Newly migrated to a location fronting on Lake St., Midori’s is a casual neighborhood restaurant that happens to serve Japanese food; its strengths lie in the world of non-sushi comfort dishes such as tempura and soba or udon noodles. Its sushi is heavy, hides the taste of the fish, and falls flat compared to the stuff served up at Origami or even comparable joints in Uptown such as Sushi Tango and Fuji Ya. An overly ambitious menu (dozens of options plus a constant press of specials) may be part of the challenge.
BEST BET: Tempura udon ($12.25) is a pleasantly balanced and relaxing choice, and the restaurant’s gorgeous “art teas” (so named for the unfolding flowers of plant matter that give the tea its flavor) are a novel treat.
Japanese in Longfellow
PHONE: 612.721.3011
ADDRESS:
2629 E Lake St
Minneapolis, MN 55406
OWNERS: Midori & John Flomer
HOURS:
Tue-Wed 11:30am-2pm / 5pm-9pm
Thu-Sat 11:30am-2pm / 5pm-10pm
Sun 4pm-8pm
Mon closed
BAR: Beer, Wine, & Sake
RESERVATIONS / RECOMMENDED?: Yes / Yes for Weekends
VEGETARIAN / VEGAN: Yes / Yes
ENTREE RANGE: $8-20
Midori has some tasty chawan mushi too (sort of an egg custard thing with mushrooms and fish).
This is crazy! Midori is one of the best sushi chefs in town… she serves up creations unavailable elsewhere, using much more natural ingredients to boot. I might add that the chef at origami is known to frequent Midori’s.
I totally agree with Cassie. The sushi chef at Midori’s serves up some of the freshest, best tasting sushi in town. Midori’s is one the city’s hidden gems.