first was an Ebi stick and that was by far my favorite. It's a long shrimp stick wrapped in spring roll paper and fried - it comes with a yummy plum sauce for dipping. I am definitely getting that again next time. Second up was a shrimp wonton which was just that - a shrimp embedded in a deep friend wonton. 3rd was the shrimp tempura which my bf really enjoyed so I left him have 2/3 of it (in exchange for more toro). Lastly were two shrimps breaded in panko (Japanese breadcrumb) and deep fried. That ebi platter hit the spot. We then split the Sushi & Sashimi combo from the lunch menu - $12.95, what a deal. You get 8 slices of sashimi (2 of each fish - salmon, tuna and two types of white fish), 4 nigiri and 8 pieces of california roll. The quality was very good especially for the salmon and tuna. Oh and I cannot forget that they served mochi! For $4.95, I got 6 mini and I mean teeny tiny mochi so it was a rip off but I've never had vanilla and chocolate mochi. They have those two flavors and green tea mochi. At most restaurants you can get 2 full size mochi for $5 and here the 6 mini mochi did not equal the size of 1 full size mochi. I was just happy to have mochi so I won't hold it against them. I highly recommend ordering off the sushi bar menu which is where we got the Toro, Toro,Toro and the Ebi dish. They're specialty offerings that you might not find anywhere else. They're pricey but that was the best part of our meal.
(5)
Neha S.

I ate my first morsel of sushi here nearly 8 years ago and at that point I knew that I had found the food of the gods! I live in DC.. my husband and I love to drive to annapolis to eat at Joss and spend the day sitting lazing about on the boardwalk with gelato. What I like about joss is the family type atmosphere.. friendly service, great food and very reasonable prices. Even though the place is tiny and you sit at close quarters with other diners, I still think the joss experience is great. I will keep coming back!
(4)
Bobby F.

I just have to laugh when I think about eating at this place. You are squeezed into a table, when I mean squeezed I mean you can hear every word of conversations on both sides of you. The sushi was horrible, first of all when I pick up a roll it should not completely fall apart!!!! I looked to see who was making the sushi behind the counter and lets just put it this way, they were not sushi chefs. I got up to go to the restroom and let me tell you between the maze of trying to find out where you are going and the staff that just lingers in front of you, I was ready to leave. Honestly, the worst sushi I have ever had. No TASTE whatsoever!!!! To add insult to injury, a former moron coworker told me that he and his wife found the best sushi place ever, as he was talking to me I was saying to myself if he says Joss's he's more of an idiot than I thought. No sooner did I think that then the words came out of his mouth, "Joss's on Main Street in Annapolis". The only reason I will give this place 1 star it because the service was good and I am not completely oblivious to servers who are hard workers. I think I still left her 25% tip.
(1)
Misty D.

Still probably my fave spot in Annapolis. Been going here since it was just a little hole in the wall. The lunch specials can't be beat--many choices under $10 and most include soup and salad. For the kids: there is no dedicated kids' menu, but the chefs are happy to put something together for them. Chickadee has gotten the steamed rice with avocado slices on top ($3). She's also had kids' portions of chicken or tofu teriyaki. There's only one booster seat here (last time I dined in), so you may want to lug your own portable chair. Although there's not a changing table, there's plenty of space near the restrooms upstairs for mom or dad to change bebe.
(4)
Christopher S.

It has been awhile since we dined at Joss. I liked the much needed addition to the original restaurant. The new space looked great. Service was very good. Some of those critical reviews may have awaken the management. Our server Tina was excellent. We ordered a variety of appetizers, soup, Sushi and hot entrees. Everything was perfectly prepared and tasted very good. I like this establishment. I find it comfortable and consistent, almost predictable. Good price/value relationship for Annapolis.
(4)
Wing K.

I went to Joss Cafe and Sushi Bar after a college football game in the evening around 7-ish with a group of 6 people. From a tables standpoint, not much as far as accommodation goes for large groups of people. The waitstaff seemed understaffed as there were a lot of customers there, but service seemed to take a bit of time. I get it, sushi needs prep. But its not like there are complicated sauces and difficult plating. The bathrooms are practically in a whole other connected building and considering the amount of people eating there (I'm not saying the food makes you go), but there are only two bathrooms and when I went to use it, it was 13 people long for both men and women. This does make sense though considering food is super overpriced so even if you did bring lots of people nobody would be able to afford a decent enough portion of food. Overall I think I got a bit lucky and chose a dish that at least seemed ok-ish as far as value which was the soft-shelled crab for about $14 which had an interesting spicy vinegar sauce. I also got some tempura which was a very tiny skant amount for the price. Others in my group had the same experience as far as insane pricing for little amounts of food. A person in my group got a kobe beef trio which was like $25 and it wasn't much food at all. Another person got roughly an equivalent dish in some kind of beef tartar which was similarly priced with a pitiful portion size. The food wasn't bad, it tasted good. The wasabi was good. I just wish I wouldn't have to pay an insane amount for such a small portion. I get it, seafood is expensive, but you could still have a section of non-seafood related items that are actually portioned for an adult. Maybe its a being from VA thing, but a single bite of food shouldn't cost $8 in my opinion especially considering the atmosphere isn't on the same caliber as similarly priced places with better portions. Its not like I'm asking for a sushi buffet. I am not a large guy. I'm 5'10 and weigh 158 lbs with clothes on, I don't need a ton of food but I would like to get full off $20. I'm not broke, I'm a single person with a middle class salary. I put not good for groups because unless you are a straight baller, most likely its unreasonable not to split the check because the way orders are taken and the bill is received it is not good for splitting easily with cards and cash. Its also not good for sharing food as easily despite being sushi which is made for sharing, because you don't know how much food it is and it turns out to be very little which you can't really share much with other people. Not sure what the bang-for-you-buck items are on the menu as everything is still somewhat heavily priced which is an interesting dichotomy considering neighborhoods in the area seem fairly broke. In any case, I should probably know better. If you go to an ethnic restaurant and the number of white people outnumber the number of people by which the food is based off of you should probably go elsewhere for a better experience. While this isn't the place for me, if you are used to paying an inordinate amount for small portions, than this might be the place for you. Also, I put "Good for Kids" because the portion sizes for the value are for children.
(3)
Milen T.

We should've gone to Nano- this place is not as good as yelpers rating. Sushi was dry, lots of rice, no fish. Rice is old and hard. Table outside needs lighting. Not recommended! Go to Nano!
(2)
Special K.

In one word...NO! What happened to this place? I mean, how HARD is it to consistently maintain mediocrity? We regularly order the same things and spend about $100 each time (3 people without alcohol) and the quality of the fish, how the sushi rice is cooked, the hot food from the kitchen, and the quantity are so inconsistent each time. And the last time (which was earlier this week), we have just about had it with Joss. -salmon sushi: the quality and the cut (really? a total rectangle?) was worse than the worst sushi buffet -conch sushi: tastes and chews like a rubber eraser -sweet shrimp (ama ebi): so stale, old, and stinky that it looked like the regular (cooked) shrimp (ebi) -sushi rice: so cold and hard (did they pack the rice down in a Tupperware, pressed the lid on, and then place the rice in the refrigerator over night?) -rice on the rolls: so soft and improperly rolled that the rolls just fell apart as soon as you grabbed them with chopsticks (did someone without fingers roll them?) -vegetable tempura: this time, the number of veggies decreased in half Meanwhile, these people continue to be stingy...extra ginger = $1, extra wasabi = $1, extra sauce of any kind = $1...even if you spend hundreds of dollars, and you are a regular, they've got to collect their extra dollars. It is true that there are very few options when it comes to sushi in Annapolis, but Joss shouldn't push their luck and take advantage of that (WAY OVERPRICED for the quality & quantity) and it's time for Annapolitans to demand better.
(1)
Cindy S.

Been going to Joss' Cafe for 10+ years. Quality of food as well as service is at an all time low. This was a top rated Sushi place for years. They need to realize, they have a lot of competition now, and step up their game.
(1)
Eve C.

Mmmmmmm we had a lovely dinner here tonight. Great service, fresh tasty fish. There's really nothing more to say.
(4)
Lily S.

If you're looking for the best sushi in Annapolis, this is THE place to go. I'm quite picky about sushi, I live in the DC area but if I want sushi, usually I will drive all the way out to Baltimore to my favorite place (Matsuri in Federal Hill) because I simply will only pay for the best. Maybe it's the proximity to the sea, but this place has very, very fresh fish. We got the yellowtail sashimi, fried shrimp sushi, spicy tuna sushi, and the dynamite sushi. The presentation was on point, the flavors were complex and combined wonderfully, but I was most impressed by the quality of the ingredients (seaweed, rice, and fish). I would highly recommend the yellowtail sashimi and fried shrimp sushi roll, I could eat these alone for an entire meal. Finally, if the patio is open, take seating outside at the patio. It's this beautiful outdoor seating area at the back of the restaurant with the right amount of trees, lighting, and soft jazz music playing in the background. I will definitely return to Joss when I'm in the mood for sushi and in Annapolis.
(5)
Ellce C.

You would think that being in Annapolis on the water that the sushi would be fresh, but alas... I ordered a sushi salad which would have been great if the fish didn't taste well fishy. The portion size was good with plenty of fish on top of a mix of rice, lettuce, cucumber, sesame seeds and ginger. But unfresh fish is unforgivable for a sushi place and hence the one star.
(1)
Drew P.

Sushi is good atmosphere is ok but the service is unbelievably bad which is typical for Annapolis. Sad because it could be way better if they just did something about the poor attitude and the "no exceptions" mentality. Been going here for years but doubt I will ever step foot in there again. Ordered some food to go for the millionth time and they forgot the lobster sauce so I had to go back. Got home and saw they didn't do what I asked for in regards to the appetizer (which they've done every other time I've been there) and when I called after already going back I was met with contempt and disdain. So if you do have an issue and the manager is named Jason ask to speak to someone else.
(1)
Meryl G.

Joss, you rock my sushi world! I love the sauces they use. They also have very creative appetizers and sushi rolls. I think that's the best part about this place. I have enjoyed the O Ebi Roll and The Chesapeake Roll (my personal favorite) combined with their knockout creamy spicy sauce. I also love the shrimp shumai with a really amazing chili vinegar sauce. I just had the Chilean Sunset roll which I liked alot. The only downside to this place is that the seats are sometimes pretty uncomfortable.
(5)
Katherine S.

The sushi itself is fine, but the Japanese food are not good nor authentic. I had shrimp temptation udon, I can tell the broth and noodle are from a convenient pack so it lacks proper texture. The shrimp is ok, but serve in wrong way, they don't have a proper tempura sauce either. The noodle came is pretty clay bowl, but the noodle spoon is plastic chinese soup spoon instead of ramen Woden spoon. It's so ironic like someone serve you food on golden plate but with disposable utensils. The owner is definitely not Japanese, probably not from countries used to be immigrated by japan either. Well, I guess that's already good enough in this area. I'm just a little disappointed that their food is not authentic as their decoration and serving plates.
(3)
Robert O.

This once great place is in need of serious management attention. Cold rice, 45 min wait in an empty place, rolls fell apart i When picked up. Very sorry to see. When we complained pseudo manager came over and told us we were wrong..
(2)
Hetax P.

Good sushi selections. Has amazing starter soups. Their pink ginger is calm in taste.. Just a great place to eat even for a first date or anniversary.
(4)
Garrett T.

Hands down the best sushi in annapolis by far. Go there probably 4-5 times a month and it just gets better and better. The valentine roll is my personal favorite plus great appetizers like the maguro poke, and the amberjack tataki. Also remember to try the crunchy ebi as that seems to be a crowd favorite. Sashimi is always fresh
(5)
Anie S.

Although my friend and I came in when it was very crowded, we were immediately seated and our food and drinks were served fairly quickly. Our waitress was wonderful and recommended the Beef Negimaki (which was delicious) and was very attentive. I would definitely recommend to anyone visiting Annapolis who like sushi or similar cuisine.
(5)
Kelsey G.

Service was horrible. Sushi was delicious. Passive servers, one of who complained about the patrons next to us, kept our drinks filled. We waited twenty plus minutes for edamame and seaweed salads. We waited over thirty minutes for our check and splitting the bill among our cards really pissed off our server as did our decision not to pay more than the tacked on 18% gratuity. They also charged us for the extra order of gyoza they brought to our table. aholes. But the sushi is enough for me to go back and give it another shot. Yummy California rolls with real crab.
(3)
Kenny F.

Mouse In Sushi I went to Joss Cafe tonight and got there shortly before the kitchen closed at 10 o'clock. I ordered sake and beer, which did not come for a long time, but I can forgive that. Probably because I was one of the last customers, the food I ordered arrived all at once, except for one dish they forgot. It was pretty obvious they were closing and I was the last person. The food was pretty good, but as I was getting ready to leave, I noticed a mouse running back and forth under the area directly below the refrigerated rails on which all the fish rests for the sushi chefs. I immediately called one of the sushi chefs over, and he and another person tried to catch the mouse. They were unsuccessful and the mouse disappeared into the kitchen. It was really disgusting, and my waiter said the same thing. I was standing up, ready to leave, but hadn't gotten my check. My waiter went to get it, and I thought they would offer to make some concessions, but no...I was presented with the check for the full amount of my dinner. I was pretty upset and asked the waiter whether he thought I should pay the full amount and he said he asked and they were not willing to make any adjustment. Frankly it wasn't a question of the money. To see a rodent running around right where the fish used to prepare my meal had been was pretty unsettling , and one would think the restaurant would want to make some gesture to show they understood. But they didn't, and to me that showed a surprising lack of regard for their customers. Unsanitary and uncaring. Needless to say, I'm not going back there. If that mouse had been seen by a health inspector I am sure it would be a problem.
(1)
Water G.

Not impressed - I expected much better in DTA. Ordered a green tea and got about 6 oz of water with a teabag. Steamed gyoza were poorly seasoned - flavorless even with dipping sauce -- and though ordered as an appetizer, they came out after our meal. Edamame was a tiny bowl (even by Japanese standards) and obviously previously frozen. No complaints with the actual nigiri or rolls we ordered, except quantity and quality for the price. My favorite dish was the kimchi poke.
(1)
Sam B.

Have lived here all my life and go here whenever I can. I live blocks from all of downtown and would say this is the best place in all of Annapolis. Don't go to nano which is right next to it but they are not at all comparable because joss is way better.
(5)
Lynn R.

Decent food and great options, but way over priced for the amount of food that you're given. I had the eel wrap, tako yaki and unagi gohan. I'd rate the food between 3-4, but b/c of the price and the quantity of food given, I've made my rating a 3.
(3)
Leah C.

I've been to Joss so many times only because a lot of my friends seem to really love this place. Personally, I think this place is a bit overhyped. Don't get me wrong, the food is okay but it's nothing special. I've been to many sushi restaurants around the US and lived in Japan for a few years. I would definitely rank the sushi here as average. Nonetheless, this place is still very popular in Annapolis so it usually has long waits on the weekends and it gets pretty crowded during the lunch and dinner rush. Overall, I only go here if the majority of my group wants to go here. There are better places to get sushi here in Annapolis.
(2)
Dick B.

I found a cockroach in my avocado salad. Need I say more? There was a fourtop table available but I had to wait 20 extra minutes for a table because the hostess wouldn't let me and my guest sit there. I could understand if they were busy but it was a slow night. I'm very disappointed with how Joss Annapolis has treated me especially since I've been a loyal customer for years. The sushi bar is the best in Annapolis but I will not return due to how I've been treated. If there are roaches in the salad, what other dishes may they be hiding in? Joss is like an arrogant, blonde, girlfriend who treats you like dirt and expects you to put up with it due to her beauty.
(1)
Yumi V.

Love this place! The sushi is always fresh and they have a selection of non-raw dishes for those that get squeamish around uncooked fish. Don't forget to order the garlic tofu and fried banana dessert. My main issue is the hours. Make sure to check if they're open or will still be open when you arrive. Make it a late lunch or dinner!
(5)
Kevin M.

I love this place. I'm in the military and had to move away from Annapolis for three years. The first thing I did when I moved back to Maryland was go to Joss. They have expanded the restaurant into the property next door and now the experience is even better due to the larger size. I've never had a bad experience here with the food or service.
(5)
Ron S.

If you come to Annapolis and want sushi, then this is the place. The most extensive menu I have ever seen and I travel the continent, including Hawaii. Ask for Natalie, most conscientious and courtesy I have had in a long time.
(5)
Amber B.

Incredible service! Loved our server, a tall guy with a Mohawk, I believe named Derek? Very friendly and helpful!
(5)
Dagny T.

I used to live in Annapolis, and I always thought this place was great. I went a bunch of years without going, and I went recently for dinner. It was a Saturday night. I was completely blown away. It got bigger and, I can't believe it, but the place got better. Let me tell you something about restaurants in downton Annapolis. Most of them cater to tourists, and most of them suck. Many of them, I've noticed, actually start out serving pretty decent food, soon figure out that they don't have to because of the throngs of tourists, and progressively serve worse and worse food. A different sushi restaurant actually comes to mind as a prime example. Joss, on the other hand, has been in Annapolis for.e.ver. And they have some of the best sushi I've ever had. I've always had a good meal here, but the very last one I had was just completely on point. Everything was fresh and delicious. The monkfish liver was particularly sublime. Go... but ummm... expect to drop a ton of money. p.s. don't be scared off by the Mexican sushi chefs. Those Mexicans know what they're doing.
(5)
Shari A.

