By Lee Morgan
Indiana's largest city,
Indianapolis has a diverse population and dining options to match. This Midwestern hot spot is flush with international cuisine, and Japanese fare is no exception. From sushi to teppanyaki dishes prepared right before your eyes, Indianapolis serves up traditional Japanese cuisine with an Eastern flare at a variety of local restaurants.
Sakura
Sakura is located on the corner of Keystone Ave. and 72nd St. in Indianapolis. This restaurant allegedly boasts the best sushi in the city and hosts a famous clientele. There are literally hundreds of celebrity-autographed photos lining the walls, arranged among the dozens of various best sushi awards. In fact, it's not uncommon to find Indianapolis Colts football players devouring the highly recommended Sakura-Maki or the eel, crab and avocado-stuffed Rock-n-Roll sushi on any given night. The menu includes more than 25 sushi rolls, sashimi plates and a variety of tempura and teriyaki entrees just to name a few. Sakura is open for dinner seven days a week and lunch on Monday through Saturday.
Sakura
7201 N Keystone Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46240
(317) 259-4171
indysakura.com
Ginza
Ginza is a Japanese steakhouse operating on West 38th St. in Indianapolis since 1987. This restaurant is popular among locals, partially because of the high quality of its food but also for its entertainment factor. Chefs flip and fling your food right in front of your table in traditional teppanyaki style as they sear it on a flat-top grill. Choose from house specialties such as filet mignon, rib eye steak and shrimp, lobster, scallops and vegetarian options. The restaurant also offers various fish entrees, noodles, imported beers and sake from a full-service bar.
Ginza
5380 West 38th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46254
(317) 298-3838
indyginza.com
Mikado
Mikado was the first Japanese restaurant to open in downtown Indianapolis, established in 1997 on the corner of West Georgia and South Illinois St. Just a short walk away from the convention center, Mikado combines traditional Japanese dishes and French-Asian fusion flavors to complete a menu that will satisfy almost any hunger. Entrees are served with miso soup and range from Angus steaks and chicken to sautéed seafood dishes, lobster tails, prawns and more. Traditional Bento boxes and sushi are also available. Sashimi is available for purists who want a plate of raw yellowtail, salmon or whitefish.
Mikado
148 South Illinois St.
Indianapolis, IN 46225
(317) 972-4180
mikadoindy.com
About the Author:
Lee Morgan is a fiction writer and journalist. His writing has appeared for more than 15 years in many news publications including the "Tennesseean," the "Tampa Tribune," "West Hawaii Today," the "Honolulu Star Bulletin" and the "Dickson Herald," where he was sports editor. He holds a Bachelor of Science in mass communications from Middle Tennessee State University.
