Inside: Sam's Sushi

(Credit: Angela Franzer, Metromix)

Photos:

Neatly tucked in the corner of an East Valley strip mall, lies La Quinta’s best kept dining secret  -- a quaint little Sushi restaurant offering some of the most creative combinations in the desert.  Whether you’re looking for a spicy tuna roll, fresh sashimi, barbecue eel or Tepan Yaki, Sam’s Sushi is your spot for tasty Japanese fare.

The look: Sam’s is bathed in a rich color pallet that promotes a tranquil dining experience and laid-back attitude. Colorful paintings depicting young Geisha women smiling timidly adorn the mocha colored walls while the subdued scent of eastern spices hangs in the air.  A wide sushi bar is positioned in the center of the dining room where guests are welcome to sit and watch the handiwork of the chef on duty. 

The Food: It’s safe to say you won’t be a bit disappointed by Sam’s menu.  We advise kicking dinner off with an order of salty edamame or boldly flavored miso soup followed by a parade of creatively prepared rolls, which are just as appetizing as they are visually appealing.  Many  items combine traditional ingredients with tropical fruit and zesty sauces for an added hint of original flavor.  Most sushi options also ring in at about $7-10 a plate, which makes sampling multiple rolls pleasantly affordable.

Insider  tips:  Locals are well aware of the succulent fare, so dinnertime can get extremely busy at Sam’s.  The venue is on the small side, so it doesn’t take throngs of hungry people before you feel as though you’re sitting on top of the customer at the next table over.  Plan dinner early so you won’t have to wait for a table or battle the crowd. 

Bottom Line: This unassuming little restaurant offers some of the best sushi around-all for a price that won’t leave you worried about your next rent payment. What else could you ask for?    

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