Mikado is Destinations We Know top sushi spot for any occasion calling for sushi. If you are craving Sushi and want high-quality seafood with quick and attentive service, Mikado always delivers. Located on 28th Street in a strip mall on the corner of East Paris, Mikado has served sushi in Grand Rapids for over 25 years. Mikado claims to be one of the first sushi restaurants to open in Grand Rapids, and it remains an anchor for top-quality, creative sushi.

Service: 4.5 stars

I have been going to Mikado for over 20 years and have eaten there over 100 times, so I can reliably say their service is consistent, attentive, kind, and quick. Even during the rush at lunch, they seem to get your order, deliver your food, refill your drinks, and get your check with incredible speed and cheerfulness. From the Friendly greeting from the chefs as you enter “eoseo oseyo”, meaning welcome, to the friendly goodbyes when you leave, you feel at home and are treated like family. As I leave, they often just tell me “See you tomorrow”. They are so friendly.

Presentation: 5 Stars

The wushi at Mikado is always beautiful, presented like art and is delight to the eyes and senses. They add so many little touches to elevate each dish and offer extensive list of menu options to choose from. You will likely get the stunning sushi boat if you order sushi for a group. But even if you order a single special roll, you can tell the thought and culinary vision that went into each roll you order. The size of each piece of sushi matters so much to the presentation as well and they nail every item. I am not a big fan of overly large sized specialty rolls popping up across the city at other sushi spots. I want each bite to be satisfying without having to open up so wide my jar hurts. Other locations serve large pieces of fish on rice and really who wants that? Gross. Here, each bite is well bite sized and often exploding with a combinations of flavors that keep you coming back.

Food: 5 Stars

I could say so many things about my food experiences at Mikado, but let me highlight the essentials. Recently, they updated their menu with a dozen or more new rolls, appetizers, and entrees, that are a most welcome change to their menu. The tuna Tataki roll, with a touch of spice and ponzu, is one of our favorites. The sushi is delicious. It is always fresh, clean, and satisfying. The rice is done perfectly, you can tell so much about the caliber of a sushi restaurant just by the rice. Mikado nails it. Our other favorite menu items are Godzilla Roll, Pink Monster, Michigan Roll, Snapper, Fatty Tuna, and the Rainbow Roll.

Atmosphere: 4 Stars

I would love to give every category a 5-star rating, but I have to be honest. For the Atmosphere category, you have to remember you are in a strip mall. It’s nothing fancy, but it makes you feel at home in a clean, simple, yet tasteful environment. It is pleasant, bright, and spacious enough to hold a crowd without feeling like you are on top of your neighbor.

Price: 4.5 stars

It’s hard to give a good sushi joint a 5-star rating on price simply because sushi is much more expensive than most restaurants. But Mikado deserves a high rating here, if not simply because of the affordable and satisfying sushi lunch special. For under $15, you get soup or salad, 5 pieces of chef’s choice nigiri, and one sushi roll of the day. Buying those items ala carte would be nearly $25, so it is truly a great deal and the reason I go there so often for lunch. They have a Bento Box lunch special as well, which rotates and is affordable at prices ranging from $14.95 – $16.95. Generally, they offer 3 varieties that rotate between bulgogi, salmon teriyaki, and chicken teriyaki. Beyond Sushi, they have great soups, various Korean items like cold and hot bibimbap and stir-fried spicy Chicken, and all the standard Japanese fare like tempura and katsu.

Mikado offers impeccable sushi delights that are creative and consistent. It earns our top pick award due to its consistency, price, and speed of service. You really do feel like you are at home here, or at least at a friendly Japanese home. If you haven’t given it a try yet, head over to Mikado and tell us what you think.