Sushi Monk
8268 Princeton-Glendale Rd, West Chester, OH, 45069
Sushi Monk Menu
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Address :
8268 Princeton-Glendale Rd
West Chester, OH, 45069 - Phone (513) 881-1889
- Website https://www.sushimonk.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :5:00 pm - 10:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch, Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
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Angela S.
Since he moved to the area a few months ago, each time I visit, we've been working our way down a LONG list of restaurants, bars, and hang-outs we want to try. Sushi Monk was next up on the list, and we were very happy it was! Small, quaint, friendly, personal, and attentive. On a Friday night at 6pm, this place should have had a line out the door, but it was about half full. Like another yelper said, Calvin's business would explode if he were just in a more visible area. Then again, we like it small and out-of-the-way. We have a favorite sushi spot in Sylvania, OH (Kotobuki), and this experience was equally as good. This is definitely the best sushi we've had in the area, hands down. We sat at the bar, ordered tea and a variety of rolls. Even though we eat everything on the menu, we like to try specialty rolls and experience something new. We ordered Snow White, Godzilla, Red Snow, TNT, Black Dragon, and Lakota rolls. One was truly more delicious than the other. Presentation was beautiful and timely. For folks who think this place is overpriced, they're crazy. If you want half-off sushi, then go to a half-off sushi place, get half-off quality, and half-off creativity. This place is NOT that. This is top notch sushi at a fair price. We love the atmosphere and the food. We will definitely be back.
(5)Heather I.
After reading the reviews, we were pretty excited to stop in for a girls night of sushi! We stopped in on Friday @6pm and they had a few tables open. Since it was girls night, we were in no rush, but of course we were hungry! While the rolls were pretty good, the service was extremely slow as there was only one server. Ordered a glass of water with my wine. Had to ask for the water 3 times, which took about 45 minutes to finally get. Between the slow service, high prices (there was a $3 difference for the eel roll that had avocado vs the one that didn't) and average taste, not sure I'll be back. The place is small and quaint. Large menu of rolls. The majority of the people eating were regulars.
(3)Lizbeth M.
Hands down the best Sushi in the Cincinnati Area! Forget the popular chains, this is where its at. The menu selection is fantastic, they got the classics, but they also have their own twist. Its a little on the pricey side but its completely worth it. The fish is fresh and taste is spot on. The location is small, but you can always seat at the bar or order take-out. The staff is super nice and friendly.
(5)Julie W.
Great sushi in a tiny restaurant. Some of the best sushi I've had in the Cincinnati area. Unfortunately due to their small size and low visibility from SR747 I had never paid much attention to it. I'm glad I found Sushi Monk on Yelp and gave it a try. Friendly atmosphere and nice decor.
(5)Ashley L.
After moving here from Chicago, I was sure I wouldn't be able to find real Japanese ramen anywhere close. However, after some searching I stumbled upon Sushi Monk. I had the following items for lunch: Tonkotsu ramen, salmon nigiri and tuna nigiri. The nigiri was so good! Fresh fish and HUGE pieces. Very yummy! The Tonkotsu ramen was good as well, however, the noodles were very overcooked and way too soft for my taste. I like a nice, firm noodle with ramen. Also, I was missing scallions and bamboo shoots which is pretty standard in any Japanese ramen. But overall, it was a great meal and very filling!
(4)Pauline C.
Hands down the best sushi in the area! We just moved to the area and have looked for quality sushi at many different restaurants. So glad we finally found sushi monk! We will definitely be returning :)
(5)Tania B.
Sushi is some of the best in town. Very fresh ingredients, rolled before your eyes. They also have a good variety of non-sushi dishes. The service could be better, as I felt like I needed to hunt my waitress down all the time. They also could benefit from a better ventilation system... I came out of there smelling like food and it stunk my car for days.
(4)Dan M.
Came here the other night with my gf & her mom for dinner. The sushi was fresh and delicious, and I swear the gyoza were handmade by someone in the shop. You definitely pay for the quality - prices are a little higher than elsewhere (but not too high). It would be a five star review if it weren't for the totally weird club feel and lackluster service. I don't need waitstaff that pampers and fawns over me, but we had to ask for any service we needed... ordering, getting checks, refills on water, etc. Finally, the club ambiance is just kind of weird in a strip mall. It's not my personal preference, and for everyone else, this is just a warning. Bottom Line: I'll be back for the awesome quality sushi if I'm in the mood to tolerate the service, ambiance, and prices.
(4)Brianna M.
The atmosphere itself was a little weird at first only because it's so small, but the service soon made up for it. The waitress (maybe owner)'s kids were helping out & it was adorable. The food was soo good (you should try the "crack" before your meal) and I left very content.
(4)Henry J.
A lot had been said about other reviewers, and I do agree with them for the most part. There's a huge selection of sushi here. The quality of the fish is great, and the prices reflect the quality of the sushi. Just a few notes: - Sushi Monk definitely has the right ratio of rice-to-fish. The vast majority of sushi places in Cincinnati tend to overwhelm their sushi with rice. But not Sushi Monk. The rice-to-fish ratio steadily lowers as you progress from regular to house to special rolls. - Their wasabi is not the green death type of potency. Instead, it delivers a satisfying kick but has a sweet horse radish taste. If you're a wasabi purist, you won't like it. But for the vast majority of people out there, you'd find this more tolerable than most. - Service is very fast here. Took them about 10 minutes to prepare a phone order for 2 rolls. - Most of the toppings for fancier rolls are fish and sauces. To my best knowledge, caviar does not make an appearance on any of the rolls. - Don't be concerned about prices when you order pricier rolls. You get what you pay for here. Their ingredients are definitely very high in quality and give you a satisfying amount of fish/crab/shrimp/scallop in the rolls. I will probably update the review when I have some of their nigiris, ramen, and fried rice.
(4)Hannah P.
This is definitely a go-to place for me when I want sushi. They have great lunch specials on rolls, and lots of creative and fresh sushi choices for dinner. So many yummy options. The melting roll is very good and the "crack" appetizer is definitely worth paying for. This place is tiny so call ahead if you've got a group.
(5)Kryn D.
Best sushi in town!! Lava, Red Dragon, or Spicy Tuna Hand rolls are my favorites! Keep up the hard work Calvin!!!
(5)Laura M.
