Yanagi Sushi & Grill

One of two sushi spots right off the main square, Yanagi is convenient for those strolling downtown Paso. It wasn’t too busy when we arrived and service was super fast. From ordering to the first bites took moments.

I ordered the yaki soba and a crunchy roll with miso soup. My dining partner ordered the unagi don, which comes with miso, and the shrimp gyoza.

Good miso. My dining partner liked the shrimp gyoza as something different from the typical pork or chicken. I personally found the filling a bit bready for my taste. The shoyu dipping sauce was flavorful though. He also really enjoyed his unagi don. It was served in a cute box and had a good portion of eel. I enjoyed the yaki soba. It was a decent portion, had a good mix of noodles and vegetables, plenty of chicken and shrimp, and had good flavor.

The crunchy roll was good, too. One of the challenges I always find with sushi places is that it’s hard to know how large the rolls will be. They tend to range from about an inch in diameter and 6 pieces to more like 1.5-2” in diameter and 8 or more pieces. It always makes it hard to know how many rolls to order. I generally prefer smaller rolls that are better suited to a single bite size for me. Smaller rolls also mean I can try more types, though pricing sometimes isn’t as economical. This roll was on the larger size and was 8 pieces. I’m glad I skipped the inari I had considered ordering too.

We didn’t venture into their raw fish offerings. I generally am picky, since I’m pretty sensitive to texture, so tend to skip nigiri or sashimi or rolls with anything but chopped fish (like spicy tuna or salmon), except at higher end places. Overall this place seemed like a solid option if you’re looking for sushi in an area that doesn’t have the strongest East Asian cuisine options.