Royal Ginger Asian Fusion Bistro is unlike your typical sushi joint. The restaurant’s environment is welcoming and clean, setting itself apart from other sushi restaurants where the rooms are so dim you are challenged to see the dish placed in front of you.
Cherry accents and Asian-inspired decor hint at the authentic experience, and if the weather permits you can opt for patio seating.
The menu lacks focus and offers options ranging from classic Asian plates such as General Tso’s Chicken and Mongolian Beef, to sushi and wok-style meals. However, the portion sizes are all over the place.
My particular sushi roll, The Scorpion King, was a delicious marriage of crab, spicy tuna, cucumber and lettuce. But for $10.99 I expected more than five pieces. My partner in gluttony ordered a sweet potato roll and yellowtail salsa roll, and the samples I stole were equally delicious. The lack of food on my plate left me eyeing the other dishes being served to those dining around me. Those meals looked appetizing, and they were presented in the clean fashion you would expect on a show such as “Top Chef.” However, every other plate seemed to suffer the same lack of sustenance as mine.
Royal Ginger does have a nice happy hour-offer of half-priced sushi rolls, sans specialty rolls, every Monday and Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sake and other alcoholic beverages are reasonably priced as well.
Located just west of campus at 1625 W. Lane Ave. it is hardly a trek for this explosion of deliciousness in your mouth. The post-meal fortune cookie’s fortune, however, was less original than a cover band.
Grade: B+