First time being here. I will say the food was delicious as far as quality, but it was way overpriced. My husband and I went with another couple. Just the bill for the two of us was $60 before tip. It didn't seem like we had really had enough food to merit that high of a bill. We had edamame, one of the specialty rolls (bullseye), and 5 of the standard rolls (spicy tuna, philly, etc.) and two bud light bottles. Definitely not worth the money. We are used to going to sushi places that have half price options and they do not offer that. The service was ok, nothing over the top, but good. Atmosphere of the restaurant was a lot better than imagined considering it's inside a strip mall next to a gas station. If the price wasn't so high I could definitely see us going back, but until they offer some sort of deal we will probably stick to our half price places we like.
(3)Alex C.
This was my second visit in the last month to dine at Sushi Monk and once again the service and food was excellent. When you walk in the door, you are greeted warmly by the staff and the environment makes you feel like you are at home. It is nicely decorated restaurant that has an authentic feel. The sushi is prepared for looks and taste with fresh ingredients. Also, the chicken fried rice is extremely delicious. I would advise checking out this hidden gem if you are in the area!
(5)Anya C.
Oh Sushi Monk, how you have spoiled me! Before discovering this place on an IKEA trip, I enjoyed eating mediocre sushi. Now, I would consider myself a sushi snob of sorts. Once you have tasted sushi so fresh, you'll never be the same. I have tried A LOT of sushi restaurants all over the country and none of them compare to Sushi Monk! The restaurant is small, but nicely decorated and cute! Be forewarned, sushi is not meant to be fast food! Do not go here if you're trying to be out on the road within an hour or less! The owners are a very friendly couple who are the waitress and sushi chef. They definitely run "The Monk" with love, not just to earn a living. You can tell that this is their passion and dream, and they really welcome diners as friends, and not just customers. When you go there, it's almost as if you're visiting a friend's house for a dinner party! The sushi is only slightly priced higher than your average neighborhood sushi joint, but that's because they use the most FRESH and HIGH QUALITY fish available. There's surprisingly nothing fishy about their fish, it tastes amazing! Sushi Monk is the only place I can enjoy Tuna because I get turned off by that fishy taste you get from the tuna in most places. They make perfect edamame, the miso soup has the most excellent flavor, and the ginger dressing on the salad is the tastiest of its kind! I have tried a lot of their rolls, but my favorites are the Caterpillar, Rainbow, Ohio, and the "No Name"! Whatever you enjoy, they probably have it, and you don't have to be afraid to ask them to customize something to your preferance. This is a great place to take someone who doesn't like sushi, or is too afraid to try it. They can whip something up that will change your taste buds forever! Be sure to save room for "dessert", or for my favorite thing on the menu, "The Crack" (SEEN IN THE PHOTO)! You may think that name sounds funny, but it's seriously the most ambrosial, savory, and perfect thing you will indulge your taste buds with. It is truly the PERFECT combination. Inside you have spicy crab, jalapeno, and avocado, which are all wrapped in a thin slice of salmon. On top is spicy mayo, and eel sauce, and then it is seared with a blow torch (which is fun to watch... FIRE!), and then tempura flakes are sprinkled on top. Your mouth goes from warm to cold, spicy to sweet, and creamy to crunchy, all at once! It is the most addicting thing I've ever had in my life! You can't eat just one! If you have the time and are anywhere close to IKEA, or if you're willing to travel in order to have sushi from heaven, stop by Sushi Monk! You won't be disappointed, and you always get what you pay for (and then some). The restaurant is a fun dining experience with the finest sushi in the country. It's also a great place to relax and have drinks, accompanied by friendly conversation. You can look everywhere, but you'll never find another fish in the sea like this one!
(5)Kim K.
The food is excellent! Walking in you don't expect much from the little place in the little strip mall, boy what a nice surprise! The plating is very nice. All of the dishes come out looking as if you are in a very expensive restaurant. Lucky for you the prices are good for the caliber of food you will be enjoying. Calvin, whom I believe is the owner, is an awesome host. He took the time to explain the dishes to an anti-fishy taste lover and turned me into a sake fan! I will definitely be going back...repeatedly!!
(5)Justin S.
I've been wanting to review Sushi Monk for a while, but haven't had the time because a Sushi restaurant deserves a thorough review, so here it goes.... Without a doubt, this is the best sushi in the tri-state area. If Calvin had a more marquee location, he'd put the others out of business and quadruple his staff. There are no fewer than three competitors in this area that advertise "half-price sushi all day," and the quality of their fish, as well as the fish-to-rice ratio reflects the price. I think everyone should be a little hesitant when they see a sign board outside advertising half-priced sushi. Before I talk about anything else regarding Sushi Monk, I will say that if you haven't tried others first, go do it - then go to Sushi Monk. The quality of the fish Calvin uses will literally jump out at you. The best way I can describe it is the others use fish that are very dulled, bland, and subdued that they cover over with tons of sauces. Sushi Monk's is bright, and you can taste the freshness. If you really want to experience this, just order a simple roll. Get yourself a spicy salmon roll or a spicy tuna roll and taste the difference, then move on to the House Specialty rolls. Price: Folks, quit looking for a deal on high quality sushi. I have eaten at some world-class sushi places all over the country and have had some utterly fantastic sushi. Seattle, Orlando, Miami, Tampa Bay, New York, Las Vegas, etc., and all of them had something in common: they weren't cheap. If you are wanting McDonald's prices on sushi, or half-price sushi, or two-for-one specials, then that's fine, but stop expecting it from a small, hands-on sushi bar where the owner is an accomplished sushi chef who takes pride in his work and is trying to run a small business. Sushi Monk's prices are not out of line at all for what you get on the plate. Truth be told, Calvin's prices are very fair for the amount of fish you get in each roll, and the quality of the fish. There are numerous sushi places in the tri-state area that cater to the budget crowd, and if you're in that crowd, then they have you covered. I read a poster complaining about the minimum service charge for ordering & credit card transactions. Yep, that's how the game is played; not only at Sushi Monk but at scores of other restaurants. The credit card companies charge a ridiculous service fee to stick VISA, AmEx, MasterCard or Discover stickers on the door. This is a prime reason why so many establishments (including gas stations) have dropped AmEx from their payment options because they are the highest of all. I do not expect Sushi Monk or anywhere else to absorb a 3.5% swipe fee for every transaction made in the building, including those under $10. Visa and MasterCard are at 2.5%, and none of this is including their annual merchant fee just to have the option in house. Here's a hint: see if they have a debit option at the restaurant where you enter your PIN # and it won't charge them the fee. Menu: The menu has a dizzying array of rolls from which to choose, and it also has a kitchen menu if you are not in the sushi mood. You can get simple rolls for around $7, all the way up to $30. There is something for everyone. Fish-to-Rice ratio: This is really where the price pays off. The amount of fish you get in the roll is considerably and noticeably greater than any place else in this area. You do not get a roll that is rice-dense, you get just the opposite: a balanced amount of rice to the fish and veggies in the roll. Location: Honestly, I could care less about the location. It's conveniently located off the highway, there is ample parking, and yeah, it's in a strip mall next to a gas station. So what? Those who are clamoring for a better location also mentioned price concerns in their reviews. Well, if you want a better location, expect the prices on the menu to increase in order to offset the overhead costs. It's just how business works. Staff: There hasn't been a time I've been in Sushi Monk that Calvin has not personally asked me and the other patrons how their rolls were. He is very caring, personable, and engaging with his clientele. His wife works her behind off waiting tables, taking phone-in orders, and seeing to the overall operations of the restaurant. Running a restaurant is a serious task, and the failure rate is very high. If you go at peak times (dinner or lunch hours), you can expect to wait a bit for your roll. Why? Because they have two sushi chefs that if you watch them, are working a furious pace to make rolls with the same care they would if you were the only patron in the restaurant. Give them some time and wait until you see what is served to you. Overall: I would pin this place against the best sushi places I've ever eaten in huge metropolitan areas. Quality, price, and service are on-par with chic sushi places 10x its size. This place is a true hidden gem in West Chester, Ohio.