The food is ALWAYS great. We go there often. Service is often hit or miss which is the only reason it didn't get five stars. If you are looking for great sushi in downtown Annapolis this is THE place!
(4)
Meghan P.

Really good, fresh rolls and tons to choose from. Our server was attentive and informative. I don't eat raw fish and I still had a ton of options. Looking forward to going back.
(5)
Brandi P.

I've been to my fair share of sushi places, this including my second in downtown Annapolis.. both leaving me unimpressed. I may be a "snot-nosed" girl when it comes to sushi because I've been spoiled with so many other better places and options around the Baltimore area. Joss offers friendly service and an inviting atmosphere but the menu leaves little to the imagination. It is a very small sushi menu, with limited descriptions for first time patrons. My friend was planning to order a rainbow roll, normally consisting of a california roll with layered fish and avocado on the top of it, making it look like a "rainbow roll" but the waitress informed us that this wasn't the same roll. We of course didnt know this, because there was no description. For picky eaters (like my friend) Joss makes it difficult to decide what to order, because you never know what you're going to get. Also most of the items on the menu were "spicy", which my friend couldn't have. Therefore, for those who cant/wont eat spicy food, be forewarned that there isn't a lot of option for otherwise. However, it is important to point out that the shrimp wonton soup was off the hook, get it? :) If you're looking for a place to have some traditional upscale asian food, Joss is the right place to be but as far as sushi is concerned.. I would try another place.
(3)
Richard F.

(The star is solely for the food. The service rating is well into negative numbers.) We've been visiting Joss since the mid-90s. It's the place where our family lost its collective sushi virginity, and has been our go-to for MANY birthdays, anniversaries, business lunches, etc. We LOVED this place. Sadly, the Joss we knew as the cool little downtown cafe, with excellent food and consistent familiar and friendly faces on the waitstaff is gone, and replaced by a churn em and burn em machine with brutally--ridiculously--bad service. Thankfully the food has remained excellent, their Spring Roll Salad and Miso Soup are kissed by the Gods. But on each of our last several visits, the service has gotten more and more inexcusable. Slow, inattentive, apathetic, and downright clueless. Finally, after our last visit, we're done. It wasn't the 45 minute wait that they said would be 15-20 min. And it wasn't the goofy way that everyone now has to wait in their "Waiting Room" on one side of the restaurant, yet order drinks from a server station on the other side of the place and have them delievered. (why they don't have a proper bar continues to be a head scratcher.) No, it was their cattle drive approach that did us in. We were finally seated at the sushi bar--not our first choice because they really pack them in on the bar when it's busy--and our waitress was quick with drink refills. But it was all downhill from there. We quickly filled out the a la carte sushi checklist that we pretty much know by heart, and were starving. But the waitress just kept on flying past us. Finally I literally held it out in from of her on her next fly-by, and also ordered the Spring Roll Salad and Miso soups as appetizers, specifically asking that we get those first. And technically they DID arrive first, I guess: Miso was delivered by a different server, then the salad maybe 30 seconds later by another server, and then our sushi boat maybe a minute after that, by yet ANOTHER server! Like I said, the bar space was already tight, but now with all the food arriving at once, we couldn't move. And I'm sure I inadvertently elbow-checked the woman sitting next to me once or twice, who was receiving the same level of service that we were, and just as thrilled. Somehow, we traversed the food in front of us (all incredible, by the way), and the soy and wasabi had us needing another drink refill. But our server was nowhere to be found. (We never did see her again, actually). So we sat there with a stacked pile of empty plates in front of us for at least 10 minutes, parched and searching for someone-ANYone-to help. I was morbidly curious as to how long they'd actually keep us waiting, but my wife was more proactive and practically tackled a passing manager. She quickly (and angrily) explained what had transpired and asked him for two glasses of water. His reply? "Oh, ok". And then he disappeared too! Who knows? Maybe he fell into the same black hole that had consumed our server. Never saw water. Never saw plates cleared. Finally, we went back to the server stand where we ordered our drinks when we arrived, got our check (from ANOTHER server!), and paid for the last meal we'll ever buy at Joss again. If I didn't know better, I'd have guessed that Joss had only recently opened and had yet to get a firm handle on the front of house. So sad to see the mess that one of our all-time favorites has become. RIP Joss. We'll miss you.
(1)
Kat C.

Excellent! Food, service, atmosphere, everything! Main Street roll is the best. Also: sake, tofu appetizer, and seats by the window with a view of the street.
(5)
Rachael K.

My boyfriend has never been here before so I was excited to take him. We walked in at 2:15 and instead of getting a warm welcome the waiter turned his head and sighed at another waiter. Then put his fake smile on and said how many? We were seated and ordered 3 sushi rolls. We were done by 2:31 as if they were rushing us out of there. As I was eating the waiter with the brown faux hawk walked passed and was picking his nose in the middle of the dinning room......foul. They make better sushi at Safeway. As much as Annapolis hypes this place up I was extremely disappointed about the food and experience. If you want real sushi go to Yama, Nova, or Zikki's.
(1)
Nicole E.

Love the food! Lots of unique rolls that scream Maryland. I go about 3 times a month and get a carry out, sometimes I call ahead others I just order there and never wait more than 15 minutes, even during the lunch rush. They have expanded the restaurant so it's much more roomy and larger, but like some of these other reviews I can see a downfall to service. Some new servers and new managers seem to lose the family feel. But I will still go back for more
(4)
Cyrus B.

Been going here with my family since we moved to Annapolis 10 years ago, atmosphere is great especially since they expanded. When family comes in from out of town we make sure to pencil in one night at Joss to show off the local sushi experts.
(5)
Ayanna C.

I ate here the weekend after 4th of July and the food, service and atmosphere was great, the sushi was fresh as usual and the manager even came around to see if we were being served properly and if everything was great with our overall experience, I really liked that and I will certainly go back again I ate here once before and it was packed but I think the best time to go here is right before rush hour and everyone gets off work to come and have drinks and sushi. I had a lovely time...
(4)
Joe G.

You have got to try the fried shrimp heads! I know it sounds disgusting (and it looks kind of disgusting), but it is sooo delicious! So close your eyes, open wide, and get ready for a big surprise. Definitely get the yellow tail sashimi. It is the bees knees and absolutely buttery soft and delicious. The sushi rolls are decent, but I wouldn't come here just to eat sushi. Also, skip the salt and ice carpaccio. It was alright, but kind of tasted like an overcooked smoked salmon. Get the fried shrimp heads, get the yellow tail sashimi, get some fillers, and walk it off on the waterfront.
(4)
Larissa J.

Aside from getting food poisoning - yuck the service left something to be desired. I will not be going back and it's a shame because their rolls were so inexpensive!
(1)
Kristy B.

Don't go to Joss on Valentine's Day! My husband and I drove from Woodbridge over an hour drive to eat at Joss. It's our favorite Sushi place. Well was our favorite. We walked by and saw tables available. We were told that there was a 25 min waiting list as there are no tables available?! I asked to speak to the manager and he told me that their policy is not to have incomplete tables. They do not sit 2 people at a 4 top table. While I was standing there four others came in and wanted a table for two and were not able to be sat but asked to be on a waiting list. It was 2pm and I counted 5 tables all four tops available but couldn't be sat. Whatever. We always sit at the bar when we go but wanted to sit at a table. We have brought friends and family there from out of town. Well, that's going to change. HORRIBLE policy! My husband and I both are former servers and if that was my section...waiting for a bigger party to come in...my bills would never be paid. We will let our military family and friends that are wanting a lunch or night for two that Joss is not the place. Oh and we asked about their section that was totally emptied (the side you walk in) and the weird hostess says "umm this area is only open on weekends" HAHA it's the weekend, It's SATURDAY. And hostess says umm well for dinner. More money out the door. They need to post that on their door not their Yelp posting rating. Poor poor poor business!
(1)
Justin B.

I will never eat here again. I drove from Virginia on Valentine's Day to treat my wife to lunch here. When we entered we were told they had no tables and the wait was 25 minutes. We could clearly see empty tables we asked to talk to the manager. They have a policy of not seating tables of 2 at any table that has more than 2 seats. They literally did not want out business because they were saving 4 tops in the hope that a party of 4 would come in. Joss this is the worst business policy I have ever heard of! You lost our business for life!
(1)
Christine C.

Got some take out the other day from them and the lady at the counter when I picked up was a total space cadet. She forgot utensils, napkins, you know the important stuff. The food was good. The chicken katsu was a bit tough though and she forgot the sauce, likely over cooked? The sticky rice was spot on, the salad was salad.. (no different than Sakura down the street - a restaurant we enjoy going to). We also had edamame, they were good. And we had veggie tempura. Which was ok. I was not impressed but I do want to go back to try the veggie gyoza.
(3)
Jenny L.

The restaurant is big and decor is nice but I don't feel that this is authentic Japanese restaurant. Also, I had ordered an of soft shell crab which there is not much of any crab in it. I almost feel that they had divided one single crab for 3-4 portions. The beef dumpling is for sure store brought and previously frozen. The beef ramen was from instant noodles and the chicken teriyaki is over cooked and cool when it arrived the table. There are 2 things I liked about this place. One, the grilled veggies that came along with my chicken was nicely done. The veggies and the crab was fresh, hence I gave it a 2 star.
(2)
A D.

Used to love love Joss. The sushi, seaweed, appetizers among the best in Japanese food. We started frequenting it more lately. Even with the expansion, the quality of the food was still pretty good, the service not as personable, or inviting, but still a fun place to eat. We had always brought in other food for the kids, to no issues. We also always order a lot and thoroughly enjoyed the food from the restaurant. However, we went the other night and the manager hounded us and disrespectfully told us to remove the children's food from the table because it wasn't from the restaurant. It wasn't what he said, it was how he said it. He had seen us do this before, and never confronted us. Now he approaches us with poor customer service skills. Doesn't even try to compromise with us, is just very adamant, rude, and disrespectful. This is certainly not the old Joss we once knew, a wait staff who bent over backwards to help us out. We used to love this place, but now we'll be spending our money and time at another Japanese restaurant downtown
(1)
Maria T.

I have gone to Joss since it was just that tiny little room that only seated a few patrons . I recently took my daughter for a special occasion to Joss because she requested it. The sushi was acceptable not amazing but the waiter was rude. He wasn't just rude to us either it appeared to be his overall demeanor. We will not return too many other places to go where the staff is great and so is the food,
(2)
Amy K.

I would consider myself a regular at Joss, but this is the first time I am reviewing. I usually get the same things - the rainbow roll and the crunchy scallop roll (which I dip in eel sauce.) My boyfriend likes their tempura broccoli, which you can order a la carte. In general, I like Joss for the location and the food, but they are usually short on servers so the service is generally lacking. You usually have to ask for refills on water and/or drinks, and sometimes food orders are slow, even on nights when its not that busy. If this is a pet peeve for you, I would recommend takeout. If you ask, they will bring it out directly to your car, which is a nice courtesy. Overall, the food is consistently good, and I would venture to say that Joss has the freshest sushi in town. And I do like their warm welcome shout when you walk through the door. The door in the vestibule is a definite fire hazard, as it opens in, instead of out, and when it is a crowded night and a lot of people are trying to move in and out, it can get difficult to move. This is an issue for a lot of those old downtown historic buildings, and I wonder if it can be changed. If I were Joss's owner I would look into it!
(3)
Joe D.

Excellent sushi, great new interior improvements, and an overall cheerful staff. Truly one of the best in the local area for sushi. My only issue is how come they don't have child's seats in this place. I can't be the only one coming in with a child requiring this. So sad to have to complain about this simple fix.
(4)
Amiel B.

Not sure what all of the fuss is about. The service is slow, food , couldn't tell you. Haven't seen it yet. 20 min wait for table and so far 45 minutes for food. Finally arrived, and it all tasted the same. I have eaten at at least 5 better sushi places in the 5 county area, but according to Annapolitans, this place is great! Very overrated. Try Otani in Gambrills. Much better. And you can drive out, eat, and get back to Annapolis before they would seat you at this place.
(2)
Ericho H.

Best sushi in Annapolis, hands down. Service staff is always awesome and semi-new layout looks awesome! If anything, I've been spoiled by their greatness and the standard that has been set leaves all other sushi joints efforts wasted on me. Date night, social gathering, hankering for some exceptional cuisine? This hits the spot again, again and again.
(5)
Beth K.

We decided to check this place out on a Saturday night, and it was slightly cool outside but we decided to sit outside on the patio. It was really nice out and not overly crowded. We started with edamame and seaweed salad. Both were good, but neither were spectacular or over the top amazing. We then split kobe beef sashimi, spring roll, and tempura lobster roll. The sushi was pretty good, but the kobe beef sashimi was awesome. It was buttery, and delicious. As a Texas girl that loves red meat, this was new and creative. I thought this restaurant was pretty good, and would definitely come back. The service was good, and the sushi was well prepared.
(4)
Liz M.

We came for lunch, and at first glance, the menu is a little overwhelming. I can't imagine what happens for dinner, but I do know that the price goes way up! I was bummed to see that the lunch specials mainly come with California rolls. I was looking for a standard soup, salad, 2 rolls deal. I took a recommendation from a friend and got the tuna carpaccio seaweed salad, and spicy tuna and salmon avocado rolls. My husband got the Sushi & Sashimi Combination that came with a soup, salad, sashimi, nigiri, and an 8 piece California roll. All of that was for $14.95, and is a steal for anyone catching a filling lunch. If I could sub the roll, that's definitely what I would go for. Everything was fresh, the waiter was super patient with our GF questions, and the restaurant was relaxed and quiet. On our way out, we received a good bye from at least 5 staff members, which was funny but really nice.
(4)
S. Paul L.

I'm dropping Joss down big time. The food is still good, but the way the staff treats customers with kids is pretty incredible. No tolerance at all and they pretty much do whatever it is they can to get you out the door as quickly as humanly possible. If they were going to treat people with kids like they are an inconvenience then they really should put a sign on the door that says "We hate babies" or maybe "Must be this tall to eat here". It's a shame because their sushi is very good, but I won't give a place like that business anymore. They don't deserve it.
(1)
K Sera S.

As I must always note: I have a sushi problem. I had to learn to roll my own, otherwise I'd have been hocking the family jewels to support my habit. I hadn't been here since the renovations/expansion (still underway), and was glad to see how much more space they have. All that much more room for sushi lovers. Quite possibly the freshest salmon sashimi I've ever had. Buttery yet firm. To me, that's a basic test for a sushi place. How's the nuthin-on-it-just-a-piece-o-raw-salmon. Joss wins. So give any of it a try!
(4)
Rob B.

Now in a setting it deserves, the new digs are spacious and include a patio. Joss sushi alfresco OMG. The sushi bar is enormous compared to the previous space, and while I miss the close rapport with the chefs, the new elbow room is much appreciated. The menu has grown with the space and the fans. I am totally befuddled and betwixt and between my old favorites and the new dishes passing through the dining room. Sitting at the bar assures every dish made passes inches from you. The Kobe 3 way was very nice, though the Kobe is a lower grade but still delicious. Crunchy Ebi is apparently not only my favorite but most of town too. My toro so fresh I am guessing it was pushing surf yesterday.
(5)
Brad A.

I'm a southern California transplant, and I'm used to having lots of choices for good, reasonably-priced sushi. Joss always pleases - a really nice restaurant with good atmosphere; friendly, efficient help; and really good sushi. The menu is expansive - lots of sushi options and other offerings, and while I've had my disappointments, that doesn't mean they were badly done; they just didn't suit my taste. The sushi I've eaten here has always been fresh and beautifully made. You'll wait to get in here many evenings, especially weekends, and there's a reason for that. Favorites include the O'Ebi roll, the softshell crab roll, the salmon nigiri (if you try nothing else, try this), and the Asahi Super Dry beer. If you come here with a serious appetite for a full meal and drinks, and order ala carte off the sushi menu, expect to spend $60 to $80 for a party of 2. Delicious, expensive, worth it as an occasional treat. I could get the same thing in southern California for 1/2 the price, but the airline ticket and hotel stay don't pencil out, lol. Happy to have this place walking distance from my home!
(4)
Lesley G.

I'm not a sushi expert, but I did enjoy the sashimi and beef ramen. Perhaps the best was the ebi shrimp, which gave a sampling of four different cooking styles of shrimp. They didn't serve all of our meals at once even though we all ordered our food specifically as entrees. Other than that, the service was good.
(4)
Joe D.

This was awful! Sushi for white people. Means they don't know what they are eating!
(1)
Allison L.

