[Sacramento, CA] - Hana Tsubaki

Looking for hidden gems is one of my past times. I like places that people haven't told me about but locals in the neighborhood like going to. Hana Tsubaki is one of those places. Seems like if sushi is brought up, most people in Sacramento talk about Mikuni, Kru, or Taka Sushi (speaking of which, I need to go to again since it's been a very long time since I'd eaten there). And it's not to say that those places are bad, but I like looking for ones people don't talk about as much.

 Hana Tsubaki is usually busy around dinner time. They are also open for lunch and have a few lunch specials. It's located on J Street in East Sacramento. If you aren't looking for it while driving, you just might pass the small parking lot turn. Parking is also a bit tight, but if you drive a little further back, there's a bit more space to open your door.

 Upon entering, you'll be promptly greeted and seated either at the bar or in the restaurant depending on what you choose. Since I've eaten in the restaurant before, I thought I would try the bar this time. The daily specials is not a long list, but you can see that their omakase is one of the most reasonable and affordable in town. Omakase nigiri (8 pieces) is just $25, while the omakase sashimi is $40. After going to so many places that cost so much more, this was a nice treat. 


Complimentary salmon appetizer. Tangy. Great way to kick some drool in gear. 



Omakase Nigiri - L to R: tuna, hamachi, salmon, bonito, ocean trout, sayori, herring, Canadian urchin, firefly squid, and tamagoyaki.



The bonito has a strong flavor. Not everyone is a fan, but I like it. It was the steak-iest fish of the bunch.

Always interesting to see how the chef prepares the sayori since it's weird shaped and isn't wide enough to cover the rice like other fish.


Firefly squid - pretty small, but definitely prefer this to finishing with the Salmon roe.

So... we were still a bit hungry after the nigiri, so we decided to share a chirashi bowl.


Address:
5006 J St
Sacramento, CA 95819

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