(5)Jessica M.
This is my go-to "I'm on my way home from work and don't want to cook" place. The sushi is pricey but always excellent: you get what you pay for. It's small and has a very friendly environment. The owners run it themselves and are always there. It can get a little slow if crowded and there are a lot of to-go orders, so it's not a place to go if you're in a hurry.
(5)Jeanie H.
Sushi Monk is one of my favorite local restaurants. The quality is FANTASTIC. My personal favorites include the eel tempura roll (appetizer), the TNT and melting rolls, and the Red Dragon. Not in the mood for sushi? OMG, the pork ramen is addictive! Calvin and Christina always take great care of us and are lovely people. Yes, it's in a strip mall and is small. Yes, it can get busy. If you're looking for fast food sushi or half priced sushi, go elsewhere. You get what you pay for here.
(5)Lia V.
Well this is definitely as good as it gets in West Chester. THEY DO DELIVER - bonus. The fish was SO fresh. Someone commented on the lemon flavor of the rice which I did not notice, but one of my friends did - she didn't like that part of it. You just can't argue though that the fish is great quality. We ordered a giant boat with a wide variety of nigiri, sashimi and rolls. Tons of sake to choose from (I just like regular hot sake - my friends got a raspberry flavor which was interesting, but I'm not a fan) The pork gyoza's were perfect as well. We ended the meal with some really interesting ice cream wrapped in pounded rice or something - it was delicious. I've never had anything like it. The owners are obviously wonderful as everyone has said. It is really small - it wasn't crowded when we went but it was a weekday. I think it is definitely worth a go if you're a sushi lover. Prices are really reasonable too.
(5)Chris G.
I dropped in to Sushi Monk before meeting some friends for dinner. Don't mock, I was just curious. The place is located back in a corner of a strip with an AmeriStop in West Chester. Having "grown up" in the area, it's a spot I recognize as having been empty for most of my high school years. It's a great dicey place inside. The wine-rack also doubles as an audio-system rack which was a bit odd to me. The sushi I had was fantastic, light and easy to eat, but flavorful and tempting. The green tea I had was important for such a bitter cold night. I'd rate the two rolls I had as some of the better sushi I've had around Cincinnati. I was disappointed they didn't have the Tamago niigiri (egg sushi) I use to judge how places treat their product, but it's something I can live with. What 'really' caught my eye is that Ramen is on their menu, and I am always looking for new and better Ramen to have. If it's anything like the love clearly in their sushi, I'll be back to try it for sure. If you haven't been, give this place a shot!
(4)KC K.
If Mickey Mantle has stayed healthy he would have been the greatest. If your aunt was a man she'd be your uncle, and so on. If Sushi Monk were in a different space...there is no question who the King of Sushi would be in the TriState. The menu is creative, the fish is fresh and presentation is well done. When I'm eating Sushi and spending $75-$100 for two, I expect a cleaner and more luxurious space. It just makes me feel safer eating a boatload of raw fish. I really hope they move at some point, but until then, I'll still frequent this hidden gem! Oh....and get the Rich Franklin Roll...best ever!
(4)John H.
Disappointing experience. I had the Philly and TNT roll and they were good. However the service and cleanliness left a great deal to be desired. The waitress was friendly when she took my order and then she never stopped by again. She was too busy making personal calls and texting about 20 feet away from me. The owners small kids were also running around, which I find unprofessional. Maybe I just caught them on an off day but my first impression is if you want good sushi and poor service in a dirty day care type of environment; Sushi Monk is for you. I almost forgot...They also have a 4% up charge for AMEX.
(2)Leif H.
We have tried a couple of different sushi places around downtown and the northern area and haven't been able to really find one that hits everything we are looking for: ambiance, selection, taste, service, and price. This one had it all. They have a great selection of rolls. It was hard to decide on three but we went with the lava, no name, and shrimp tempura. The no name was extremely fresh and the lava was very tasty. The ambiance was awesome and the service was great too. The price is fair for good sushi. You pay for what you get. To top it off, both owners stopped by our table to make sure we enjoyed ourselves. This personal touch was great and we will definitely be back.
(5)Kevin H.
Not sure what all hype is about. Sushi is average at best.
(2)Andrew B.
Super nice folks running this place. Very helpful with discussing what he had in fresh and new. Maybe a new favorite in West Chester
(5)Beth R.
What's the hype about? We stopped in here on a Monday evening and the place was almost full-which t me is a great sign-especially for a sushi place in a strip mall. I realize I should expect fast food. I would prefer they take their time. But there was only one waitress running around trying to take care of all the diners as well as walk ins and phone orders. I've read that it is a small family owned business so I understand and appreciate that. In fact I prefer to support businesses like this one. But then when we tried to order a beer they were out of everything except Bud light :-( The sushi was good-but just good-not great for how much it costs. I was really hoping for a great experience because there are not a lot of options here in West Chester. I'm not sure I'll be back though. It didn't knock my socks off-and honestly I could get a ton of sushi from the Kroger next door for the same price-and its almost as good. The staff is very friendly and obviously working hard. Just wondering if they could hire one more person for busy evening shifts??
(3)Drew S.