We went to Joss around 8:45 on a Wednesday night and had about a 10 minute wait. We were pleasantly surprised to see that the inside is much larger than it appears. First thing I noticed was it was very loud in the restaurant. My husband and I had to literally yell over the table to one another. Our server promptly took our order and brought out the crunchy ebi appetizer. The appetizer was decent, nothing overly extravagant. My husband ordered sushi and I ordered Beef Negimaki. The sushi rolls came out first and included the Rainbow roll, bagel roll, spicy tuna roll, dynamite roll and White Tuna Nigri. The spicy tuna roll is NOT your average roll. My husband loves spicy food and orders a spicy tuna roll it every time he gets sushi but he couldn't even eat this roll because the heat was too intense. The white tuna was amazing and melted in your mouth. The rolls were well made and didn't fall apart. My one complaint with the sushi is that Joss did not have many "unique" sushi rolls; they were all your standard rolls found at any sushi place. Our server checked on us about 5 minutes after the sushi came out and made no mention of my beef entree but I thought the sushi came out very quick so perhaps the kitchen was a bit behind. We didn't see our server for about another 20 minutes. My husband stopped eating his sushi because he wanted to wait for my food to come out. The server came over and asked if we'd like a box and that is when I asked if my entree was coming out. He got an awful look on his face and said he'd be right back. He came back and apologized and said it was his fault completely and he had forgotten the sushi was only for my husband. He said if I still wanted the entree it'd be about 5 minutes. I went ahead and told him to bring it out. The beef was very tender but I did not care for the scallions it was wrapped around because it took away from the tenderness of the beef and made the dish very chewy. When the bill came out I was charged for two glasses of wine, even though I had only drank one. When I brought it to his attention he said "they" said you had a glass while you were waiting. I told him that was incorrect and there was another couple who was in the waiting area at the same time as us and they had ordered drinks while waiting, not us. He took it off without complaint and we paid the bill. As much as I wanted to love this place because of the reviews, the service was really mediocre. We felt rushed because they closed at 10 and they started putting up chairs and pulling everything off of the tables even though there were still several patrons dining. We got there before 9PM and would have been out of there well before closing time if they didn't forget my food. For a $100 meal, I would have expected a bit more.
(2)
Jen L.

This is one of my all time favorite sushi places! The only downside to this place is that it is very small and very crowded on the weekends. So not only do you have to park a mile way (since there is no parking on Main Street...EVER) you will most likely have to wait about 30-40 min on a Friday or Saturday night. So plan accordingly...they do not take reservations. But getting back to the food....it is fabulous. The fish is fresh and the rice is perfectly seasoned. No bland sushi rice here! My favorite is the Tuna Avocado salad with wasabi-raspberry vinaigrette dressing. The menu is extensive, so read carefully because you will miss out on some of the good dishes. Their sushi menu is very good, they have a lot of unique rolls as well as your normal rolls like tekka maki and california rolls. The Ahi Poke is one of my favorites as well. The dessert menu is extensive as well, but you may not have room for it after you scarf down all of the sushi
(5)
X J P.

The location and sushi were very good. The sushi presentation was excellent - I liked the scallions pressed onto the surface of the roll. The age dofu presentation would've been better if served in a shallower bowl and if served a minute sooner. The price wasn't bad, I've been to far more expensive sushi joints that weren't any better. I deducted a star for rampant server errors. The server made ordering errors on our order and both parties sitting on either side of us. Going zero for three is unacceptable.
(3)
Joe K.

By all means, Joss is one of my all time favorite places to get sushi. The rolls here are done right, everything is fresh and the fish is some of the highest quality around. Starting your meal with their Miso soup is a must. A quick review of the menu and you'll have a boat of sushi within a few minutes. Often my service has been quick and my dishes transition well. I also had their tempura banana desert and it's amazing. Sliced in half and then quarters, your banana is then deep fried but not before being battered a dredged through tempura batter. Served with ice cream in the center and honey drizzled around the plate; and topped off with walnuts, this desert isn't too heavy or expensive, but is delicious. I was very tempted to give 5 stars to Joss because I love their food and the experience every-time I visit. The only issue I have is the minimal credit card threshold of $10, to process your card. If you don't have cash no worries. There is a on spot ATM with a $3 ATM fee, and don't forget about your bank's charging their fee's too. * On a last note, this place can get busy, and it isn't too easy to navigate through the front entrance with a group waiting.
(4)
Erica C.

I've had better. I've had worse. The sushi here is average. I went with my usual, tuna & avocado roll with a side of maguro nigiri. The rolls were tasty, but nothing mind-blowing. It's a nice lunch open. The lunch specials look decent, but I've seen better at local joints in my area. The sodas are in glass bottles, which is a nice touch. But, this touch makes it more pricey than most. The service is quick, which is perfect for the Annapolis crowd. The staff was very friendly.
(3)
Beth M.

Horrible sushi, have had better at the grocery store... Came in at 2:15 and was rushed to order our food, the server was trying to kick us out as quickly as possible, finished by 2:34.... Lights turned off while we were still in the restaraunt.... Completely disappointed in this meal and service do not eat here, choose somewhere else.
(1)
Rinde K.

I've been eating at Joss for years and it seems to always get better. I love the new outdoor space and I finally don't feel like I'm on top of all of the other diners when I eat. And some of the special rolls are so yummy. Hands down, this is the best sushi in Annapolis. Plus, they now deliver! A bit pricey, but worth it.
(5)
Katie C.

My first experience with Joss Cafe turned out to be the best sushi I've had! The restaurant is a little cramped; it is not group-friendly at all. However, it is in the heart of downtown Annapolis and is quite cozy. The restaurant looks very unassuming from the outside, but is very clean albeit small. My friend and I came here to meet two of her midshipmen friends at the Academy. We were seated promptly and our server had our drinks in the table in record time. Plus, she was was extremely friendly. I ordered simple sashimi tuna rolls and fresh does not begin to describe the taste. Exceptional. The sushi was freshly made but arrived quickly and presented nicely on the plate. It did not need to be masked by ridiculous amounts of soy sauce or wasabi. However, just a dab of wasabi on the sashimi was quite delicious. Highly recommend when looking for great sushi in downtown Annapolis.
(5)
Natalie F.

I've always been a huge fan of this sushi restaurant. Its usually our go to for sushi. I recently visited to experience the new remodel and man I was soooo impressed! What an upgrade. The restaurant is absolutely beautiful! They even added outdoor seating and a larger sushi bar. As always the food and service were both excellent. We even ordered a second spring roll appetizer because it is that good. Love the staff, the food and atmosphere. Can't wait for my nest sushi night out!
(5)
Nombre O.

Here fishy fishy fishy ... If you are a aficionado of great sushi go no further!!!Jane and Joe take sushi to a new level not only in terms of their food but also ambiance and service! If the weather is nice head out to the patio to enjoy a cozy seating are while enjoying great eats!! Family favorites include the spring roll, anything with Toro and when the weather calls for soup, the Salmon soup (can't remember the real name) is awesome!!! If you are one of those people who thinks all sushi taste the same you too should try this out so you can get a palate education on what great sushi is!! oh don't forget to save room for bananas Foster for desert!!!
(5)
Chang K.

Food and service was worth 2 Stars. one dish only came out after we chased. the waiter said it was because the dish takes long to prepare. He was making it up. It was a nabe!!!! the dish came almost straight away but was warm rather than sizzling hot. clearly it sat waiting to be delivered to our table. we also noticed that waiters don't help out and looked out for their own table only. Hygiene was questionable. Plates came out wet and waiters laid out plates using fingers all over the plates.
(1)
Guinevere N.

Usual sushi and Japanese cuisine served by eerily attractive waitstaff.
(3)
Erin D.

Joss just made the top of my sushi list. I've been here twice and both times have been fantastic. The first time a friend and I went, we had a waiter that was absolutely awesome, on top of some great food, it made for a wonderful dining experience. As you well know by now, I base all my sushi restaurants on their ability to make the Philly (aka the bagel) roll. Joss's is right on with theirs. The salmon is delicious and the mix of cream cheese and rice on my tongue....omg, heaven! We also tried the vegetarian sushi (meh, but you can't really spice up greens much, I applaud the effort though). The miso is delicious and be prepared to get a little messy with the edamame. :) For dessert, we split the Tai Yaki (absolutely the best treat ever!), and the ice cream mochi sampler. The Tai Yaki came with a little scoop of red bean ice cream which I'd never had, and if I wasn't so full, I'd ask for more of! The second time we went was last night, and the place was PACKED. We had a 20 minute wait, and were seated at the sushi bar. While we had big lunches, so we didn't order that much. This time we got miso, meat gyoza, vegetarian sushi and bagel roll. Granted that SOUNDS like a lot of food, but it was just the right amount between the two of us. Then we ordered dessert, and I wanted Tai Yaki again, but they were out. *pouts* So I got a dish of red bean ice cream and my friend got the mochi ice cream sampler again. I'm almost 100% both items were made on-site. The red bean ice cream didn't taste mass-produced, and I've had store bought, frozen mochi, and the sampler beat store bought by a mile! Honestly, I can't praise them enough. The staff was absolutely fantastic and I will be back again and again!
(5)
Jay S.

This really is one of the best sushi I have ever had (and I've tried many from many states). Everything is seriously super fresh and delicious. The servers are knowledgeable about everything on the menu. I have yet to have a bad experience at Joss. EDIT: I just ate there the other day and noticed they completely expanded the restaurant by buying the space next door and cleaning up the decor. Quality fish with a much better dining experience!! What more can you ask for?
(5)
Anastasia U.

They offer GF which is nice but the sushi is not all that fresh. I had much higher expectations being right next to water and on the east coast. Thank God they have english speaking servers as well, the first lady had no idea what gluten was.... They are very particular on where you site as well, if there are only two people in your party you are required to only sit at certain tables. Kind of turned me off...
(3)
Joshua G.

Friendly service (they always great patrons walking in), always fresh sushi, and reasonable prices. I've eaten sushi at a lot of places/ in different cities. Don't expect Manhattan, do expect quality sushi you will enjoy.
(4)
Dan R.

I probably shouldn't be too picky about my sushi way out here in Annapolis, but Joss didn't impress me the second time around. At first they tried to seat us all the way in the back during a slow evening (it's a long, narrow restaurant) where it smelled like sewer and mold. There are plenty of nice tables towards the front, but beware, it's a cramped place and you will have people bumping into you constantly. The waiter brought us menus as well as a printed paper with a pencil, and then left without explaining how the ordering system works. To sum it up for you, the paper is their sushi-only menu and you can fill it out with the pencil based on what you want, but it has completely different items than the regular menu. The regular menu, which also has sushi options (different ones than on the paper) contains other non-sushi items as well, but you can't order them with the paper/pencil. It's actually not that hard, but the waiter didn't bother to explain it to us so we were quite confused. Why don't they just stick with one or the other? That would be significantly less complicated. The sushi was definitely fresh and the fish and crab are of excellent quality. If you're looking for plain, high quality sushi, this place is a good bet. I was feeling more adventurous and wanted something a bit more complicated, but I wasn't able to figure out a good one to get. The person next to us got the lobster roll, and that looked really good. The bagel roll was covered in roasted/burned sesame seeds, which completely overpowered the delicate flavors of the sushi. The rolls are fairly small, even the expensive ones. I didn't find what I was hoping for, just your standard fish/rice combos. Nothing particularly interesting.
(3)
Katrina W.

In my opinion Joss is the best sushi down town. They have a huge menu with much to choose from and items on the menu one may not find in other sushi joints around here. They have a cooked tuna jaw that is seasoned perfectly and when dipped into soy sauce, absolutely heavenly. My top dish for sure. Their fish is always fresh and presentation is on point. If you come here don't be afraid to be adventurous and try new things. If you are unsure, ask the waitresses they are very knowledgeable about the menu and if you describe what you are in the mood for they will be the ones to be able to point you in the right direction. They often hold sake tasting events. From past ones I have attended they bring out a fair amount of variety and the snacks/appetizers are yummy as well. Check their FB for announcements if you are interested in attending the next one.
(4)
Fernando D.

Nice...
(4)
Helen S.

I visited here on New Years Eve because most of the restaurants in the area was charging a cover fee for entry and I refused to pay just to get my feet into the restaurant. The ambiance was nice and our server was very friendly. My boyfriend and I ordered about 6 sushi rolls because we were starving and we regretted it. The sushi chef who made our rolls were either rushing our order or was just an ammature. The sushi rolls were poorly rolled. They fell apart when we picked them up and the appearance was just terrible. We lost our appetite almost instantly... I think I am just the unfortunate one that didn't have a good experience here....
(2)
Nina U.

I really shouldn't have tried to go to Joss' on a weekend night- we didn't want to wait 20 mins so walked back down to Sakura, closer to the dock. That place was empty and we didn't like the service so came back up to Joss' and put our name on the list. Yeah, know....I like to do things the hard way sometimes. haha. Good thing there were stores still open so we could escape the heat and pass the wait time. It was super crowded and super noisy but I was so happy I was at Joss and not at the other sushi place. Our order came out really really quickly even if the restaurant had been empty. It was like a ninja threw a knife up in the air and chopped the rolls so fast we didn't even know what was happening. Some of the pieces were thinner and some were real fat but they all tasted delicious in my belly. The veggie gyoza came out and was GREEN. I don't know if that was spinach coloring or what but it almost looked flourescent! yumm. The scallop fried wuntuns were just as delicious as ever. Thank you Joss' for another great dinner. Just remind me to come during the week when the rest of Annapolis isn't out at the same time.
(4)
Alex F.

Ah, Joss. As if there weren't already enough reasons to love Annapolis. I don't make it down to our beautiful state capital nearly as much as I would like, but I'd say two times out of three of my visits include a meal at Joss. I'm a sushi fanatic and I'm always impressed by how fresh the rolls are at Joss. Whether I'm eating a simple California Roll-- or something much more complicated, it's always incredibly fresh and delicious. I also highly recommend the spring rolls (a HUGE portion) and you can't go wrong putting the creamy spicy sauce on everything you order. I agree with my fellow Yelpers, it's not the best place to venture for a weekend meal (unless you're in the mood to wait more than 30 minutes), but that doesn't rule out take-out! Some of my best Joss meals have been far outside the restaurant-- call ahead, run ahead of the line to grab your food, and enjoy eating your delicious meal in downtown Annapolis (or better yet, on a boat in the Severn!). I've never had a mistake with a take-out order, no matter how large, and it's typically ready in less than 15 minutes!
(5)
Brian S.

Good for lunch, had the sushi special. It came with both miso soup and a small salad. Good fresh sushi but I'm taking a star off because they charged me $1 for a little sauce dish if chili oil... Who does that?
(3)
Carolyn B.

This place use to be my first choice in the area for sushi, but not so fast. I decided to order the a "hard to get" side (the sushi balls). I think they are called Takonaki. The problem was that it took almost 20 minutes to show up, then one ball did not have any octopus in it, which I thought was wrong, then I proceeded to pick into the next, only found a trace of a bitty piece, and the third had an effortless piece. I think it was a hint from the kitchen, to place only big orders. So I ended it with that, and did not order anything else. I think the expanded floor place, has them fat at the head, but poor at customer service and quality; a good loud greeting in & out does not cut it for "foodies". Sorry Joss!:(
(2)
Rebecca G.

I've visited this location before, and have been wanting to try out their newer Baltimore location in Mt. Vernon. Joss's is consistently packed, and at 9:15 on a Wednesday there were only a few tables open. To me, this is the mark of a great sushi place - serving quickly and efficiently. It's a bistro feeling - tiny tables, close together, bustling and full of people focusing on the food. If you want somewhere to be seen, go to Tsunami's - also great food, but more of an atmosphere. One of the best thing about Joss's is their prices - they're super reasonable. If we go to Edo Mae, I can spend $40 on two rolls and a soup, without blinking twice. That's one of the reasons that we don't frequent a lot of the sushi places in Baltimore - the quality of sashimi isn't as high as it could be, so we always end up ordering big, fancy, spicy, or crunch rolls that end up costing a whole lot. Joss has some of the freshest fish I've had in Maryland - consistently fantastic, delicious, and always cut properly. Just looking at the hamachi, you can tell how good it is. Their shrimp has more flavor than the shrimp at lots of other places, so I usually try to make a point of ordering something with shrimp - this time it was just a plain tempura shrimp roll, but as usual the flavor didn't disappoint. And our bill? $20, the same as we spent at Chick and Ruth's. Does Joss's sound familiar? You may have seen it on Food Network's The Best Thing I Ever Ate. Duff Goldman picked their fried shrimp heads as his favorite for the fried foods episode. Her plate: hamachi sashimi, spicy conch roll, tempura shrimp roll
(5)
Corinne D.

Joss is definitely the best sushi in Annapolis. I've been here sooooo many times. When I lived in Annapolis, my family would get take out pretty much weekly. I don't eat fish, but my family does and they all say that the fish there is super fresh and high quality. The only complaint I used to have about this place was that it was so cramped. I'm home from college so I just went back a couple days and saw all the renovation! They expanded into the store next door and they have a really pretty look outdoor seating area in the back now too! So, if you're in Annapolis and looking for sushi this is definitely the place to go.
(5)
Robert M.

Great sushi, staff suggests sushi that most of time is a winner, but what is up with the machine that spits out the rice sheets for the rolls? Really? you can't roll them yourself? I still go all the time.
(4)
Daisy Y.

I believe that this place is the best Japanese restaurant in the town. It is authentic Japanese food. Love their sashimi, so freshy. Highly recommended!
(5)
Kayla F.

Ever since I have moved to Maryland, Annapolis especially, all I hear is "have you tried Joss sushi???". Well, I have finally tried it and I must say, in comparison to my typical spot this place falls short on flavor for me. I went with two friends and upon entrance to the restaurant it literally smelled like we were in a fish market (not appetizing at all). The service was very nice however, we ordered six rolls to share and out of those six, four of them tasted exactly the same. There should have been some level of distinction. Their dÃ©cor is nice and if in the downtown area and not wanting to drive around I would choose this over the other main street sushi establishments.
(3)
Jennifer J.

