#43 of 198 Destin Restaurants

Sushimoto

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Sushimoto – Superb Sushi with Creative Flair
Local Expert's Rating:
4.5 / 5
The Bottom Line:

You'll receive excellent service in this small, casual eatery that serves up traditional Japanese favorites like custom-made sushi rolls, shrimp tempura, miso soup, lunch rice bowls, and the freshest sashimi in town. The owners take pride in their establishment and walk around the restaurant every dinner service, personally greeting their guests.

- The FloridaPanhandle.com Local Expert Team

Sushimoto is a tiny, family-owned restaurant of just seven tables. That’s right, it’s little more than a hole in the wall, and unless you show up early, be prepared to queue outside and wait for up to an hour during the dinner rush. 

While most guests report that the staff is professional and welcoming, there are some who complain that Andy, the owner, is a bit too rigid, not allowing parties of eight or more to be seated, refusing to take reservations, and not allowing patrons to order food to go.

To that, we say, yes, but have you tasted the sushi? It is truly some of the best we have eaten this side of Tokyo. Odorless and succulent, the pieces of raw sashimi and flavorful rolls leave you wondering what you were eating before when you thought you were having sushi. The chef offers a variety of fun and custom sushi rolls with creative ingredients, like bacon, soft shell crab, and roasted jalapeño.

Sushimoto is more than a restaurant. Because of the intimate size, the excellent quality of the ingredients, and the expert preparation, it is an experience that allows you to bond with fellow diners and exchange greetings with the owner. You should definitely check out Sushimoto if you are the kind of diner who prefers substance over style. You will not be disappointed by this top-notch restaurant. 

The menu items that keep us coming back to Sushimoto:

Tempura Bowl
If you aren’t a fan of sushi, Sushimoto’s offers several other Japanese favorites. We love their tempura bowl, filled with fresh shrimp and vegetables that are deep-fried in a light batter until they are crispy and delicious. Pour the accompanying sauce straight into the bowl, or be a purist and dip each piece separately before devouring it.

Sushi and Sashimi Combo
The combo platters at Sushimoto’s allow diners to sample the best of both worlds. We love the chance to alternate between bites of delectable salmon, tuna, and yellowtail — so fresh they melt like butter in your mouth — and mouthfuls of rice, fish, and seaweed. This makes a great course to share.

Volcano Roll
For lovers of imitation krab everywhere, the volcano roll combines krab salad with juicy California rolls. If you’re uneasy about consuming raw fish, this dish allows you to enjoy the sushi experience without stepping out of your comfort zone.

Chirashi
Each bite of this sashimi assortment lets you favor the delicacy of fish like octopus, shrimp, yellowtail, and salmon, while the bed of rice underneath provides some requisite starch. Japanese food devotees claim that Sushimoto serves the freshest fish within a fifty-mile radius, and once you taste their sashimi, you will understand why.

Mota Rolla
You’ve got to love the name alone. This is one of Sushimoto’s custom sushi rolls, featuring shrimp tempura, avocado, bacon, roasted jalapeño, krab, garlic chips, and a special mayo, all topped with eel and chili sauces. Holy moly! It’s unconventional Japanese fare, but it’s one of the tastiest bites around.

Insider Tips: 
– Because Sushimoto has only seven tables and doesn’t take reservations, the dinner wait can be up to an hour, and the chef will not make to-go orders during this busy time. To make the most of your visit, put your name on the list and head next door for a pre-dinner drink while you wait.
– It’s possible to order custom sushi rolls not featured on the menu. Have a combination you’re dying to try? The accommodating chefs at Sushimoto can make it happen.