The best sushi in Cincinnati, hands down. Calvin is extremely skilled, and has access to the best, freshest fish SW Ohio can possibly obtain. I'd recommend specifics, but honestly just let them tell you what's good. If you go often enough, you'll end up part of the family, and they become friends. Most of the time, you intend on just going for dinner, and end up staying late into the night. I always look forward to dropping in whenever I'm back home in Cincy, it's a must for me when I'm in town.
(5)David V.
Great sushi! I love the spicy seaweed salad, one of the few places that serves this dish!
(5)Catherine G.
The sushi is overpriced for what you get, and the fish inside the sushi was room temperature when it was served to us and you could tell it had been sitting out for a while. Overpriced, warm-ish fish? Gross. Won't be back, wouldn't recommend.
(2)Chris T.
I've had sushi on the coasts many times, and I've had midwest sushi quite a bit, and Sushi Monk is up there in probably the top 3 sushi experiences for me. I tried three rolls and they were all quite delicious. I liked that on the special rolls and house rolls there was a lot of creativity to line up items that go well together, and end in a united taste, and not just a bunch of flavors piling up on each other (literally, as at most places). As a special bonus, while I was eating dinner, Rich Franklin, UFC fighter, came in for dinner (he has a namesake roll on the menu). I am going to make sure that as my business travel continually brings me to the area, I always make an effort to take in Sushi Monk. Monk and crew provide excellent service and a great dining experience.
(5)Kimberly M.
I don't get the hype... I've been reading other reviews and people tend to say "It's the best Sushi they've ever had"... you clearly have NO clue what good Sushi is. So first impressions; they have a sign on the front door stating that there is a $15 charge limit on cards. Ok, no biggie. ON the front of the menu yet another lovely stipulation; there is a $10 minimum per patron. Again, no biggie because everything on their menu is pretty pricey. The kicker for me, no refills. Seriously, I get the stipulations on cards because you're charged a fee every time you swipe a card, but they're THAT cheap that they don't allow refills?!?!? The Ramen that they dedicate an entire page advertising is incredibly sub-par. If you want good Ramen go to Ichiban, they are apparently the only place in Cincinnati that knows how to do it right. The edamame appetizer is tiny, albeit priced accordingly. The sushi was just meh. The "crack" is delicious, but definitely NOT worth the price. The Authority roll was outstanding. My only complaint the eel was fresh and again it was overpriced. Bottom line, it's pricey and has stipulations, the food is sub par, the staff is friendly, the place is TINY, the bathroom is equivalent to a restroom in a fast food restaurant. I personally don't recommend it. I think you can get better sushi at a better price in Cincinnati.
(2)Danielle C.
A first visit was just ok so I wanted to try it again - So glad I did. Sushi was great & atmosphere relaxed & very friendly. Glad I gave them a second chance.
(4)Kim S.
I was the only one in the restaurant, early in the evening. The server (and I believe owner) was very nice, I ordered 2 rolls and an appetizer. Spicy tuna roll was good, run of the mill. But my other roll- Red Dragon Roll was amazing. I will be returning for this roll again next week when I am in the area.
(4)Kelly Z.
Best sushi I've had in Cincinnati or possibly ever. The spicy tuna roll was the best I'd ever had and I highly recommend the Lava roll which is tuna, cream cheese and jalapeños deep fried and then topped with spicy mayo, crab meat and eel sauce. Yum! This place is easy to miss as its small and in a strip mall behind a gas station. But once you find it you will be back again and again! I am definitely a customer for life. Owners Calvin and Christina are awesome and if you stay late prepare for some sake bombs and karaoke.
(5)Shiv S.
A very nice family run place. Nothing pretensious about this place just great food with excellent service.
(5)Ashley H.
Upon first seeing the place I was a bit skeptical. Found the place via yelp while on a business trip in Middletown, looking for some sushi. This place has some really delicious sushi and creative rolls. The place is small and service can be a tad slow, but I was in no hurry and it was pretty empty because of an early dinner time. I had the Godzilla roll, crispy roll, and a California roll...all very tasty and overall spent $30, not bad. I would for sure visit again if I am ever back in the area, hands down. All of the other patrons while I was there seemed to be regulars. Give this lil sushi joint a try, you won't be disappointed!
(5)Stephanie P.
Tried this place based on the great reviews. Unfortunately, the fish was not fresh. I had white tuna nigiri and all it had going for it was the rice which is low quality. I will give this place one more try but I was really hoping for the price to be blown away. The prices are high for the quality. The atmosphere was not what was expected. I prefer Amarin. They have fresh fish.
(3)Trisha K.
Beautiful sushi! At least that's how I described it openly in the restaurant! And tasty too! Sushi Monk has a fun and easy going atmosphere and the free flowing warm sake didn't hurt! Calvin came around pouring sake to celebrate the birthday of a regular! We all toasted and it felt like we were all one group. How nice! As the evening went on, the music got louder and it felt like a party with friends. Thank you!
(4)Shamie D.
Forget the location, this place is a find! Who would assume such a good sushi place in a gas station shopping center?! Thanks to those on yelp who came before me! I completely agree that the service is impeccable and the ambiance delightful. It's a great place for date night or dinner and drinks with friends. The food: Some of the best sushi I've had. When it comes down to sushi, we can all agree that the freshness, presentation, and taste are essential elements. I cannot comment on the freshness, living in Ohio, but I assume that the fish is fresh as there was not fishy odor and the texture was not mushy. Someone clearly knows what they are doing when it comes to presentation. Take a look at some of the photos I posted. From the excellent pot-stickers to the sushi rolls the the plates were aesthetically pleasing. I do have to say that the pot-stickers (pork dumplings) were perfectly cooked. Steamed to the right amount and then seared appropriately. The dipping sauce was also on par. My wife and I shared the melting roll and Godzilla roll. Both were excellent! Melting was creamier and warm, whereas the Godzilla was clean and tasty. I'd highly recommend both of them. We had a tough time deciding what to order since there were so many appetizing options. We'll be back!
(5)Yasu T.
The rolls here are great! Ihavent tried any of the other stuff, But what I had was really good. They have some really inventive rolls, one of which (the red snow) was awesome. But even the standard Alaska, caterpillar, spicy tuna, etc, are really good. Good portions too. I have never been full off of only 2 rolls. The staff is nice, and they play AWESOME music (A State of Trance, tiesto, etc) The only, only downfall is that it is a little pricey... But sushi is never cheap! So I would like to give 4.5 stars, but there's no option for that. All in all, I'd recommend it! A little overpriced but, good food!
(4)Dave S.