I may be biased, but this is the best restaurant ever. The fish is always fresh, portions aren't tiny (and not too much either!), and the prices are really great (they've barely increased their prices since they opened 20 years ago). Joss has a constantly growing menu of delicious appetizers and small plates which are suitable for all tastes and palates. Also the beer and sake lists are great to enjoy with your meal. My favorite dishes include the uni ika appetizer, fresh lobster roll, soft shell crab appetizer, and rockfish ponzu. The restaurant ambiance may be too energetic for some, but it's great for groups and children. There can be quite a wait at night as they don't take reservations, only a wait list once you get there. But if you enjoy sushi and are in the area, you'll understand that it's worth the wait.
(5)
Brian T.

Favorite. Sushi. Ever. They recently expanded and the newly remodeled Joss is beautiful. Been there many times and never had a bad meal. The sushi is great. Spring rolls, seaweed salad and tuna avocado salad are all delicious.
(5)
Shawn D.

Very nice atmosphere for dates. Food is great and arrived quickly, staff is courteous and the prices are good. If you want sushi in Annapolis you can't go wrong with this place. Only dinged them for not accepting discover card and the bench seats not being padded.
(4)
Anna T.

My husband is a huge fan of sushi but is super picky. He loved this place and said the roll he had here was as good and maybe even a little better than the rolls at his favorite sushi restaurant. The service was excellent!
(5)
Grace B.

Good sushi decent service but they don't have the whole package in my opinion. Their hot tea is not good at all. It tastes like they are just using Lipton of some tea from the grocery store. The miso soup was so meh. They get the food out to you very quickly but what does that matter if everything but the sushi is not top quality.
(3)
Kenneth L.

After reading all the excellent reviews on Joss Cafe and Sushi Bar, I decided to give it a try. We ordered 4 rolls, the sushi that came out were extremely small. Come on, rice is not all that expensive! The tables beside us were asking if they had forgot about us, we waited for about 10 minutes to order and 30 minutes to receive our food. They kept on opening the backside door and it was windy and cold! The tables we had were so close to each other it felt like you were sitting next to strangers. I went with another friend and it felt like I was talking to 4 other people, 2 on each side. Overall the food was just okay but the experience was not favorable.
(2)
Betty M.

If this is the best of MD it doesn't say much for the rest of MD. Everything is mediocre at best and the lobster miso soup is horribly salty. Different? Yes. Good? Not quite.
(2)
Kasumi L.

Update: I miss the old layout of Joss. Before they renovated it was so unique, cute and cozy. Now it looks just like any other restaurant. The food still tastes amazing though, if not better than ever. Original review: What a great sushi place to have in the neighborhood! It's such a charming little place, reminds me of where a hobbit might go if they liked sushi. Random, I know... but really, it somehow feels smaller inside than most restaurants, which sounds unappealing, but it's just cozy and adorable. I've brought several of my friends here and they all loved it. It's a unique Japanese restaurant . More so than Nano down the street, which is good too, but seems more rigid and predictable. Joss has a lot of creative things on the menu (in addition to traditional options) that you wont find at most run of the mill Japanese restaurants. Some of my favorite things here include the tamago, which is my favorite thing to order at Joss, anything having to do with unagi, the wakame miso seaweed salad, the miso soup, the chirashi and the salmon sashimi or sushi. The avacado roll and umeshiso roll are also great. Would have given 5 stars if the fish was fresher.
(4)
Jennifer M.

Oh how I love Joss. I don't get there nearly enough. The crunchy ebi is just amazing. Service is always friendly and prompt, and with the expansion, things are really improved. Love this Main Street establishment!
(5)
E L.

Sashimi sampler - 4 stars 5 stars tuna appetizer - 3 stars (out of toro) Service - 4.5 stars
(4)
Jessica S.

Amazing atmosphere. Their hand rolls were delicious. They have a lot of hot and cold sake options. Our waitress was very knowledgeable on all of the Sake and made a very good recommendation.
(4)
Kelley K.

It's certainly not the BEST sushi in the world, but it's surely one of the best in DC. It was surprising to know that the fish is not local (pollution in Annapolis, anyone?). But where-ever they source their fish from, did a pretty good job getting fresh fish! Their takaki(sp) needs work in the flavor department. The ponsu/sesame oil combo wasn't too great tasting, but at least the fish is fresh.
(4)
Becky B.

Great hamachi. Great sake selection and great fresh lobster roll!!
(5)
Rick S.

We really liked this trendy restaurant on our vacation in Annapolis. The waitress was very helpful, providing the chop-sticks challenged in our party with 'fun chops,' and patiently answering our beginner questions. The only thing standing in the way of giving this 5 stars was the extent of California rolls on their assortment specials. Since they were special deals (i.e., lots of sushi for $10), I probably shouldn't complain, but it was in the other types of sushi that Joss really hit it out of the park. Namely, the saba hako, a Mackerel on top of rectangles of sushi rice, nicely seasoned with ginger and chives (?). A delicious way to fill up on your omega-3 acids. Honorable mention goes to the Red drum and salmon. Sitting out on the patio is recommended for a partially sunny day (though they do have umbrellas if it is very sunny).
(4)
Charles S.

Great spot and service. The sushi was good. Nothing spectacular.
(4)
Wen-fai F.

Small space but they do have two dining rooms! This restaurant was very accommodating to our large group of 13. The waitress was so nice about splitting up the bill. My only minor complaint is that the menus should be organized better, as it took us awhile to decide on everything as we all tried to huddle over the menu to check off which rolls we wanted. An important comment is that the rolls are quite cheap for what you get. As I remember, there were several maki rolls on the menu for $5-6. With ample drinks, rolls and appetizers, we each ended up paying $20, and that would have been significantly lowered if we didn't get any alcohol. Two in our group had never had sushi before, and our experience at Joss turned them into sushi lovers! :) In particular, the roll with shrimp tempura and any dish with eel was very memorable. If Joss were in Boston, I would be back every week!
(4)
Nikki A.

I wasn't very impressed. First of all, the soy sauce was the saltiest I have ever had. They said they use Kiyoko, but it was MUCH saltier than average. Secondly, my friend and I both got Eel rolls and they only gave us a teeny amount of sauce on it. We asked for more and and ended up getting charged $1 for it. Our waitress gave no indication of this whatsoever. Finally, we were splitting the check and we asked for $20 on one card and $16 on the other. They got mixed up. And I honestly didn't think the sushi was that good--we had salmon, yellowtail, the eel, a dynamite and a Chesapeake roll.
(2)
Kellysue H.

It was all right nothing great about it, but nothing bad either. The prices were ok as well. I would have to try it again to maybe really give it a fair review. Right now I would say it would be fine for lunch but not for anything special.
(3)
J T.

One word--mediocre. The food was tasteless and unpresentable. The decor was rather simple. I didn't get why it was so dim but possibly the purpose was to hide the uncleanly nature of the tables. The busboy cleared the table but failed to change the linens, which had stains incurred from the previous diner. The fish wasn't very fresh even though this place is near the dock and received four stars thus far. It was a massive disappointment for my insatiated hunger. If you want a good authentic sushi cuisine experience, you have a better chance at Edo Sushi in Baltimore.
(1)
Jessie P.

Delicious. I love the Futomaki. You could order the half roll (5 pieces) or the whole roll at a slight discount. I started with half, giving my stomach room for a sampling of other rolls and appetizers, but then went back to gorge myself on an order of the second half. Our server was sweet enough to just charge for one whole roll. The other dishes were great as well and reasonably priced. The menu is extensive. We stayed with the sushi side of things, but I imagine there's something for everyone. There are a lot of dishes pictured in the menu, which really helps. The atmosphere is definitely a bit loud and crowded even on a Wednesday evening, but it's cute and it suits it well.
(4)
Tedra W.

It was ok. The food wasn't the best sushi I had. We've tasted better. The end.
(2)
Sarah B.

DC really needs to get it together, and what I mean by that is that they need to kidnap some of the chefs from Joss and open up a restaurant for people in the district that can appreciate good sushi, fish, noodles, other Japanese fare. I am ridiculously picky when it comes to sushi, so I was very surprised at how much I actually liked the food at Joss. The sushi is fresh and did not need to be disguised in wasabi and soy sauce. When going out for sushi I generally stick to rolls and sashimi and never take a second look at the menu. Luckily my buddy suggested we get the raw beef marinated in lime and vinegar(?) and it was off the heezy fo' sheezy (that means it was rather delightful). Another gal that accompanied us ordered the spring rolls and while I did not try them, they were not only large and in charge, but by the mouth full of food smile on her face and the "mmm's" of deliciousness, I think it is fair to say that those too were pretty darn good. As for the joint itself, its rather small and a bit noisy, but that does not take away from the tastiness of the food. The staff was super nice and knowledgeable, and maintained an extreme amount of poise and patience when it took our threesome over 35 minutes to figure out what to order.
(4)
Tim H.

If you are in Annapolis and looking for sushi, Joss is the only place to go! Sushi is by far the best in Annapolis and the creamy spicy sauce puts it over the top. Only reason I refrain from giving it 5 stars is because the servers can come off as aloof. Their is a definite hipster vibe which if off-putting for me, but for the most part it is a very friendly place and is always delicious!
(4)
Star K.

This was a first time visit for me... A little too crowded, but hey, that's to be expected on a late Friday night. The Sushi was good, but the menu for a rookie sushi eater like myself was a little overwhelming. I'm used to the "commercial" sushi (like at Wholefoods, lol) where it's very simple to choose from :) Our server was very helpful with going over the menu w/ me. Either way, I'd definitely visit again.
(3)
Blaine S.

Joss is awesome, best sushi around, really. The only reason it's not a 5 is it's small and sometimes the wait can be really Loooong! But we choose this first over other sushi joints and just go early. The spicy scallop roll is incredible (order 2, you'll thank me), and the staples (Tuna, Eel, yellowtail) are always fresh.
(4)
Charlene S.

A nasty staff member stood between the front dining area and the rear dining area and blew her nose--loudly for the entire hour I was there. I had our waiter pack our food and left!! Not bad tempura style sushi--that's all I eat. Scallop wontons were good. Great greetings and cozy feel, but really tight seating-small.
(3)
Christina N.

Have never found better sushi anywhere. Yes, it is small, yes, it can take a while on a weekend night to get seated, but it is always worth it. Spring Roll is the best! I have friends from college that drive over an hour to meet for dinner there once a month.
(5)
L W.

I am a big sushi lover from CA where the sushi experience is well...unmatched. This was a most disappointing experience. Nothing I tried was palatable. Tried it based on yelp reviews. I won't be returning.
(1)
Jeffrey S.

Joss is now three times its former size and the noise is deafening - so loud and unpleasant we couldn't carry on a normal conversation across the table. The sushi is still good, but be prepared to eat and shout to your spouse or companion less than three feet away. Joss desperately needs help to dampen the horrible acoustic unpleasantness of its newly expanded space.
(2)
P C.

I can see what all the fuss is about. The place is crowded and chefs keep yelling "oy" to let the wait staff know of new arrivals. Friendly and attentive staff, great prices and a decent wine/ alcohol list. There are a lot of things that the place has going for it. But the best part of the experience is the food. Amazingly fresh and smack your chopsticks delicious. Will definitely visit again.
(5)
Matt L.

Waitress was awful. There were problems with our meal and she didn't care. Sushi roll descriptions sounded exotic and unique, but they had no flavor. I eat sushi weekly. Nothings is more disappointing than spending over $65 before alcohol for two meals to leave disappointed.
(2)
Matt R.

Great place to bring Sushi virgins. The servers are knowledgable and creative. Sushi is fresh and very delicious. Lots of stuff you won't find at a run-of-the-mill joint. Definitely visit here.
(4)
Jeremy H.

I think sushi restaurants -- especially those of Joss's reputation -- should be judged on the basics. Not crazy rolls, swimming in mayo and crunchies, but straight up nigiri and sashimi. Wow, were we disappointed. The toro at 12 dollars was pure grissle. Couldn't even chew it. Had to spit out and ask for refund. The fish was sliced as if with a butter knife. Thick, wide, clumsy pieces of fish that were either inedible (the toro and also the anago which was as dry and chewy as shoe leather) or really mediocre (the hamachi, kanpachi, uni). What's all the fuss about? Yuck.
(1)
Scotto B.

This is without a doubt *the* place to get tasty sushi if you are in the area... or even outside of it, and willing to make a trip to go get some. The wait can be long because there is limited seating, but the food more than makes up for it. Plan on $40 or more for two people if you plan on sampling sushi rolls. Plan on $60 if you're a pair of hungry newlyweds that really like sushi. I've heard that the appetizers and non-sushi food is quite good, but why bother? The sushi is plentiful and delicious - that other filler will just take up valuable tummy real estate! I would recommend their tempura shrimp roll - mmm mmm good. Chesapeake roll and crunchy lobster roll are also great standby faves. Possibly my only complaint is the Conch - it has to travel a bit to get to Maryland, and sometimes the travel-factor can result in a more "fishy" vibe than necessary. As a whole the seafood is quite fresh, however. Every time I've gone, the staff has been friendly, informative and swift to refill my kettle of green tea.
(5)
Patapsco M.

Awesome and extraordinarily consistent sushi. I've eaten here once a month or so for the last 10 years. Always for lunch, as it's a short walk from where I work. I've never, ever had a bad or even mediocre experience. The prices are very good for lunch, the fish is always the perfect temperature, and the seaweed salad is the best I've ever eaten. I highly, highly recommend getting the "sushi assortment." Ask to replace the OK green salad with the crunchtastic seaweed salad, and get a roll off the a la carte menu. It will only set you back $25 incuding tip, and you will not go away hungry. The urimaki roll is phenomenal, as are pretty much all the rolls I've tried. The service is almost always solid, but the place does get packed.
(5)
Peter U.

Great sushi! Great service! Great prices!
(5)
Dave W.

Joss is hands down my favorite sushi places. The atmosphere is great and the food is better. The only down side is that it can be a bit cramped. The food is always awesome though!
(5)
Melissa G.

The first place I ever went to eat in Maryland was Joss and that was 14 years ago. I still love Joss, I just don't get there as much as I'd like since I live in Los Angeles. Now, Los Angeles is a sushi mecca.... I'm talking about blocks with 5+ sushi places on it. I'm talking Nobu, Matsuhisa, Katsu-Ya, Sushi Ike, etc. Most of the great sushi places can be found in LA, but one can also be found in Annapolis. I think Joss is all about the fresh spring rolls.... or maybe I'm all about the Spring Rolls! I could eat three of these.... they're THAT good. The creamy spicy sauce is delicious and definitely one of a kind. I have yet to find a place in LA where the creamy spicy sauce comes even close. The rolls are good -- I even created my own... aptly named "The Melissa Handroll" which is, Shrimp Tempura, Asparagus and Creamy Spicy Sauce..... I admit I got the idea from eating at Matsuhisa as a kid but I'll tell you the Melissa Handroll is DAMN GOOD. Lastly, the tempura bananas. How did they get so good? Just save room for them, they're worth it!
(5)
Tim M.

I've been here a handful of times. The sushi is fine, although their rolls all tend to taste the same and nothing really stands out. I have ordered from the regular menu and have not been impressed. The tables are cramped to the point of discomfort but I understand they are renovating soon so maybe that will get better. I know the shouting when people arrive is a Japanese thing but on a busy night when there is a constant flow of customers going in and out this loses it's charm very quickly.
(2)
Daniel T.

A great place for good, fresh sushi. You can't get much better, especially in Annapolis, MD.
(4)
RB B.

OMG!!! A family friend from Baltimore recommended this place to us. I had never been to Annapolis, and I didn't feel like just walking into some random place. The fatty tuna was so rich and delicious (and they're nice enough to put the price on the menu rather than listing "market price," so you're not ordering something that can be super over priced.) The spicy tuna roll was made with huge chunks of tuna and a tad of mayo, which I consider to be premium. The crunchy spicy scallop rice was amaaaazing. The avocado and cucumber salad we started with was refreshing and delicious; the avocado perfectly ripe. Our server was incredibly attentive and patient as I asked him his opinion about several rolls. The place is really cute, and no attempt to rush us out.
(5)
Jessica P.

Delicious and well worth the price, this little hole in the wall literally is the best in downtown. You go to Tsunami for it's great bartenders that make a mean Espresso Martini and their fried bananas and ginger ice cream. You go to Joss for the sushi and other delectables. Unfortunately, if you are clostrophobic this is not the place for you. I am not but, I felt so close to the old lady next to me, I might as well stretch out and lay down...you are literally on people..they should seriously expand then they could accomidate all of the walk-ins being the best in downtown
(3)
Andrew C.

I hate to be a wet blanket but I just want to give some of these reviews some balance. Yes, sushi is fine and some good dishes. Aside from that you should know they shout the traditional Japanese welcome every time someone comes in the door. So if you are unfortunate enough to sit in the front part of the restaurant you will hear this jolting welcome a lot. The staff seems to get pleasure doing it loud enough to startle you. It's very small and waiting for a table is uncomfortable and awkward. Staff is friendly enough but can be slow.
(2)
Graham T.

Best sushi in Annapolis. And make sure you get there early to get a table or you will be waiting a LONG time. I live out of the area now and try and get to Main Street once a year to eat at Joss.
(5)
Vegetarian Diner A.

OK place, but very tight quarters. Try the back of the place for more elbow room. Food is decent, but limited for a vegetarian- the miso soup and other items are made with animal products. Service has declined over the years. There are better places.
(2)
MiniVan D.

I came across this place when I saw Doff from "Ace of Cakes" said this place had really good sushi, and I really wanted to try the shrimp heads. Me and my friend went there, looked packed and thought it was gonna be a great dinner. We ordered alot of sushi and some specials slike the toro toro toro and to be honest, I wasn't impressed. I've tasted better sushi then that, I think thats why I'm picky but
(2)
Reid M.

I suppose the food here is fairly decent, but I cant get past the factory like attitude of customer in customer out. There was little personal feel to the place. Additionally, if you have young children who might need a high chair then you are plain out of luck. Not my favorite....try nana two stores down.
(2)
Jay P.

Read everbodies reviews, so we gave it a shot. Seaweed salad is great! Their shrimp tempura rolls are huge!! Staff acknowledges new customers entering, with something that sounds like "OOUUIII! Everyone says "Thanks and goodbye" as you leave.
(4)
Hong K.

Really? Why would they be rated 4 stars? They were trying to do the shrimp tempura udon which was bland,, u can make better at home with instant. The service was down hill from the moment we said hot water instead of the 1.95 for a bottle of soda. We would of spent more but the moment the server start to have an attitude of " they won't spend much money" since a standard gratuity is added for a group of 6 or more. The firecracker roll tasted funny. After we complained of the bland udon, they said "what is wrong with it?" Which is a valid question but not with an attitude of "again?". Also Zagat rated? I would rate this place below any place in. Fairfax that I have been to. Do not go there!
(1)
Jim G.

I loved my meal here. Everything was incredibly well prepared and served. Just a great place and a great meal.
(5)
Luda E.

I love Joss. I have many allergies [gluten, dairy, soy] and my waitress [Franni] was very accommodating to me. After listing all my allergies, she met with the chef and determined which meals were safe for me. Not only do I know I can trust their food... the food was delicious! I give it only 4 stars because the seating was extremely limited, not very comfortable to be flush against the door in winter. The restaurant was over packed. But yes: the food is great and allergen friendly!
(4)
Annie M.

I LOVE Joss! It is a tad bit on the expensive side but what GOOD sushi place is cheap? All of their rolls are fresh and wonderful. I don't remember which sushi rolls I get when I visit, because I usually get about ten different rolls, but there are some rolls that are a MUST try. The fried scallop roll is absolutely delicious. The spicy scallop roll is also very very very good. The only thing I don't really like about the sushi rolls are the spicy sushi rolls. Joss uses some kind of chili that I'm not a fan of. The first time I had a spicy tuna roll I actually thought I was eating bad fish. I came back and ordered another spicy tuna roll and realized it was just the weird taste of chili paste they were using. You might like it.. I didn't. Some of the must try items are their spring rolls, fried soft shell crabs, and their azuki bananas dessert. Their spring rolls are so fresh and so delicious! It consists of lettuce, imitation crab, avocado and I think shrimp, I don't remember, wrapped in nice rice paper and topped with their amazing spicy mayo. YUM. The fried soft shell crabs are a little more expensive so I don't always get it but the crabs are fried to perfection and a vinegary sauce is served with it. DELICIOUS. Last but not least, their azuki bananas. Most nights I can't find anymore room for this delicious dessert but I TRY! The bananas are fried, tempura style, with red beans on the inside. They are served with vanilla ice cream with honey drizzled on top. DELECTABLE! The atmosphere of the restaurant is great even though it is a bit cramped in there. But the service is absolutely wonderful. I would definitely recommend this sushi place to anyone looking for some fresh and delicious sushi!
(4)
Charles J.

I live almost two hours away from Joss and look for any excuse to drive to Annapolis to eat there for lunch or dinner. Joss is not only the best sushi restaurant in Annapolis, it is likely the best restaurant in Annapolis. I've heard this from many people who live in AA County and have eaten in many more restaurants in Annapolis than I have. The menu is comprehensive and diverse with many daily specials, some new items and many old favorites. There are plenty of items that satisfy those who prefer their food spicy and an equal number of items that are mild. Raw fish aficionados know that subtle things like the quality of the wasabi can add to a meal. Joss hits on all cylinders in the subtle and the sublime. The service is always first rate, you will never see a pimply faced neophyte server in Joss. Every server knows their menu, their fish, and their customers. They recognize first timers from old timers and treat everyone appropriately. Don't be concerned with cost comparisons. When you're looking for a memorable Japanese meal (there are oodles of cooked entrees and appetizers) just cast aside the cares and indulge. Joss Cafe is a great place to do that with no regrets.
(5)
Anne F.

I miss Joss now that I have moved to Boston. Where else can I find such excellent, fresh sushi? Where else can I find such imaginative New American and Japanese food? Where else can I find a decent wine selection in addition to a good beer and sake menu at a sushi restaurant? Where else can I find winking cat statues? That said, I don't think that Joss is as good as it used to be. While it is still the best sushi restaurant in Annapolis hands down, it is under new management and consequently does not update its menu as much as it used to. There are three separate menus given upon arrival - one regular menu, one specials menu, and a drink/dessert menu. The specials menu is really just another part of the regular menu as it has not changed for an entire year, if not more. Still go and enjoy the sushi and extensive hot menu. The pumpkin cheesecake is to die for. I just hope that Joss does not go downhill any further than it has. Favorites? Try the Poke roll and the hand rolls.
(4)
Shanna R.

My husband and I frequented this place for years, as the quality was typically pretty solid and it was just a few doors down from our apartment. The service, however, is absolutely horrible. I have never been treated so rudely as I was there. On our last visit we waited on the cramped ramp in the middle of the restaurant for over an hour for a table. Finally we were seated and our server took our drink order. Right after our drinks arrived, the host came up to our table with a mortified-looking couple in tow and said, I kid you not, "You're going to have to get up." I said "Excuse me?" and the host explained that this couple was ahead of us in line and he called their name but they didn't answer so he called ours. They had apparently gone outside and when they came in they asked about their table. The host thought that the proper thing to do was kick us our of our table. I asked why he couldn't give them the next available table, especially considering that we had our drinks and were already filling out the sushi ordering menu. The host just reiterated himself that we needed to give our table to this other couple. We asked to speak to the manager and he just pointed across the restaurant at her. We told the manager (who I believe is the owner) what the host had said to us, and calmly told her that we really didn't think that was acceptable. Her response: "I don't know what kind of list he keeps. I can't do anything about that." We then told her we were leaving, and she told us we needed to pay for the drinks we ordered (but did not get to drink because we were forced out of our table). We've never been back, and never will go back.
(1)
Abby K.

As far as sushi places go, Joss is fine. They have all the typical offerings, but their menu was a bit confusing. It seemed like they had a lot of options but I just wish it had been better organized. Their salad dressing on the traditional green salad is super lemony.. I LOVE the traditional ginger dressing that most japanese restaurants have, so I was a little bummed. All the people that I was with enjoyed their meals though, and the service was good. Definitely fine as far as japanese restaurants go. Also, I think that they recently expanded into the neighboring store, so there is plenty of room.
(3)
Gloria F.

Chesapeake roll, seaweed salad....oh and I must mention the EEL WRAP mentioned under appetizers!!! Best sushi ever.
(5)
Rob N.

Not the best sushi a cramped little restaurant good portions but can easily blow a budget!
(2)
A C.

Extremely overrated. If you don't actually eat sushi, go here. They serve many very good Americanized "sushi" entrees. I stopped going here awhile ago because I love real sushi, and there are sooo many delicious sushi restaurants in town such as Nano, Katana, Ziki's and Yama, to name a few. A couple other reasons I stopped going here. When you walk in the door, they scream something in Japanese (?). I guess it is to notify other employees that they need another table, but it is very jarring. Also, they do not take reservations but if you go there on a crowded night, there is no seating area to wait for a table. You are forced to stand in a crowded hallway with servers walking back and forth. Not fun. Also one time I went there, I asked the waiter if there were any sushi rolls with salmon sashimi or that served salmon on top. He replied "no" very rudely and offered no other suggestion off the menu. What kind of "sushi" restaurant doesn't serve salmon sashimi.
(2)
Al G.

Good sushi. We went there for lunch with a group of 6. Service was slow, and they have all kinds of rules, like no more than two tickets and 4 credit cards per table. Lunch took 1.5 hours with all the waiting. I was also surprised that there was no lunch menu.
(3)
Cindy L.

HORRIBLE service. I had been going here a few times before I went one time around Christmas with my brother and his friends. The manager, large robust blond woman was the rudest manager I have ever encountered. She had an attitude the whole night, was rude and mean to her staff....our server kept apologizing on her MANAGER's behalf! The manager then rejects a military-issued ID stating that it's unacceptable proof..an ID that is accepted in any US govt building/military base/international, etc. She barks that we cannot move out chairs as it's a fire hazard...I don't mind if we can't move the chairs...why do you have to be a witch with a b about it? The owner needs to look into the management as they are ruining business. I have never returned since that night and neither has my brother. The sushi is small and not always fresh. The non-sushi items are better. If you want good sushi...it's not in Annapolis.
(1)
Jennifer C.

It was 9:30pm on a Thursday night. We were seated immediately and the waitress was attentive. Then the problems began. I started by ordering the Toro Toro Toro appetizer, which is toro three ways. The waitress came back to inform me that "the sushi chefs say the toro is too high quality to sear" (keep in mind this dish was ordered from THEIR menu) and they will not serve it. I was a bit taken aback, but the waitress suggested that I try a different entirely raw toro dish. I agreed to do so. Not three minutes later and she was back at my table to tell me that now the sushi chefs were saying that they were sold out of the good toro. Um, what? Is it too good to sear, completely sold out, or are you just lying to me? I think we know the answer to that... So I ended up ordering a raw tuna dish, that I didn't really want, but I figured it would be a fine substitute. Nope. It was warm and nasty. The preparation was strange and the "creamy wasabi" was flavorless. So the lying and refusal to serve me two dishes on their menu was followed up with a crappy tuna item. Great. To top it off? They got my check wrong and tried to charge me for the tuna AND the toro. Wow. Insult to injury. The waitress (who was very nice) corrected the problem. It wasn't her fault they screwed up my experience. I live in Annapolis, and I stopped going to Joss a year ago because they do not devane their shrimp. Ever. Including in the tempura. Tonight I was downtown and close by and figured I'd give them another shot. I was sorry I did. I won't be going back. Ever.
(1)
Donald M.

Wonderful sushi. This place was packed on a Tuesday evening, so we sat at the bar and gad a wonderful time. reasonably priced and the sushi was great.
(4)
Leah S.

We finally got a chance to try this place and it definitely lived up to our expectations. We got the shrimp and vegetable tempura platter (amazing!), the dumpling sampler, a sushi combo and a futomaki roll. It was all wonderful! The only bad part is that you have to by the soda by glass bottle ($1.50 ea.) and their water tastes like really chemical-y. But still, a really great place and I look forward to going back soon!
(4)
Darius M.

Joss has been a favorite stop anytime I'm in Annapolis. Have never been disappointed. We do the standard miso, ginger salad, some nigiri and a few rolls. The avocado salad is tasty. It's hard to go wrong when you order the specials. Small and cramped, but that makes it feel even more authentic than a hibachi/sushi strip mall joint. One of the better sushi joints on the right coast.
(5)
Ann Marie V.

I'm sorry to day I was disappointed. I've been going to Joss for years, recommend it to out-of-town friends and - are they losing their sushi spark? Had a very disappointing lunch at Joss on 1 May. Let's begin with what worked well - the vegetable tempura is terrific. Highly addictive. The wait staff are knowledgeable and friendly. The Main Street roll sounds more interesting than it tasted. Now for what didn't work: the yellowtail didn't look fresh, just faded, and tasted dull and bland; the salmon sashimi was slimy... and there was a roll with Spanish mackerel, shreds of pickled ginger and seaweed, with WAY more rice than anything else in it. No seaweed, too. Just a big lump of rice. I'm disappointed because Joss has been a very reliable and delicious sushi place for years. Fuji in Crofton is far superior - try the Angel Roll or the Arigatto. So many excellent rolls, and the freshest sashimi ever. As for atmosphere - know that the tables are super close, and the adjacent diners will hear your conversation. The sushi bar is a nice place to sit, but there are only about 7 bar stools there.
(2)
Amanda A.

I use to never like sushi, it wasn't until about 6 months ago that my friend convinced me to go to Joss with him and I loved it. I don't eat fish, so this review won't help a lot of people, but for those that don't get sushi because they dont eat or like fish, then go to Joss! The avacado rolls are amazing. And cheap, only $3 for a roll! The vegetebale tempura is delicious as an appetizer. It is a small place and I havent been during a really busy time but I imagine dinner on weekends its probably hard to get a spot. I recommend lunch during the week. great service, good prices, and cute building and a nice location, just a short walk to the waterfront
(5)
Skye A.

Had dinner last night, should have known there was a problem when the AC was not on. Sushi was below temperature, the counter was over crowded with inexperienced chefs, and within minutes of eating my spicy tuna toll, I became ill. I'm hurting and paying for it today. The should not open if the air is not working. Poor service, poor everything, they dont even serve MISO, or EDAMAME for free. What a rip off!
(1)
Dmytro A.

One of the best sushi places in Annapolis, with a great location. The only drawback is that its seating arrangements are kinda tight. I preferred Kyma but it looks like that place has closed. Tsunami is also worth checking out, and probably actually even a more enjoyable experience, due to physical environment.
(4)
Jayvie C.

Joss Cafe is an unassuming hole in the wall on Main Street, Annapolis. It's crowded, it's known for 30-60-minute wait times at peak hours, and the little space you have between tables is not so much a bug as it is a feature. On Saturday afternoons locals and tourists are elbow to elbow, and this is not a place for snotty, sushi elitists. This is not Masa in NY. Joss is its own animal, and the place bustles with the same energy that fills downtown Annapolis. The specialty rolls are excellent for sushi newbies who prefer to eat cooked fare and still have the "sushi experience," but the nigiri is where JOss shines. A few tips: for more... isolated seating arrangements, request a seat "in the back," as the tables near the entrance and the bar are for far more personable folk. Keep conversations casual, as this IS MARYLAND, where strangers like to jump in and say hi and ask you what it is you're eating. Foodwise: don't miss the hotate-gai (scallop nigiri) and if you're into entrees, beef negimaki is a safe but tasty choice. Service: it's usually tops, the staff are friendly, they remember who you are and as of my last visit some of them have been there for at least three years. Pricing: go nuts with appetizers, rolls and an entree and you'll find yourself on the receiving end of an $80-tab for two. What you make of the night is certainly up to you. You will not be hurried by the staff and I've seen patrons take two, even three smaller rounds of sushi while they talk and take their time. Don't expect a tiger to look like a cheetah; don't expect Joss to be Masa. Keep this mind and you'll appreciate the uniqueness of Joss Cafe Annapolis.
(5)
Chase M.

Let me preface this review with my background: I have dined all over mainland Japan for six years. In the U.S. I have tried Japanese restaurants from Juneau, Alaska to San Juan, Puerto Rico and most the states in between. Visiting Annapolis' "old town" for the first time I did not have grandiose expectations for the "Joss Cafe" and Sushi Bar. But was I in for a very pleasant surprise. Upon entering, the four to five sushi chefs from various ethnic backgrounds loudly greet customers with the Japanese business word for welcome. My friend and I luckily scarfed up a seat at the sushi bar where the magic began. My friend ordered a couple of sushi dishes where as I went rogue and ordered my own assorted sashimi mix with double portions. We also shared some gyoza, a spicy kimchi dish mixed with small pieces of maguro and some Mabo nasu- egg plant slices with finely ground beef. Everything was very good but the quality and flavor of sashimi is usually what separates the best from the less. I ordered 4 salmon, 4 yellow tail, and 4 escolar pieces and after my first bite of a yellow tail I realized this was to become a serious chowhounding experience. The yellow tail was the best bite of sashimi I have had in a very long time. Moving on to the salmon my luck held; succulent and very flavorful. I saved the escolar for last and it definitely was not the least. After all was said and done this was simply the most delicious sashimi I have had in a very long time. So good that I began to feel guilty for allowing past restaurants to pull the wool over my eyes serving up with lesser qualities. Thank you Joss Cafe. My quality expectation meter has been correctly re-calibrated. I am told that Annapolis is one of Kevin Bacon's favorite towns to visit and Joss Cafe can be one of his stops. Kevin must like sashimi almost as much as I do.
(5)
Heather B.

This is the best sushi restaurant I have found in the greater DC area. The fish is always fresh, the staff provides great, friendly service and they want to keep you as a customer. Their maguro (tuna) is the deep, red steak-like color it should be instead of the bright pink of defrosted maguro that you get in most sushi places in the region. They always have fresh rockfish and real crab as options, too; no crab stick unless you ask for it! I haven't ever ventured that far off the sushi map except for a few forays into basic miso soup and a handful of desserts. The sodas are single-fill glass bottles, so don't be surprised that there are no complimentary refills! The restaurant is small and can have long waits in the summertime and on weekends, so plan to go at an off-time, sit at the sushi bar, wander to the bar on Main Street to wait, or order take out if you don't want to wait in a hallway for an hour.
(4)
Patrick C.