With out a doubt...the best sushi in The Cincinnati area. This is a small location with big flavors and a talented chef. Coming from the New York City area we really missed good sushi until we found Calvin and his restaurant . Prices are very fair and service is good. Fresh fish and good service are rare in this area. Thankfully their is a place where good sushi and good service is available .
(4)Linda R.
I just ate a to go order of the Trio Roll from Sushi Monk. I'm happy to report that there is finally some delicious sushi in the Tri State area. The restaurant is small but pleasant and the take out service was fast. The food was very fresh with the perfect amount of spice in the sauce. I'm looking forward to exploring the menu further.
(5)Steve R.
If this review was for the food alone, I would have no problem giving 4 star rating. But the service was HORRIBLE. And only from one person that waited on me. I came very close to leaving even before I was seated because I had asked for a larger table to get some work done and was told that would not be possible because what if she needed it for a large party? I could understand if the place was busy but it was almost empty. She also was extremely rude when I had questions about the menu and made a smart ass comment to me as I was leaving because I did not respond to her "thank you". I was in town on business and my intent was to have my company come back for dinner but after that horrible customer service experience I will never come back nor refer anyone to this business. A shame too as the sushi was very good, chef very polite but that server was not a nice person and ruined the experience for me.
(2)Todd R.
Great place, don't judge from the outside or you would never stop. Went on a Saturday night at 7:00 not an empty seat in the place.
(5)Zach B.
a friend brought me to sushi monk last week. If I had to sum up my experience in one sentence it would be as followed: "This is how sushi restaurants should be" Calvin, the Owner/Sushi chef, has a great passion for sushi and for people which is evident in your dining experience. Lets start with the basics. Sushi monk is a small sushi bar in west chester right off 747. I missed it the first time because its hidden in what looks like a gas-station parking lot. they are opened till 10 or 11 on most nights, but Calvin tends to let the night end when it ends. No need to dress up, you will see people off all walks at sushi monk. The atmosphere is different. there is techno/electronic style music playing in the background, buts its not too loud to hold a conversation. Calvin calls the place "free style" dining, so many of the regulars chose to byob, even though they do sell traditional Japanese beers and saki. Now, to the sushi. The essence of Sushi monks sushi, is in the layering of flavors and textures. If you look at any picture posted of their sushi, you will notice that each roll is elaborate and each layer is put there with purpose. They have your standard rolls (spicy tuna, eel, etc) but they also have some amazing house rolls. Try the Red Dragon roll or the Authority roll. I like to tell Calvin what I like and let him cook for me. If you go this route, you will not be disappointed. Pricing is pretty standard for sushi in this area, a basic roll is around 6-7 bucks, a house roll is in the 8-12 dollar area. Besides sushi, they have many traditional Japanese foods like Korokke and yako-saba. I plan on becoming a regular at sushi monk, and i would recommend you check them out soon.
(5)Pete P.
Calvin's the best, and he knows what he is doing; serving excellent sushi and Asian delights. Watch his Facebook page for fresh catch and live seafood arrivals.
(5)Scott M.
Fresh, fresh fish. The rainbow roll is my real benchmark for freshness, and it didn't disappoint us at Sushi Monk. The portions were great, the flavors were balanced - it was the star of the meal. The caterpillar roll with salmon had a nice eel flavor coming through, although the salmon got kinda lost in the mix ...next time I'd probably just get a regular caterpillar. The Philly roll and asparagus roll were both quite good as well. Overall, a really great option if you find yourself up at Ikea around lunchtime. Prices were a bit higher than average, so they get a small deduction for that ...but all in all, Sushi Monk is probably the best sushi that we've had in the Cincinnati area.
(4)Nicholas A.
Dropped by do the positive review. It lived up to expectations. Did the sushi deluxe, (10 nigiri and your choice of 1 of three rolls) + pork dumplings + green tea. Everything was very good. The fish was high quality, tender and tasty. I swear they put a bit of lemon in the sushi rice as I got a hint of it in various bites (it was a positive). That staff were polite, friendly and attentive. They were having good fun with a couple of travelers at the sushi bar and I could see this as a fun place to hang out and BS with the chef and fellow staff. If I was a local I would definitely stop by again. If I stay in Northern Cincinnati again, I will likely do the same.
(4)Tommy C.
This is some of the best sushi I have ever eaten.
(5)Cliff K.
Fish. DO: -Order the Sushi/Sashimi Combination (9pc sashim+9pc nigiri) DON'T: -Don't judge a sushi joint by their rolls, but by their sashimi/quality of fish. PARKING: -Parking lot. The "Sushi/Sashimi Combination" is the best deal. You get 9 pieces of sashimi, and 9 pieces of nigiri. If you were to order this combo in individual pieces, it would set you back $52+, but its priced reasonably at $35. This combo is a "chef's choice" dish, meaning the chef gets to choose the type of fish or seafood. I was a bit worried and was expecting the cheaper fishies, but I was wrong. The plate (which was nicely put together btw) was filled with white tuna, salmon, and yellowtail to name a few. To make things even better, everything was VERY fresh (compared to Portland, Seattle, LA, Seoul, etc), so I would say this place is legit. The only disappointment was the rice that was used for the nigiris. The rice is low quality, but the fresh seafood really comes through and saves the day.
(4)Jesse M.
My son (10 yr old) and I stopped here after his Karate class a few weeks back. It was a Thursday night, and the place was nearly empty, so I was kinda second guessing the very high recommendation I was given by some friends about this great new sushi joint in Westchester... Well, I'm so happy we decided to stay. First off, the place is cozy, but doesn't seem cramped. The owners are extremely engaging, to the point that Calvin's wife (I presume she is his wife...) took some time out to help my boy learn the finer points of how to handle his chopsticks... pretty cool. Ok, so what you really care about is the quality of the sushi. I have to admit, I'm a little spoiled since I commuted to New York City for many years and had some of the best sushi around, but have to say that Calvin's ranks fairly high on my list for quality and creativity. The Jorge Gurgel's Roll was very good (my son loved it, and he's usually not a fan of many mayo'ish based sauces), and the nigiri was very fresh. Calvin (the chef/owner) mentioned that they also cater private parties both at their restaurant and private residences, which seems like one heck of a fine party concept to me (hint to my wife in case she's reading this). We will definitely be back.
(4)Kat S.