I work at the State Senate, and needing a change from the Canteen and as someone who loves sushi, I figured I would check this place out as I pass it each morning while getting my coffee. Came by for take out lunch, the server who served me was a bit short with me, but got my order quickly and within a few minutes I had my food and was ready to go. Normally I am not a fan of California Rolls(I hate imitation crab meat) but I saw that they had a real crab meat California Roll and I was looking to keep it low budget, so I ordered the spicy version of that. It was bland, I had never tasted such flavorless sushi before in my life. I couldn't taste the spicy roe or the crab meat. It did the job of filling me up so I didn't have to make a snack run later in the day, but there was seriously no flavor to this sushi at all. Really a disappointment, I may come back to try some of their other selections, but this was not a very encouraging first visit.
(2)
W H.

Very, VERY overrated. I don't know what the big deal about this place is. I've had better!
(2)
Mina A.

We ended up here on a Tuesday night and the restaurant was packed, but were lucky enough to get a seat by the window in the front room. The restaurant has a cool vibe, seems like an old house. We ordered miso soup, chicken katsu and sushi assortment along with hot sake and beer. The drink prices were pretty affordable. The sushi was very, very fresh. I could tell the chef took pride in his fish. I couldn't find fault with the katsu, but it wasn't mind blowing, then again it's just katsu. If I found myself in Annapolis again, I would definitely go back here.
(3)
pseudo n.

Best sushi I've ever had. I'll caveat that with I'm not a raw sushi kind of guy, but I love the tempura roll, california roll, bagel roll, etc. All awesome and this is where I always want to go for birthday dinners, etc. It's in the cool, fun, nice part of Annapolis and makes for a nice area to walk around before or after chow time. Definitely something that is so good that I can overeat on it - I had about 6 rolls last time I was there!
(5)
Gibboney H.

Don't eat here. The owner is a jerk who despite driving a Lexus SUV is too cheap to park in a lot or metered space and constantly takes up residential parking places.
(1)
Janet K.

This was my second trip to Joss, and I have to say I am a big fan. The shrimp tempura was among the best I've ever had (See my review of Joey Chiou for the other) What keeps me from giving it 5 stars is the tightness of the space. Sitting arm to arm with a woman nursing her baby is not my idea of a good time. (See my review of Cantler's for this same issue..)
(4)
Katie W.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Joss!! I barely even liked Sushi before I was first dragged to Joss by coworkers. I then started wanting to go every week. It is small and intimate. Some people think it is too crowded. Personally, I believe it adds to the ambiance of the eatery, making it feel more authentic. The servers are always friendly and accommodating. The food never disappoints. (if you do not like sushi, the tempura and chicken terriyaki is excellent as well). My favorite is the Chesapeake Roll. I have recently moved to Chicago. I am dearly going to miss Joss and hope I can find something that resembles the Chesapeake Roll in the Midwest. Joss never disappoints, if there is a long wait, it is worth it!!
(5)
Shane N.

I have been going to the same sushi place for about four years. Over that time period I have not tried any other sushi. Finally, after living and working in Annapolis for over two years, I decided to try Joss because everybody raved about it. The problem is that it is hard for me to judge the sushi because I really have nothing to compare to other than my regular sushi place which I think is the best. The best way to describe it is pretty good sushi and really good service. I went late on a Saturday at around 8:45. We had to wait about 15 minutes for a table. Our server was very friendly and professional. He told us the specials and even gave some of his personal recommendations. The inside is small and they kind of cram you in there. The person at the table next to you is practically in your lap, but it is not that bad unless you are someone that needs privacy. To start I had the lobster miso soup. The soup was pretty good, however, there was some hard piece of shell (maybe?) in my lobster that I bit into. That was not pleasant. Next we got in to the sushi. My SO and I ordered some maki rolls and nigiri. We ordered the Joss Roll, Dynamite Roll, Shrimp Tempura Roll, and Main Street Roll. We also ordered the white tuna nigiri. Let's start off with the nigiri. The white tuna wasn't very white. It was more pink. I am not sure if this is because it was a different type of tuna or cut from a different part (i am no sushi or fish expert), but it was not like the white tuna I usually get from sushi places. Not only was the color different, but the texture was different. At my usual sushi place the white tuna practically melts in your mouth. The white tuna here was a little more chewy. It was not bad, just not what I was expecting. Now on to the rolls. The best roll was the Dynamite Roll. It has this creamy spicy sauce that is very good. The roll had several types of fish (salmon, flounder, ?) and real crab meat. It was my favorite. The shrimp tempura roll seemed a little dry. The shrimp wasn't moist and the rice was kind of dry. In fact, all of the rolls seemed a little dry. Normally I don't use any soy sauce on my rolls, but this time I needed some. Maybe it was because we showed up at 9:00 PM and the rice was drying out. Another criticism is that some of the flavors of the rolls were kind of mundane and boring. A lot them seemed like they were missing something to tie all the ingredients together. Also, maybe I just over looked some of the rolls, but nothing seemed particularly creative or unusual. The exception to this would be the Dynamite Roll where the spicy sauce was something exceptional. Like I said before, I am no sushi expert, but I know what I like. Maybe I just have a unique taste. For dessert we had the tempura fried bananas with honey and vanilla ice cream. It was pretty good and probably my favorite part of the meal. The bottom line is that the sushi is pretty good, but nothing amazing. The service is really good and I will probably go back because it is so close to home and work. That said, if I have the opportunity I will always choose to go to Baltimore for my regular sushi fix.
(3)
Cat B.

Mmm-mmm Joss. Sushi here is wonderful, and the atmosphere is cozy and fun in the heart of Annapolis. I've been here a couple times with a big group, and a couple times with just one other person. Never a let down. The sushi boats are great for a group, and have a nice selection. Friends (twins) were celebrating their birthday with some sake bombs, and on the first try one twin's glass broke when we pounded the table and the shot glass hit the rim. On the second try, the other twin's glass broke in the same way! I hope they purchased some new glasswear since last summer.
(4)
Gary R.

Best sushi in Maryland, if not the East Coast, despite what some other "sushi snob" reviewers have to say. I've had sushi on both sides of the country and have yet to find the freshness and quality that Joss serves. Get there early, especially on weekends. Waiting list forms very early. We find it nice just to get there around 6 p.m. and not have to wait for a seat before the chaos begins. Some may find the tight seating uncomfortable. Many tables are spaced only inches away from each other. Definitely too small for kids. The shrimp tempura (we order it ala carte) is simply wonderful, as are the spicy scallop and Chesapeake rolls. The sashimi is excellent and very fresh. Service has always been predictably good. Enjoy.
(4)
Dana M.

I've been to sushi joints all over the country and I tell ya, this is the BEST!! I have been there a lot and every time it has been consistent and delicious!! The eel rolls and sauce are the bomb!! Always fresh and always yummy!
(5)
Anpan W.

My friends said this was their favorite sushi restaurant in Maryland, a statement that reflects poorly on all involved. I ordered a la carte sushi pieces: tuna, ama ebi; and crab. It was all warm, mooshy and terrible. The crab appeared to have been scooped from a can. The rice was bad. Service was poor, i.e. drinks were slow, server did not take our order until a member of our party flagged her down. The server smirked when a member of our party asked a question about a menu item. My friends recommended the rolls, maybe that is a safer bet.
(1)
Alexandra T.

We went to Joss for a late dinner on Saturday. Following the reviews on Yelp we figured it was the best sushi place in Annapolis. Probably other places are very bad. The only ok item was seaweed salad. Sushi were warm and far from being fresh. No presentation whatsoever. Tiny-tiny-tiny amount of brownish wasabi which i probably can eat with a spoon. Just a few (about 5 or 6, no kidding) small flakes of ginger. O'Ebi roll was tasteless. Spicy tuna and dynamite were a bit more spicy but seemed identical in taste and appearance. Fish in sashimi combo was cold but not fresh. The back dining hall and the stairs to the bathroom look like a filthy cheap chinese place on a big campus. Prices on the actual menu are a bit higher than the ones posted online. Service was rather professional, though. Overall conclusion: below average.
(2)
Molly G.

Joss is probably the best sushi in Annapolis - always very fresh and they have an impressive selection of Japanese fare that goes far beyond the already lengthy assortment of sushi and sashimi. The rolls are beautiful and masterfully crafted, and the wait staff is extremely knowledgeable about the entire menu. The only reason that I give it 4 out of 5 stars is that a.) it's pretty pricey - as a Seattle native I know that it is possible to find superb and inexpensive sushi and b.) you'll probably wait for at least 15-20 minutes in the crowded hallway before you get to your table which is nestled extremely close to your neighbors. With that said, I always look forward to a great meal at Joss. And, it's nice to be right downtown to take a postprandial stroll around town.
(4)
Michelle P.

Before I begin, let me make clear that I am an Annapolis local, and have thus visited the immortal Joss many, many times. I'm a bit sad to say that this little gem hasn't changed many, or really any of it's problems over the years. To start off, Joss is one of the "trendy" restaurants that refuses to seat you until your entire party is there. Generally, as I like to be on time for dinner, I find myself the unfortunate victim of having to wait in Joss's crowded little access ramp while I wait my dining companions to arrive. And really- a ramp is the only waiting area? If you are going to force people to wait for their friends stuck in traffic, at least provide a little SPACE for them to do so in! After finally being seated, I find that each and every time I visit Joss I am overwhelemed by the suffocation of a very crowded and loud setting. Provided, there are a few good tables in the house - okay, maybe only one good table- but the vast majority of the tables are the stuffy banquettes that cheap restaurants are so fond of nowadays so that they can fit as many people as possible into the restaurant. Provided, the food at Joss is quite good- the best of Japanese/sushi in Annapolis, if you ask me- the service is above average, and the prices are fair. However, if you are looking for a swanky evening, or even a pleasant one, Joss is not the relaxing atmosphere you should seek.
(3)
Emily G.

(I recently upgraded Joss from a 4 to a 5. Not because it's THE best place imaginable, but because I think I'm too stingy with my stars, reluctant to grant 5s...so, in the interest of scale creation, I'm granting 5 to one of my current favorites.) I absolutely love the teriyaki tofu and avocado salad at Joss. The only Japanese food I've tried that compares is in Boulder, Colorado. (too far!) It's a fun place--friendly and charming. It can get a bit crowded, and there's nowhere to stand or sit when you're waiting for a table, so you have to hope the weather's nice, but it's a favorite of mine.
(5)
Nancy W.

Good fish, bad service. Service: Hostess was a real you know what. Disgruntled when I asked not to be seated a foot from the kitchen. Also, our waiter didn't know what the specials were, and the waiter serving the section next to us talked really loudly and checked up on his customers every 2 minutes, butting into their conversations and even massaging the shoulders of one of the patrons next to us! Inappropriate. My dining companion equated him to cruise ship staff - disgustingly chipper and loud. Food: Highly recommend the Lobster Tempura roll. Very tasty. Delicious spicy cream sauce.
(3)
S K.

Had a good feeling about this place when I walked in - cozy ambiance, etc. I ordered the shioyaki with their "market fish" which was escolar (aka the controversial butterfish, "white tuna", which I didn't realize when I ordered it). Having ordered shioyaki before at other Japanese places, this sadly did not meet my expectation - didn't taste like a Japanese dish at all, missing that nice salty brown crispiness and juiciness that makes shioyaki so good! Came with some grilled vegetables - and all was bland. So... I was pretty bummed, and to make matters worse, my entree ended up costing twice as much as anyone else's that I'd dined with (market fish had no price on the menu, but I was feeling very trusting when I ordered it). Fortunately, I don't seem to be having any trouble digesting the escolar so far (but I hear that is not the case for a lot of people).
(3)
Andrew W.

While in town recently for my sister's wedding, some locals mentioned Joss as a place where their sushi snob friends from New York always liked to go when visiting. Though I wouldn't consider myself a snob, I certainly think being a New Yorker makes me a good arbiter of all things sushi, so my girlfriend and I made it our mission to stop by for a snack on a Friday afternoon to find out for ourselves. After sampling their menu, I can understand why some may consider this place a hassle to get into, it's really good! Fortunately, our fortuitous timing of arrival kept us from having to brave the crowds. Our snack almost became a full-fledged Omakase given the ridiculously wide-ranging array of choices on the menu. It was so hard to decide! You'll never see Escalar on a sushi menu in New York. We also had to try a crab roll (it was Maryland and crab is one of the two things apparantely that Maryland "does") and I would have been remissed to have not sampled the Kobe Beef Sushi. Everything came very quickly. Prices were about average for NYC, so it may seem a little steep for locals. After my recent experiences at Joss and Braun's ( yelp.com/biz/braun-seafoâ€¦ ), I'll be on the lookout for sushi whenever I'm in a fishing town. You'll find places that rival the best places in the big cities.
(5)
Patrick H.

This is a great Sushi bar, but a bit of a hassle. Always difficult to get into Joss, and since there is always a wait, you are relagated to the waiting ramp until a seat opens. Tables are close, but it's all part of the fun. I find Joss to be the perfect late night dinner stop. The sushi is super fresh and expertly prepared. We had a number of different rolls on our most recent visit. I followed up the maki with some lucious toro and a huge spicy tuna Gunkan Maki. MMMMMMMM. Prices are very reasonable and service is great. Sushi Taro in DC is still my fave, but Joss comes close.
(4)
Fat T.

I would say the best sushi house in MD. I've almost all sushi restaurant in 75 mile radius. Try the friend ice cream for dessert. It's light and done very well.
(5)
ST M.

In my view the best Sushi bar in MD, and for that matter, in a 60 mile radius including most of DC. Great selection, good vegetarian options, great food, good sake- All of that would earn 4 stars from me. But what earns that 5th star is the fact that I have taken visitors from the NW, California, and NYC, all of whom love the place, and once they get off the plane it is the place they want to go. Joss is held in high esteem by those meat eaters I know, who tell me that the sashimi items are some of the most generous portions, and best anywhere. And having to drag around a bunch of west-coast sushi fiends around DC looking for quality is no fun, so thank you Joss. Yes, very high praise for Joss!
(5)
Alyssa K.

If I could eat Joss sushi every day of my life I would and it'd never get old. It's definitely the one restaurant in Annapolis that's worth going to over and over and over. With fairly inexpensive prices, me and my fellow teens always try to pile up in this tiny dinner spot. The only reason any other sushi joint gets business is when Joss has a long wait, which they usually do because I'm pretty sure all of Annapolis loves this place. Its cramped corners are irritating at first, but when the food touches your mouth cramped becomes cozy out of pure bliss. Even if you don't like sushi, this place has a lot to offer. All I can say is when you order, order a lot. If you don't leave here feeling 100 lbs. heavier you haven't had the full experience. (on a side note, if you order the California Roll get crab stick. For some reason Joss's crab [in Annapolis of all places] is not always fresh)
(5)
Trevor M.

A little bit of Tokyo in Annapolis! Ok, i'll admit that when I first walked in and saw the place....I was not impressed. A gaigin owner...are you kidding me. Wait...we're all foreigners here...my bad. But, I relented...I went in and i've been coming back since. Atmosphere: see above. Looks small from the outside, but plenty of seating in the back. Limited space at the bar...but, that's where the action is. Food: Great selection of fish...great daily specials. Ok...they still have all of the favorites...udon, sushi, katsus, but what sets these fine folks apart many other Asian restaurants...is that they're not trying to be fusion...they're not trying to be pan-everything food that you see so many other asian restaurants attempting to be...They're trying to be Japanese...and doing a damn, fine job of it. Japanese pickles. Fried shrimp heads....yummm. And you thought that Duff was the only one to like this. Probably, one of the largest selections of seaweed salads that you're going to get. Ok...For my fellow Japs...They have Takoyaki here! Yes, Takoyaki! And quite frankly, beats the drive to NY. Nothing beats a little taste of home. Now, if they would only make proper Yakisoba and curry. I'll live there. Fresh, tasty...it's like the ocean at your bar filled with fish. Drinks: Standard beers and sakes Service: I can't say for other folks...but service has been outstanding every time that i've been there and no, it's not because i'm a fellow Jap, it's good old fashioned service with a smile and bow...but admittingly apart from the guys behind the bar and the owner...they do butcher the language. Price: Good overall pricing. Return rate: pretty much when i'm in Annapolis, I'm there or at an Irish bar...(that's a different review) Bottom line: Good food, good service, reasonable pricing. A little taste of home.
(4)
Matthew L.

I thought it was good but not spectacular. I've been there for lunch with clients a few times. It's got the wow factor with the location and edgy decor, but the food is average. Their are a ton of special rolls. They did a really nice unagu. I'd say it's okay for lunch, wouldn't spend the money for dinner.
(3)
Misty W.

Way too small. No elbow room and sushi is not worth being cramped.
(2)
Chris H.

Yes, as one of the other reviewers said, Joss is the king of Annapolis sushi. I'd put it up there in the top 5 sushi places anywhere in the states. I lived in Annapolis, and call me snob or whatever, but I thought the food sucked for the most part. If you're wealthy, there are some good places, but even then, I felt like everything was grotesquely overpriced. This place, while not necessarily cheap, is totally worth it.
(5)
Garrett P.