When Calvin messaged me via FB to tell me he had left Soho and opened a new place I was so thrilled for him- he's so talented and friendly, I knew he'd make a great restauranteur! Went one night with a friend and had a blast at the sushi bar with Calvin entertaining everyone. His rolls are creative and flavorful. I love me some spicy sushi and he had several with jalepeno! Some rolls are even named after local personalities like Rich Franklin. I have yet to stay there long enough for karaoke... next time! Oh and a word of caution: if you order a large sake - it is REALLY a large sake! Served in a tea pot so expect to be there a while :)
(5)Steve H.
We had another great time at the Sushi Monk. Great sushi, great atmosphere and great hosts.
(5)Marcus J.
Excellent sushi and wonderful owners. I will be returning soon. I ordered one of their signature sushi rolls named after a Cincinnati UFC fighter. Can't remember the name off the top of my head, but it was incredibly delicious.
(4)Stephanie S.
Don't let the location (in a gas station strip mall) fool you; this sushi is hands down the best sushi in the Cincinnati area. I've been here numerous times and have always enjoyed everything. The huge selection of rolls is a bit overwhelming but some of our favorites include the Princess Diana and the Hawaiian Roll. You must order the ' crack' for an appetizer; it's a fabulous combination of sauce, cheese, sushi, and searing. I've also gotten into ordering a plate of fried rice or bowl of Raman to go with the sushi. Yum! Both are fabulous! I love their selection of flavored saki too. It's a family owned and run business, which I love.
(5)Sarah C.
Sushi tasted really good, service was below average (maybe one or two servers for a packed restaurant), and they did not serve the miso soup or salad with the meal.
(3)Bryan B.
Traveling this week to N. Cinci I was not certain to find anything outside of chain restaurants and Waffle House.... but a quick search on Yelp! brought me to Sushi Monk!! This is a fantastic sushi bar and I would HIGHLY recommend it if you are in the Cinci area. Calvin (chef / owner) has some creative rolls and makes the standard stuff taste great! The Hawaiian roll was a great find - eel sauce, macadamia nuts, shrimp tempura and tune... .yum! Tried their spicy tuna (hand roll), some seared tuna (nigiri) and the "Authority" roll - crab, eel, smoked salmon and a spicy sauce edamame and miso rounded out the meal (and a wee bit o' cheer from Mrs. Calvin!) Great meal and I will be back for sure! Tough call on price range - $$ or $$$ depending on your appetite. Standard rolls were approx. $6 and special rolls started at $12. Seemed like reasonable sushi bar prices to me
(5)Martin P.
The sushi is fabulous, the service solid and the staff is personable and kind. They did have a strange $10 minimum per person for dine in orders for cash and $15 for credit cards so watch out for that. It's totally worth it. Best sushi I've had in Ohio.
(4)Cat M.
Thank you, Yelp for helping us find this restaurant! Glad to have found this gem of a place! If you're looking for fresh, delicious rolls, look no further. The fish is truly fresh, never "fishy" tasting. For example: the tuna is superb! I usually hesitate any tuna type roll, mostly it isn't fresh and taste grossly fishy, ick! The tuna here was buttery good, it has literally opened up my world of sushi possibilities! LOL. Favorite rolls so far are the red dragon roll (shrimp tempura, cucumber inside w tuna, avo and eel sauce), JG roll (white tuna, salmon, avo topped w white tuna and spicy salmon), and we received a complimentary crispy rice appetizer (spicy tuna, salmon or crab over a bed of crispy rice..amazing!) which was different and yummy, and also received a complimentary mochi ice cream. As for the rolls, the rice-to-fish ratio is perfect, not too much rice like a lot of other places, you could actually taste the nori and really savor the fish. Calvin and his wife are warm, friendly and definitely go out of their way to make you feel so welcome. He came to our table, introduced himself, asked us how everything was, and then asked what kind of fish we liked. He then went back to the sushi station and said "I'm gonna make you something you'll really like." That's when we got that crispy rice appetizer. He chatted it up with every table there. I appreciate that they go out of their way to make sure you're happy, it's not often to get such attentive service. We will make this one of our regular sushi stops, so glad it is on our way home from our biweekly Costco runs!
(5)Lara P.
What a pleasant surprise to find this gem hidden in the corner of a small shopping center. I went in by myself looking for a place to sit and read while getting a good meal, and I was not disappointed. This place is small but very friendly. They had several people come in while I was there that are obviously regulars. I had the miso, salad and sushi and loved it all. The prices were reasonable for good sushi. I'm looking forward to going back.
(5)Shawn M.
i was led to Sushi Monk while in Cinci on a business trip. i didn't really have sky high expectiations b/c I'm in the technology field and I've spent a good deal of time in the Silicon Valley, home to great sushi. I was pleasantly suprised at the quality of this place. It looks so nondescript from the street that i must admit i was shocked upon entering and eating. Quality Edamame proceeded my excellent roll. It wasn't a roll that was on the menu but was specially prepared based on some things that i told Calvin (owner) what I liked. Try this at your average sushi restaurant. Overall service was superb, quality was superb...I will return when in Cincinnait.
(4)Ben A.
Sushi Monk is excellent. Calvin (the owner) and his wife Christina are wonderful. The service is prompt, large sushi selection with daily specials, and the food is to die for. My girlfriend and I will make it a point to dine here regularly. I highly recommend Sushi Monk for those of us with sushi cravings!
(5)Dan M.
Our one date night out in months was underwhelmed by sauce saturated rolls that were delivered with NO explanation of which rolls were motionlessly laid on a lifeless plate in front of us after a long and non eventful 30+ minute be labored wait and a different waitress delivering our dinner and not our savory explosion of flavors. One of our waitresses reeked of stale cigarettes while the atmosphere drowned out our conversation that were only to be interrupted by sporadic spastic flickering of the extremely dimmed lights. I had to get up and interrupt our two waitresses adjusting each other halter tops to ask for a menu to try and begin the lengthy process of ordering more food...it's either eat more mediocre raw fish cloaked in sauces or go through the drive thru of the Golden Arches. - lights just spasmed again during my long wait for more food. No one has asked me if I am ready for another $7 20 oz Sapporo to wash down my mediocre shore wash-up with red eggs dropped aimlessly and without a plan to have us return or provide an appetizing review. We won't return and I would warn others of entering.
(1)Mr. And Mrs. H.
First impression: Not clean enough. Walking in the door. My shoes were sticking on the floor. Food was ok. I prefer Ando.
(2)Chris H.
Great little sushi place. We came here based on a recommendation from a friend. Probably would have never noticed it otherwise, as it is rather tucked away off of 747. Sushi rolls were very good, prices were fair and on par with other places. Staff is very friendly and it was nice meeting and chatting with Calvin (the owner) and his wife. Best part is the dance/techno music playing during dinner. Definitely worth checking out and supporting a small business owner.
(5)Michael D.
Best sushi in the West Chester...sushi where they know your name!
(5)Jeff R.
If you've read any of my reviews you know I'm a sucker for sushi. And I'm always willing to try out a new place, especially one near my house, and especially especially if it's a little hole in the wall kind of place that only "in" people know about. Sushi Monk is such a place. After noticing some glowing reviews here on Yelp my wife and I decided to give it a try for lunch. The place was opened about 8 months ago by a gentleman named Calvin, who previously worked at Soho (where I first discovered I liked sushi -- score one for Calvin). First impressions were good, though my wife was upset when she saw the location -- apparently she was a big fan of the Italian restaurant that used to occupy the spot. Her mom and dad used to take her there. Having never been invited to join them (ahem) I did not share her despair. About five minutes in I noticed a very good sign to the quality of the food they serve, as every person who came in was a regular who Calvin and his wife (who was our server) knew by name. That's why I like hole in the wall places, because everyone knows each other. You become part of the place. And you don't get regulars serving bad sushi. My wife and I both had the lunch roll special, which consisted of two rolls of your choosing, a salad (they use a peanut dressing, which we enjoyed but could be a problem for anyone with an allergy), and miso soup. At $9.95/person it's a good deal and plenty filling for most folks. Of course, not being "most folks" I also had to add the $15 Jorge Gurgel specialty roll, named for a local UFC fighter whose name I mispronounced badly when ordering. Guess I need to watch more UFC. There were two minor reasons I didn't give the place five stars instead of four. First, the selection of the rolls on the lunch special was limited. By that I mean that when I looked up the menu online, there was a fairly large list of rolls to choose from that were part of the special. When we got there, however, about half of them (specifically all the ones with tuna) were crossed out and not available with the special. And unfortunately that left me with only one roll I liked -- the spicy salmon roll. So I had to get two of those, instead of one and one of something else. Not a deal breaker by any means, and the rolls themselves were delicious. They have updated their menu online to reflect this change since. The second reason was my wife doesn't like avocado, and when she asked if they could put cream cheese in instead, it was $1 more per roll. For a cheaper ingredient. Nitpicky, but still. The star of the show for me was that aforementioned specialty roll. Is $15 a lot to spend on one roll? Yes. And it wasn't a super ginormous roll, either. But it was one of the best rolls I've ever had. The fish was exceptionally fresh, and there was a lot of it in the roll, inside and outside (a beautiful combination of white tuna and salmon). And the sauces over the roll were delicious as well, there was just the right amount of spicy mayo and wasabi cream sauce. Next time I'm there I'll gladly fork over $15 for the (also UFC themed) Rich Franklin roll. And as a bonus I actually recognize his name. Calvin and his wife made sure to introduce themselves to us, and they couldn't have been nicer. When we go back next we'll go for dinner. They have a full bar at Sushi Monk, and from the sound of it the place gets pretty wild and crazy during dinner with music, drinks, etc.. Again, that's what happens when you have a bunch of regulars who love your place. And that sounds pretty great to me. I don't know if I can afford to become a regular at ANY sushi place, but I'm looking forward to going back enough for Calvin to know my name.
(4)Diana M.
Calvin and Christina put their heart and soul into their spectacular restaurant. It is wonderful to have a local restaurant we can go to like Norm had in Cheers. My husband and I requent Sushi Monk and actually we call it "The Monk"; let's go to "The Monk". The sushi is the best quality sushi anywhere around. Calvin is very picky about what he serves and it must be high quality and fresh fish. Christina treats everyone like family and you just never want to leave. So if you are looking for a true high quality sushi restaurant with owners that are like family, this is the place to go. My favorite roll is Princess Di (a roll that Calvin made just for me) and Rich Franklin (after the famous UFC Fighter that frequents Sushi Monk). My husband loves Calvin's creative dishes with squid. Last but not least, they have a great music system that all can take advantage of and sing karaoke. I highly recommend Sushi Monk, also known as "The Monk".
(5)lisa w.
billed as "free style sushi" -- LOVE that description, but didn't know what to expect. the sushi chef and server were both really nice and were eager to chat with both new and regular customers. the music made me sooo happy - electro-bass; and the place was perfectly cozy with customers, food and drinks. it really reminded me of the sushi place i used to work at in seattle - in terms of overall quality but with realness!! the food - i had a plate of yellowtail sashimi which was phenomenal! huge portion and super fresh. delicious. i also had a rainbow roll; the portion size was good and fish was fresh - i'd give it a 4/5. one thing that struck me was the limited selection of fish for sashimi/sushi. i did overhear the check say that he just cannot stock some of the usual staples (like octopus) b/c of low demand. of course i understand this, but it still makes me sad. i just wish that folks would branch out from the "standard" salmon, crab, tuna(s) and try a wider variety of fish. who knows, you might discover that mackerel (or scallops or surf clam or tobiko.....) are the thing you've been waiting for all your life! give sushi monk a try, if you haven't already. its a good time for sure!
(4)Mike N.
From the parking lot this place reminded me of Sushi Ota in San Diego- in the corner of a strip mall and nothing going on in the adjacent buildings. Though coming in on Friday night the music was bustling. I didn't mind the song selection except the fact that it was fin loud like a club. This is more of a place to bring a bunch of friends than a date. Service was kind of slow at the time ~9pm, the waitresses were chatting it up with the owner I guess. I got the TNT roll and hamachi sashimi. The hamachi was presented very nicely on a bed of shaved ice. The meat was the lower grade cut, very red hence fishy. The TNT roll that came out was very good with different flavors and textures going on. So overall food quality is mixed good and service time is questionable. Being so far north in West Chester I'd say this would be worth it if you're nearby.
(3)Troy M.
Great little Sushi Place. Calvin has a great talent and I'm glad he has his own place now to show it off. The rolls are inventive and original the atmosphere is hip and fun and since it's located right around the corner from my place it's convenient. I will keep going to Sushi Monk because I am an expert at quality food and this it one of the best out there.
(5)Sushi B.
I can make this pretty simple: sushi = my favorite food and Sushi Monk = my new favorite Cincinnati sushi restaurant. I have eaten sushi all over the country at the best places money can buy and Sushi Monk is a gem. The food is top notch (props to Calvin for getting the rice perfect), the atmosphere is great and the owners are awesome. Do yourself a favor and give it a try.
(5)Gerilyn S.