Visiting a good friend after a long absence, we had already been drinking a fair amount to kill some time before heading here for a last meal before my departure. This is her favorite sushi spot, as well as her sister's, the latter due partly to the fact that it was her mother's last meal before she was delivered. Perhaps this makes this restaurant a small part of her? Philosophical musings about amniotic fluid dwelling infants aside, we were seated promptly, but in a slightly awkward corner. We started off with the Maguro Poke and Fried Bean Curd apps, then ordered a various selection of sushi rolls/nigiri to nibble on as well. The apps came out quickly, with the Maguro Poke being a real star. This thing is seriously delicious, and I am quite unhappy that I've been unable to find anything like it here in NYC. The fried tofu tasted like, well, lightly fried tofu, and was served in a nicely balanced ponzu sauce. *Disclaimer: during this portion of the meal, we continued drinking, and therefore I will be unable to be quite so informative with the rest of this review. If you don't want to read my nonsense-filled description that follows, avert your eyes now. A giant tray of sushi arrived moments after we were done with the apps, the size of which is best described as "effing massive", with some retardedly good looking Chutoro, O'toro and thickly sliced salmon on it, as well as rows of neatly arranged rolls. Our waitress had to be wondering at what point we were going to begin regurgitating to clear room to finish this. Then I took the first bite of the very fatty and clean tuna. This fish was the shit. We ate like a refugee from a developing nation that just caught an air-dropped Hot Pocket. I did things to that pile of sushi that would make a Hell's Angel blush. The rolls were also quite good, and I would tell you what they were except for the fact that I was drunk (weren't you paying attention earlier?!) and inhaling sushi like I was Kirby of GameBoy fame. After this, we finish off with a glass of wine and a dessert of red bean ice cream, which comes with a fried Goldfish snack cracker-shaped pastry filled with mashed red beans. Highly tasty. On the way back to the restroom (which requires basically leaving the restaurant via a stairway into what looks like a dentist's office hallway in one of those non-descript medical buildings) I noticed that they have been tops in Sushi since 1999 for the area, as per the good ole' Zagat guide. That's strong as wolf pussy. Total damage for all this, including alcohol? $60 per person before tip. Pros: Really fresh fish, cheap, cute place, waitress was very knowledgeable and kept water glasses full even though she was busy. Cons: Some rolls were not quite as epic as others, seating was rather awkward.
(4)
Pooja D.

Rlly good, love the location and atmosphere!
(4)
Jen C.

This is the best sushi restaurant in the DC area, hands down. They have the freshest fish, big portions, and really decently priced. All of the sushi places you will go to in DC (Ko, Kaz, etc) are really pricey for rather small portions. I love Joss's. I will drive all the way here from Arlington, VA just to eat here. Plus Annapolis is such a cute town and the food is always really good. I always get the shrimp tempura roll, it's phenomenal. Also the Maryland crab is really good usually but it was a little bland last night. We also got the dynamite roll, among other nigiri and sashimi, all of which is really fresh and yummy. Been here many a time and will return for sure. We ultimately heard about it through some of our local Annapolis friends so that was a sure bet for us. So glad they told us about it! Love this place and will definitely miss it if I move from the DC area.
(5)
Megan R.

I am a toro and veggie sushi lover. However, this cute little spot made me fall for salmon and flounder as well. For starters we had the Toro, Toro, Toro. The raw and chili tuna were excellent. I was not so impressed with the grilled toro, but I am not the biggest fish fan. I know funny since I eat sushi. We were on an oyster kick and ordered the fried oysters, they were good with the plum sauce but there was a bit too much breading. The sashimi and hand rolls were amazing. I would definitely return next time I am in annapolis. There was a wait even though we put our name down on a list prior to when we wanted to eat. Be prepared. The ambiance is warm and family style. It tended to be a little loud since it was crowded.
(4)
Robert S.

We've been going to Joss for 6-7 years now, typically on weekends in the evenings. We almost exclusively order the nigiri sushi, a roll or two, and have sake and edamame, as a general rule. Everything we've had there has been fantastic: the crab kani-su, while expensive is delicious along with the F.F. Caviar, the toro, and the snapper. In short, if you know your sushi, or at least know enough to know what you like and don't like, you won't be disappointed here. Yes, Joss is expensive, but for what I've sampled in the DC area, the cost seems somewhat justified because we've never had a sketchy meal or experience here unlike some other establishments we've tried. The wait and waiting area are royal buzzkills, but typically we have good servers who always know what they're serving as they exhibit when bringing the sushi to the table. All-in-all, I'm very pleased, but the price makes it prohibitive to go often. Perhaps our bias comes because this was where we cut our teeth on sushi, but I can think of little better place that I've been on both coasts, albeit that experience limited.
(5)
Paul B.

Sushi was okay. But the portions/rolls were small and it was overpriced. I expected much much more after seeing the reviews.
(2)
K D.

This is my favorite sushi spot in all of the DC area. Great for locals or if you're just taking the day to explore downtown Annapolis. Seriously, don't miss it because it's the best restaurant down there and it's the best sushi you've had in a while. Guaranteed!
(5)
Greg S.

Probably the best restaurant in Annapolis hands down. Great food, consistently good service, and nice atmosphere. This is one place we come back to time and time again.
(5)
Matthew K.

I've debated on giving it a 2 or a 3. If I judged it on food alone, I would probably give it a 3-3.5, but a restaurant is about the whole dining experience. Went on the recommendation of an acquaintence, and it was definitely over-rated. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad, but I think I would've been more satisfied if it wasn't hyped up as it was. First, the list of specials that weren't on the menu - annoying! The waitress started rambling off a couple, and got tired, and asked us if we wanted her to keep on going. When we said yes, she had to narrow down to ask what kinds of fish we were interested it, and then gave us a couple of specials from that. write it down, so I know what I can choose from. From that, we got confused and ordered an special item that turned out to be a roll, instead of handroll, giving us with a lot of extra food. The menu's built in sushi/sashimi combos were insufficient, and the list of rolls they had were insufficient. The whole ordering process left me a little frustrated so that I didn't enjoy the rest of my meal as much. we ended up getting a spicy combo from the regular menu, a couple rolls from the rolls menu, and a couple of specials that our waitress told us about. the fish itself was fresh. I did get a kobe beef roll from the specials, which was good, but left me wanting more of the kobe flavor, and not so much of the marinade/seasoning they doused it with. the I was pretty disappointed with the eel roll. that and the screaming baby nearby... left me with an evening that wasn't that great, but left me full.
(2)
Cindi N.

eh......nothing to write home about, so not sure what the hype is all about but i'm going by san francisco standards i guess....... we got: - seared scallop medallions served w/ some greens with this sweet dressing i didn't care for....... now couldn't tell that it was seared, it was mostly raw. would of like the scallop seared for reals. prefer raw scallop on sushi @ sushi zone in s.f. - california rolls w/ real crab -- good but where's the crab??? they seem to skimp on the crab. - tangerine beef salad -- good, the best dish i had. dressing & tangerines were good. they definitely don't skimp on the grilled beef. but where's the greens??? would be really good w/ more greens. disclaimer: this dining experience was our 2nd one that evening. i just didn't have an appetite after we had some appetizers & drinks @ pusser's, so i was ready for dessert. AND i didn't feel like switching gears from fun tropical seafood to sushi. AND we just had sushi a couple of times within the past 4 days. so if i was hungry AND/OR if this was our first stop that evening AND/OR if this was our 1st sushi during our week here in maryland........ i might have a more positive dining experience .....or not...... but unfortunately i'm going to base it on this experience & i won't be coming back. on a good note -- great service from good server -- he was attentive & prompt. pretty crowded when we went @ 5:30pm on a tuesday evening. we had to wait about 15 min. to be seated. it seems like a popular spot, so they're doing really good........
(1)
Robert K.

At long last I had the chance to try this place, after hearing murmurings in my circle of friends about a great sushi spot up in Annapolis over the last year or so. The wait for us was about 30 minutes, and this was for a table of 3 at around 8:30pm or 9. That's not too bad if the food is good, and by all reports, it was. It was also not unexpected since I had done my homework on this site. During the wait in an actual separate waiting room, a waitress serves beer as you bide your time. It's not so bad, obviously helped along by the people you're with and the anticipation of good food around the corner. We did get seated at around 30 minutes, and I finally got to try the sushi. We took a fairly decent sampling, selecting the Toro Toro Toro and the special Eel from the menu directly, and then an a la carte sampling of a couple of rolls and numerous nigiri sushi. One person at the table preferred non-sushi, so she had Beef Teriyaki. By her account, it was good. I wouldn't know. The sushi was excellent. Texture, taste, freshness- they all get high marks. The way the best sushi places distinguish themselves after passing those tests are through presentation and variety, in my opinion. Presentation was great, with good color and interesting garnish on what we ordered. Variety was also solid, as we had jellyfish and conch, which have been rarer options for me. The conch was somewhat bitter. The jellyfish was great. It was sliced in small pieces, and wrapped in seaweed to look like a typical roe wrap. The texture has more substance than salmon roe, but less than a more typical piece of sushi. Joss definitely fits into my top list of sushi places. With Tono being so local, Joss is probably worth a trip every few months or so, but Tono is just as good on most of those variables. Just for a little change up though, Joss will probably be a place I stop by on occasion.
(5)
tracey s.

I have been to Joss once and ordered take-out about 6 times! For such a small town, I never expected to find such good sushi! I have to suggest asking for the creamy spicy sauce instead of the chili sauce in the spicy tuna rolls - much better! (get a little side of the sauce too - to dip!)
(5)
Blair H.

I've eaten at Joss's in Annapolis a lot and I haven't had a bad experience yet.The major pro for Joss's would be the price, it's a lot cheaper than other sushi bars in the area. The only con is that its a little crowded (as are most places in downtown). Sometimes I feel like I'm eavesdropping on other people's dates without even trying loll. But all in all it's good quality sushi for a pretty decent price.
(4)
Irene W.

I thought the sushi here was very good, especially the spicy scallop hand rolls, escolar (white tuna) ngiri, and the fresh spring rolls. However, my gripes include the long wait (even though you can put your name and they'll call you when you are the next available table), the loudness factor, and the tight seating (you might be able to contribute to your neighbor's convo, that's how close you are!).
(4)
John V.

I've lived in Annapolis for over seven years now, and Joss remains the clear winner for sushi north of the Potomac. I've never bothered with the cooked entrees here ... when I'm in a place that focuses on sushi, only the raw stuff will do. So please note this review does not address the quality of anything but sushi. The nigiri sushi here is very nice and authentic, with the proper ratio between rice and topping. Mostly very traditional, although a few oddball items show up that, like many of the rolls, would be scoffed at in Japan. But I digress. The various types of tuna (maguro, hamachi, toro, o-toro, escolar, etc) are wonderful and fresh ... but hey, in a review like this, would a sushi place rate anything over one star if the fish wasn't impeccably fresh? They also offer some excellent gunkan-maki choices. On the traditional side, you've got the whole array of fish roe and uni, but they also have some spicy tuna treats. in fact, I've seriously considered going in and making a complete meal off gunkan-maki. The rolls ... everyone in America seems to be trying to outdo each other with wacky maki roll combinations. I think it all started with California rolls back in the '80s. Okay, so I confess to indulging in some of them, even an occasional soft shell crab roll. But these rainbow rolls and other combos just seem to be piling crap on without any consideration for the diner being able to discern individual tastes and textures. Joss has a couple of these, I suppose to keep pace with the competition, but they also treat the traditional stuff extremely well here. Tekka maki, for instance, is always perfectly composed and formed. Same with kappa maki and futomaki. And to their credit, they do a bang-up job on the pressed sushi, oshizushi, sometimes called Osaka-style. Rice in a rectangular mold topped with eel or mackerel, seaweed, maybe some other ingredients, then pressed into a tight package, with fish flavors permeating the rice. Money! Skip the other Annapolis places ... Joss is the go-to place for sushi here.
(4)
amy v.

My friend and i decided to try this place out tonight after hearing rave reviews. She also wanted to try the fried shrimp heads that she saw Duff from "Ace of Cakes" claim as the best. We went on a Thursdays but it still looked pretty packed but the wait wasn't too long. We ordered the Dynamite and Manhattan roll, which were so-so. I've definately had better. We also ordered to a few specials, the Toro, Toro,Toro, a Kobe roll(Cant remember the name) and a sashimi dish dressed in a really good sauce(can't remember the name either but I would recommend getting this). The sashimi dish was my favorite everything else slightly failed my expectations. It might be because I've spoiled in the sushi department so I'm very picky. But the shrip heads that my friend was eyeing left her content, the ones she had from Sushi Sono was better. It was slightly pricey as well,but that may be from all the specials we ordered. Overall it was good, I would visit it again if i happen to be in the area but won't bother going out of my way to eat here.
(3)
Maria D.

Joss is a wonderful place in downtown Annapolis. They have a great reputation around the area! (Next to Nano's too, which is another great sushi joint) Their sushi is yummy. However, I wished they had different selections to choose from sometimes. I go there probably 3 to 4 times a year and I usually stick to a few favorites. The rest all sound the same or have most of the same ingredients in each. I usually order the Dynamite Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Rock n' Roll Roll and if I have enough money, The Main Street Roll. The Main Street Roll is fantastic!! I could eat billions of those and never get tired. It has crab meat, scallions, FF Roe mixed with creamy spicy sauce and avocado plus smoked salmon outside. The smoked salmon is my favorite part. Their quick with your order too! The staff is very friendly, they greet everyone who comes through their small door. The restaurant is super tiny. It's like you've entered someone's house, plus you can't help but overhear the conversation at the table next to you because it's that small. But don't let that stop you from coming because it's all apart of the atmosphere! However the major downsides: Parking is hard to find on a busy night. They don't take reservations, so plan accordingly. A lot of families come there to eat, so if you don't want something noisy request a different table and they'd be happy to help. Overall, give it a try! It's not so close to sushi in California, but I'll take it :) PS- They do take-out too!!
(3)
Nickel W.

So many sushi places in a small radius. This one is the best! I am a veggie, and love their veggie sushi and all the acrutements!
(5)
Nicole L.

This small little japanese restaurant is the pride of Annapolis downtown, being near the water - it serves up to its name for the quality of seafood. It is also run by a real japanese person which is rare around here. No reservations so go early or wait in line. I judge a japanese restaurant by the types of fish available - and they have some of the freshest and less common varieties. A successful sushi restaurant with quality will have more varieties and the right crowd for it. Eating sashimi may not be for some but the sashimis are so fresh they have no fishy smell or unchewable texture. Their sashimis melt in your mouth and the sensation of the flavor is unreal. This place is much to rave about even some japanese clients I went with said it's really really good japanese food. I've been fortunate that every time I go to joss it was an all-out affair-usually about $100 and up for dinner. All the sashimi-o-toro, markerel, yellow tail, tuna, rockfish, salmon, snapper, sushi- baby octopus, fish roe, giant clam, marinated squid, egg, and spicy tuna handroll. I also love their seaweed salad, avocado roll and for dessert, fried banana with honey and walnut. Yumm!
(5)
S R.

Best sushi i have had in the maryland, dc, virginia area! I love this place, i try and go as often as i can. The spring rolls are great, and you can't leave with out eating the unagi. The grilled escolar is also amazing. I have been to the original NOBU and I still think Joss' is better.
(5)
Tom H.

one word ..... GREAT.
(5)
Jung-Ah P.

I was up late one night - for no reason really, just staying up late and flipping through TV channels. Food Network had me stop, drooling and suddenly hungry at 1:30am. I was looking at Food Network celebrities describing the best fried food they've ever had and then actually going to the restaurant and savoring it in the most mouthwatering fashion. The guy from Ace of Cakes talked about a sushi restaurant that served fried shrimp heads. He described how delicious it was and that they didn't have it on the menu. Who eats shrimp heads?! I thought they were filled with weird shrimp brains (do they have brains?) and goo. I was intrigued. So I tracked down Joss Cafe and Sushi Bar in Annapolis and ordered the fried shrimp heads. The server seemed surprised that I asked for them - since they're not on the menu and brought out the cute little heads, looking super crispy, with the black beady eyes looking up at me. The people at the next table asked what they were, so I explained my story and soon, I had an audience as I prepared to eat what we would generally throw out. I dipped one in some soy sauce and put the whole thing in my mouth. It was difficult to chew, as the head is very spiky and pretty large in size, but oh my gosh, it was amazing! The outside was crispy and a bit salty, but the inside was creamy with an intense shrimp flavor. It was like being in shrimp heaven. If you live in or are visiting the Annapolis area, you need to check out the shrimp heads at Joss Sushi. I think the next time I purchase shrimp, I'll reserve the heads and try deep frying them myself. Tasty tasty!!!!
(4)
Tim M.

This is at least one of the top 2 sushi places in the Annapolis area in general. Their daily sushi specials and unusual and creative appetizer dishes are what really stand them out. While they serve other cooked japanese fare I don't really see any point in going here unless you're after sushi. The Tuna Avocado salad is one of my favorites - half a fresh avocado stuffed with cubes of ruby tuna riding on a bed of daikon and sprinkled with raspberries and a wasabi cream sauce. They have an impressive assortment of seaweed salad combinations, an unusual array of sushi selections you don't find often elsewhere (jelly fish, whelk, escolar - varies daily). Only place in the area I know you can get Po'ke. The only reason it doesn't get 5 stars from me is it is incredibly small and the tables are very 'cozy' - be prepared to shout the whole time you're there especially if you're seated up front. This is a sushi bar - if you're ordering something other than their main specialties you're risking the experience a bit... #update 08/15 - just a quick update on the newly expanded Joss - it's better than ever. Menu is expanded as is the space. It'll take a year to go over the new items - grilled yellowtail collar is one of my favorites so far. This place is the best sushi/japanese anywhere in the area period.
(4)
Chris E.

Great sushi!!! When we go out for sushi, this is the place we head for! It's not cheap, but it's worth it. The atmosphere is a bit crowded and noisy, but fun. I've always had great meals here!
(5)
Majelly P.

loved it!
(4)
R C.

I agree with the posters who say that those who have experienced truly "good" (or even decent) sushi will not be impressed with Joss. The positive reviews are most likely coming from people who have never left this provincial little town. If you really want sushi and are stuck in Annapolis, this is probably your best bet, but it's a good idea to keep your expectations fairly low.
(2)
stephanie t.

This is an Annapolitan favorite, but that doesn't necessarily mean there is anything worth raving over. The fish is typically fresh, but the pieces are small, and it's fairly expensive for what you get. Non-sushi items seem inconsistent. I have no issue eating at Joss, and if you want sushi in Annapolis, how many options do you really have? but in the grand scheme of things Joss is fine and nothing more.
(3)
Sue A.

My husband and I wanted some sushi, and heard some good things about this place, so we were very optimistic. I had actually eaten here for a quick lunch a couple times, and it wasn't bad. However, we went here on a busy evening. We waited a LONG time, which I can't really complain about if it's a popular place, b/c you expect that you'd be rewarded w/ good food (that there must be a valid reason for the wait). We were wrong. Not only was the staff rude to us, but after waiting so long to be seated, we were finally crammed at a tiny table in b/w 2 other couples, and were forced to wait yet again. The tables were so crammed that you had to keep your elbows to your body, or risk touching the couple next to you. So there we were, waiting, waiting, waiting, yet again. Then my husband noticed that you could smell the less-than-fresh sushi from the table next to us. That did it for us. If you're going to eat raw fish, it had better be fresh. We got up and left w/o ordering anything, even though we had already invested an enormous amount of time waiting.
(1)
Ann B.

I love this place! The sushi is excellent. Try the sukiyaki and the jellied red bean paste dessert - you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Christine C.

had lunch there yesterday with some girlfriends. tables are ridiculously cramped. staff is indifferent. service was SLOW. food was not amazing. we are sushi lovers, and none of us thought it was anything special. definitely overrated.
(2)
Lindsey W.

Damn good sushi for a small city. I hear its authentic too if that matters to you.
(5)
Suzzie T.

Joss use to be excellent. I've been away from Annapolis for a couple of years and was so excited to go back and bring friends. I saw the Yelp comments saying it's gone down hill since the expansion. I was hoping the bad news wasn't true - it was. The new extension looks nice - cool sushi bar and a nice patio in back. The sushi has gone down dramatically in quality. Service was still pretty good. Lost a lot of its authenticity with the expansion. Newcomers probably won't know the difference - it's now on par with the run of the mill sushi place - decent, but not great. Hopefully they'll find a way to return to excellent.
(2)
Susie J.

If you normally order fried rice... tempura... basically cooked foods, than read no more. This review is all about their sushi. I would give this place two stars, maybe 2.5 stars, because it was mediocre at best... BUT, their uni bumped up the experience from being another total sushi excursion disappointment in the bay area. The uni was fresh and just as it should be- the butter of the sea. mmm.. However... To try a bit of everything & not cloud our judgement of Joss by the rave reviews that led us here, we ordered: Sushi an sashimi combo, amaebi, uni, a few rolls, toro thrice, and a a few other a la carte items. Everything was just so-so. Nothing extraordinary. The sashimi cut was all wrong but it wasn't an expectation. The wasabi was NOT hot- in fact I could stick a wad of it in my mouth before I felt a tingly sensation in my sinuses- closer to a would be sneeze than an official clearing. Sigh* Plus the wasabi mound was the size of my thumb nail- a ridiculously small amount. We tried the shrimp heads Duff of FN mentioned. They had a different taste than the usual shrimp heads we would get at any sushi spot. In this case, different was better- almost a slightly sweeter taste. But, by it's texture you could definitely tell it was fried earlier and not freshly yanked from piping oil; so it lost out on the delicate warm crispness I had anticipated. But I digress. Someone earlier said "beggars can't be choosers." I couldn't agree more. For the area, its alright. It would fix your needs; but by fix, I mean duct tape to a flat tire- temporary but nothing close to a real, satisfactory chopstick hand cramp caused by a variety of delectable swimmers. Would I come again? Not by choice.
(3)
Darren G.

This was the single worst sushi experience in my entire life. Holy crap I've eaten sushi in Lansing Michigan and its been better. This is the epitome of a downtown Annapolis tourist joint. It's a no. The 1 star is because the service was also bad. My lady and I made a rookie mistake dropping a couple of hundred bucks on nigiri in this joint. We should have stuck with a couple of rolls and then we would have been forewarned of the dry rice not properly seasoned, the barely legal fish, it was borderline off. Christ I have to say this was the worst. Even the misu soup tasted like out of a packet. God awful. I could eat decent sushi here in New York for the prices they charged. Holy mother of god don't eat here.
(1)
Dave S.

Been a long while since I ate at Joss -- the restaurant has expanded into an adjacent space and all my earlier comments about space are no longer relevant. Best sushi in Annapolis.
(4)
Yana M.

My experience with sushi in the greater DC has been extremely poor. With so much ethnic food and the oceanic coast so close, you would think that there would be an abundance of sushi places worth their salt. Joss is hands-down the best reasonably-priced sushi spot I have found in the DC area; better than Sashimi, Raku, or Koi. Their sweet shrimp rolls are the best - slightly sweet, perfectly fresh, and coated in some delectable delicate sauce. And their wasabi pork dumplings are absolutely delicious. They get crowded most nights, so I recommend reservations - but even the half hour wait is totally worth it!
(5)
J W.

the 3 stars are for the wonderful 4 years we had with Joss when we first moved to the area until 2013 when we're finally done with it. we came here regularly before the expansion. always loved the food and the service, and didn't care that we paid over $100 (food only) for only 2 people every time we came here. we even made our non-sushi-loving friends come here at least once a month plus our regular visit almost once a week, thats how much we loved it! sadly, after the expansion, changes of management (at least 3 managers had worked there since the expansion), some old staff departing from the restaurant (Aaron for one, we loved his bubbly personalities!) and newly hired staff who didn't seem to be well-trained, we finally gave up on this place. it was like a sad and painful break-up. for instance, one time we were seated, but our server just disappeared for a long time before even taking our drink order, when she finally showed up, she brought food and drinks to tables near us and skipped our table. I'm pretty sure we didn't upset her since it was the first time we ever saw her there, and we'd been very generous tippers over the years at Joss. another time, when we asked for yuzu sauce, the staff was confused and didn't know what we were talking about. and there also had been times when our food was out, it was just seating there at the counter with lots of other staff around it chatting and walking by. by the time it was picked up by our server, it was already kinda cold. if you happen to be in DTA and want to give this place a try, go for it, and make sure to ask for Jackie if she still works there. but for me and my family, it's time to move on. you'll be missed, pre-expansion Joss.
(3)
Trey S.

BEST SUSHI IN THE WORLD! Seriously, the best. My wife and I have been eating at Joss since we were kids and there is no other place in the U.S. that compares. Try the Spring Roll.
(5)
Peter C.

They have grown sine I've been there! Larger dining room with curtious wait staff. Great sushi and sake collection. The sushi was very tasty. My only comment was that the nigiri had too much rice. This seems to be a common problem in America but still I feel that the food warranted the 4 stars. I will go there again.
(4)
Shanna E.

Really great, unique Asian food (not your typical American-Asian flavors) and an AMAZING dessert selection. My only complaint is that the restaurant is fairly big but there are only two bathroom stalls for the whole restaurant...I had to wait about 20 minutes!
(4)
George A.

I moved from Annapolis approximately 7 years ago, and it has been at least that long since I had visited Joss.....until last week. Everything was as fresh as I remembered it to be. The rolls are always prepared super fast and the sashimi is the freshest I can find in Maryland. The service was quick and efficient. For a weekday afternoon, they were pretty busy. If someone could just pick up this restaurant and move it to Harford County, I would be eternally grateful.....
(4)
Kalee C.

Best sushi I've ever had. The service was great and the variety and creativeness of the dishes were awesome. It's the kind of place that makes you want to try everything on the menu.
(5)
Amanda K.

There are so many reviews, I won't subject anyone to another long-winded dissertation on the virtues of their sushi. It's all good. Every last piece (and I think i've tried just about everything). My only issues are a) the seating is close together which is a pet peeve of mine and b). their servers can be snarky and snippy. it sets me off sometimes. Also, their takeout has been wrong about 25% of the time.. which seems to be a high number to me.
(4)
Laura A.

Went here with a couple friends before catching a show at Ram's Head. Always a pleasure scooting into the tight tables, especially with good company! The SPEED at Joss is rockin - multiple rolls coming out a few minutes after we ordered them. Edamame almost instantly. Cold beer, hot sake, and great spicy sauce. I have to admit that when it comes to boring old spicy tuna roll - they do it right here. no mayonaise seeping out of the rice, just something hot and lots of chopped tuna. Spicy scallop roll was great too. We had a 3 round dinner and barely made the show in time! :) Can't wait to come back.
(5)
Russell R.

This is our favorite sushi restaurant in the Baltimore Annapolis area. We tend to go there with family on special occasions and have never been disappointed. The spicy tune, special rolls, sashimi, everything always are a treat. Because it tends to get busy we usually go a little early to make sure we don't have to wait. It gets a bit crowded and the back room tables aren't the most comfortable but I come there to eat great sushi and ignore the mediocre ambiance or the back room.
(4)
Nick W.

Hands down my favorite place for sushi in Annapolis. It was a sick obsession for a while. My wife and I would go once or twice a week. We knew it was bad when we started hanging out with the staff outside of the restaurant. But I guess that's a testament to how friendly they are and how great the food is. Really traditional fare, including tuna jaw... something you don't find a lot, but is absolutely delicious. It can get super packed, as the tables are packed in tighter than the rolls they serve, but it kind of adds to the atmosphere, and makes it that much easier to ask your neighbor "Oooh, what's that?!", and isn't that part of the fun anyway?
(5)
Casey F.

Best sushi I have had in a long time, only complaint is that the sushi chef was not flexible about substitions in rolls. I am a vegetarian, but that doesn't mean I just want to eat cucumber sushi. Still, what I had was very, very good sushi.
(4)
M K.

Joss has the best sushi in town, hands down and their newly renovated and much improved space makes for a great experience. Go for the specials. Always a treat.
(5)
Megan F.

Expensive and crowded - BUT totally worth it. Excellent sushi. Best in Annapolis for sure.
(5)
JR C.

Shrimp heads!
(5)
Ashley H.

Best food in Annapolis!!! I can't get enough! But the ambience ... Please redecorate.
(3)
Guy F.

All hail Joss, the king of Annapolis sushi. As a public service announcement: People who are used to Japanese sushi in Japan, please understand how smug it sounds when you write "It's no Japan, but....." You're not going to find better in Annapolis, it's pricey but good Sushi ain't cheap.
(5)
Abegail A.

Last time I went to Annapolis, I was looking at the menu they posted on their window and everyone who came outside said that this was the best sushi place in Annapolis, and some even said in MD. So, when I came back to Annapolis this weekend, I decided to give it a try. It might be the best in Annapolis (I've never tried any other sushi place in this city so I wouldn't know), but it definitely wasn't the best in MD, or the best sushi I've ever had at all (definitely doesn't come close the sushi I've had in San Diego or Los Angeles, CA). I thought it was just okay. We went on a Friday night, and the wait was about 35 minutes. We ended up ordering some drinks, and then sat in their waiting area upstairs (which was kind of weird...there was a couple of tables and several chairs up there and there was an awkward silence up there). After about two minutes of sitting down, we were told our table was ready. We didn't really wait at all...loved that! To start, we ordered the lobster seaweed salad and tuna sashima appetizer. The salad was good, but was pretty tiny (not enough to share w/another person) and the sashima was fresh. Then we ordered several rolls (asparagus and smoked salmon, dynamite roll, MD crab roll, and the spicy tuna roll). The prices were pretty cheap for sushi, and the quality definitely matched the price. I thought the first two rolls were okay, but didn't like the MD crab roll or spicy tuna roll at all. They make their spicy tuna a different way than I'm used to (they make their own spicy sauce), so I didn't like their sauce too much. Please skip the MD crab roll on your visit. Our waitress was very knowledgable and the service was quick. If it wasn't for good service, I'd give this place two or 2.5 stars. Next time I'm in Annapolis, I hope I'm not craving sushi if this is the best they got.
(3)
Bianca F.

In the DC metro area, this is the freshest fish I've been able to find in the area. Even my Japanese mother agrees. I also like their grilled squid in some sort of a teriyaki sauce. It used to be very packed place though the wait was tolerable. But now they expanded their space, which looks very nice (haven't tried the outdoor patio yet). Maybe it still needs work though because I feel like it's lost some of it's cozy atmosphere that made it like that special find on a side street in Japan. But as long as it keeps this place open, then I'm okay with the atmosphere.
(5)
Peter A.

I'm not normally the sushi lover in the relationship, but even I was blown away by this place. The prices were good, the service was great, and the food was delicious. We heard promising things, and had come here hungry after a very long day in DC. We were promptly sat, and given some time to look things over. Our server was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. I can't stand when you ask a server whats good, and they have no answer. Worse yet, the server responds, "I don't really eat here." That answer says a lot about the restaurant, and none of it good. Delirious from hunger, and our eyes growing larger than our stomachs, we realized we had almost ordered 7 rolls. Rather than fumble around and figure out what to eliminate our server grabbed the helm and steered us away from distaster. He helped eliminate the redundancy in our order and helped us get what would be the best arrangement of food. He pointed us in all the right directions, and even offered an off the menu item of steak Tartar that was his favorite. The rolls were fresh and clean and delicious. The steak tartar was so incredibly good that I find myself thinking about it in moments of idol thought. I had never had raw beef before and thought the concept unsettling. Out of an adventurous spirit we tried it and were very impressed. The only downside to this place is having to find parking, and that like most places in Annapolis the seating is a bit tight. This little sushi spot though will be a goto place whenever I'm in town again.
(5)
Megan F.

Joss is right down the street from my house, but I always seem to go to Nano instead. I decided to switch after I had some poorly rolled maki at Nano during my last sushi splurge. I went around 8 on a winter Sunday nite, so I immediately got a seat at the empty sushi bar. My waitress was polite, extremely fast, and attentive to my six-glasses-of-water-a-meal problem. I got a 1/2 seaweed salad (plenty for one person), which was delicious, for an appetizer. I also ordered the Dynamite Roll and the Eel Roll. The first was fine... the filling (an orange mixture of several kinds of fish and a spicy sauce) was a little mushy. Maybe I just like a little more crunch, but I don't think I would get it again. It was definitely good, but not the simple/fresh roll that I really freak out over. Eel rolls, on the other hand, are an old favorite and Joss did not disappoint. Tasty tender eel and crisp cucumbers make a great contrast. Yum. For dessert, I chatted with the sushi chefs over Adzuki Stuffed Bananas and Ice Cream. Also wonderful and big enough to share with a friend. I've eaten at almost every restaurant in the downtown area, and I highly recommend Joss for a laid back atmosphere with yummy food at a decent price.
(4)
Jaime F.

This is the best sushi that I have ever had in my life. I will be stopping here everytime I am in Annapolis...heck, I may drive to Annapolis just to eat the sushi!
(5)
Aindrea C.

Three words: Kobe Beef Roll - kobe beef tartar, wrapped in nori and rice, topped with raw kobe beef, garnished with scallions and fried garlic chips = Heaven. You seriously MUST try this is you are ever in the area. The rest of the rolls are very good as well. Some of my favorites are: Dynamite Roll: Salmon, flounder, yellow tail, crabmeat and fish roe mixed with creamy spicy sauce. Not the best spicy sauce I've ever had, but still very good. Spring Roll: mixed greens, shrimp and avocado, wrapped in rice paper and topped with their creamy spicy sauce.
(4)

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Address : 195 Main St
Annapolis, MD, 21401
Phone (410) 263-4688
Website https://www.josssushi.com
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:30 am - 2:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

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Joss Cafe & Sushi Bar

195 Main St, Annapolis, MD, 21401

Joss Cafe & Sushi Bar Menu

Sashimi Appetizers

Salads And Soups

Sushi Entrees

From The Kitchen

Side Orders

Dessert

Healthy Meal suggestions for Joss Cafe & Sushi Bar

Sashimi Appetizers

Salads And Soups

Sushi Entrees

From The Kitchen

Side Orders

Dessert

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