They say first impressions are lasting impressions, & from the moment I walked in & I was greeted by a cordial & enthusiastic Christina & I immediately knew I made the right choice for lunch. Aside from the owners, I was the only person there at the time & I soon learned that they have recently opened only 4-5 weeks ago. As i took a seat at the sushi bar, Christina immediately handed me a menu & took my drink order. Her bubbly personalized so over-flowing & contagious I couldn't help but to smile. I hadn't eaten all day (it was 2pm by now) so I was starving and decided that I would also order an appetizer. Reasonably priced, I chose the salmon eel tempura as it was the first thing that caught my eye. And boy, was it.... Sorry, had to wipe the drool from my mouth ;), delicious! It literally melted in my mouth. As I like to think I'm an amateur chef, (I'm really not, but I can hold my own in a kitchen) I decided I needed to deconstruct this deliciousness. (Images of my friends gushing over my culinary talents as I served this at my next dinner soiree started floating through my mind) I looked like it was asparagus filled with something akin to cream-cheese snuggly wrapped with fresh salmon & lightly fried. (Reading my description let's me know I'll never replicate it so I'll probably just order it, take it home & pretend I made it all on my own). Anyways, main point... It was good. So I then decided to order a lunch special (for $9.50)which was two rolls of my choice, from a previously chosen selection of about 10-12 rolls, along with miso soup & house salad. As Calvin started on my rolls, Christina brought out my soup & salad. Instead of the expected ginger dressing you find at most Japanese restaurants, Christina explained her salad dressing was her own creation of a sweet & sour origin. The rolls quickly followed and were simple, fresh & good. Calvin explained to me that they get their fish fresh every day, never frozen. All in all, the food was good but I especially loved the warm, friendly & welcoming atmosphere that Calvin & Christina provided. Engaging in easy conversation with me, while providing quick & professional service. As I love to support small businesses, especially small ethnic businesses, I will most definitely be back to try more off of their reasonably priced menu. Go support immediately!!!
(5)M V.
Dont be fooled by the outside, as we were. Go inside! I had no idea there was good sushi in West Chester. We got the crack and spring rolls for appetizers. The crack was great but the spring rolls were just ok. For sushi we got the spicy scallops, spicy steve and the ohio roll. All were very fresh and flavorful. We will DEF be coming back to this place to try more rolls!
(4)Steve H.
BEST SUSHI in Cincinnati, and we've been almost everywhere in the Tristate area.. Calvin has very fresh, quality ingredients. He makes some great, unique creations and smiles the whole time while doing his thing. Quality, quality, quality. Everything is fresh & tasty. My wife and I went here for anniversary on a Friday Night. We were pleasantly suprised w/ some new, unique rolls and sashimi. I'd never had monkfish liver, but it was a unique offering that night and I really enjoyed it. I'd eaten sushi in Japan, California and a bunch of other places in the USA but had never had that. Good stuff! Currently its BYOB, but there's no corking fee. Beers were kindly taken to the back and chilled while we ate and brought out to us as if we'd ordered it. The atmosphere is cozy, simple and fun. But as stated, the food is king here. Calvin has it dialed in. The Melt roll was unique and fantastic. The Black Dragon roll was also excellet. Rich Franklin roll also was great. Great food, great atmosphere and unique, quality stuff to try. There's a reason Yelp & Urbanspoon users rated this place about as high as I've seen. Go find out for yourself!! Can't wait to go back!
(5)Leah W.
Great sushi, amazing service, and fun atmosphere. You can't go wrong eating at Sushi Monk.
(5)John M.
This is a super sushi choice. In fact it is my new favorite. Calvin brings a new creativity in place of the same old sushi menu. I am trying to be more judicious and restrained in giving 5 stars. Sushi Monk is excellent. I look forward to going back.
(5)Laura L.
I've been living in Cincy temporarily for a work assignment. I'm super lucky to have such a great sushi bar within walking distance of my apartment. A very relaxed & welcoming atmosphere, my roommate & I eat here at least once a week. Great sushi, everytime. Reasonable price. Be sure to stop by!
(5)Harry N.
This place was a great find, thank you yelp. We were looking for a sushi place in the cincinatti area and came across this, small a little out of the way but worth the drive. the sushi was fresh and the portions were very generous. We will return, and recommend trying.
(4)Joe F.
I visited the Sushi Monk last Friday with very low expectations. Coming from Miami, FL to Fairfield, OH the quality of Sushi Restaurants has not been good. As soon as I stepped foot at the Monk I felt like I was back at a Sushi Bar on South Beach or Manhattan. It was fantastic!! Everything from the Atmosphere to the Food was spectacular, and after finding out that Chef Cal had worked in SoHo it all came together. Dont get it twisted his wife Christina runs the show there. Hostesing, Waiting on everyone and keeping everything real happy and loose. Though no liquor license yet it didnt matter(only reason is they have just opened not even a month in business and will have liquor withing a couple of weeks) I started of with the Tuna Tataki on a 1 to 5 scale it was a 5. Then I had the 9 piece, 9 nigiri sushi combo once again a 5 to follow that up with the Melt Roll of course another 5 and to die for(like M&M's melts in your mouth). Finally a great Sushi restaurant in the Area and im not scared to already call it the best Sushi Restaurant in Cincinnati, OH and maybe even Ohio. Christina and Calvin I will definitely be back sooooooooooon. Joe F.
(5)F L.
Sushi was ok, locally I think Geisha's is better. Have definitely had better in NYC, Maryland, West Coast, etc but even lowering expectations for Ohio the food was mediocre. Presentation was nice, flavors of the fish were masked by bland sauces. Can't speak to the atmosphere, Calvin or the sake as we did takeout. FYI, we ordered the melting, rich franklin, authority and spicy scallop rolls.
(3)Chris H.
I've been going to Sushi Monk since the first month they were open, and I've never been disappointed. They have so many variations of sushi that you'll want to try them all, and each are equally delicious. Besides sushi they also have edamame, fried rice (which is amazing), soup and tempura mushrooms. The staff is incredibly nice and very welcoming. This is the best sushi you can get in the Cincinnati area.
(5)Sam Z.
What a great find! I read reviews prior to visiting for lunch. Calvin greeted us at the door and we sat at the sushi counter. Mike was the sushi chef...both he and Calvin are very friendly and easy to talk with. Really flows with the "freestyle dining" they are striving for. The lunch was very reasonable...10 bucks for 2 rolls, salad and miso soup. While the rolls are basic offerings they were very good and enjoyable. Next visit I will try some of the house special rolls as they seem more intriguing. Please go and support this new place and concept....I love local places over chains and this is a gem!
(5)