Hikari Hand Roll Bar

For those in the Twin Cities who are true connoisseurs of Japanese cuisine and fresh, high-quality seafood, Hikari Hand Roll Bar is a new and exciting destination. Located on the bustling Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis, this restaurant brings a unique concept to the local food scene: the hand roll bar. Unlike traditional sushi restaurants that serve sliced rolls (maki), Hikari specializes in temaki, or hand rolls. These are fresh, cone-shaped rolls meant to be eaten with your hands immediately after they are made, ensuring that the nori (seaweed) remains perfectly crisp and the ingredients are at their peak freshness. This focus on a singular, expertly prepared item allows the chefs at Hikari to truly perfect their craft. The atmosphere is casual yet trendy, and the bar-style seating creates an intimate and engaging experience where you can watch the chefs at work. Whether you are looking for a quick, healthy bite for lunch or a full-on culinary adventure, Hikari offers a fresh perspective on sushi that the Twin Cities' food scene has been waiting for.

What truly sets Hikari apart is the reported exceptional quality of its ingredients, particularly the fish. Customers rave about the freshness of the salmon and tuna, with one reviewer even calling it the "best in town." The restaurant's dedication to using top-notch ingredients is a huge draw for locals who understand and appreciate the difference in flavor and texture that this commitment provides. In addition to their specialty hand rolls, Hikari offers a variety of special rolls and even the option for an Omakase experience, where you put your trust in the chef to serve you a curated selection of their best dishes. This level of dedication to quality and service makes Hikari a standout and a new gem in the Minneapolis dining scene.

Location and Accessibility

Hikari Hand Roll Bar is conveniently located at 2819 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408, USA. This vibrant and easily accessible area is a hub for a variety of restaurants and shops, making it a popular destination. For those driving, the restaurant offers on-site parking and free street parking, which is a great convenience in a busy neighborhood. One customer mentioned the ease of parking in a nearby car wash parking lot, highlighting that finding a spot is not an issue.

The restaurant is committed to providing an accessible experience for all its patrons. It features a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring that all guests can enter and enjoy their meal comfortably. The atmosphere is also family-friendly and welcoming to all crowds, including those from the LGBTQ+ community, as it is a designated transgender safespace. This inclusive environment makes Hikari a comfortable place for everyone to enjoy. For families with young children, the restaurant is well-equipped with amenities like changing tables, making it a thoughtful and practical choice for parents.

Services Offered

Hikari Hand Roll Bar focuses on a streamlined and efficient dining model that emphasizes freshness and speed. Here is a breakdown of their services:

• Dine-in: The primary experience at Hikari is dining in at the bar, where you can watch the chefs prepare your hand rolls fresh on the spot. It’s a very engaging and intimate way to eat. They offer seating and table service.
• Takeout: For those on the go, Hikari offers takeout. This is a great way to enjoy their fresh hand rolls from the comfort of your own home or for a quick lunch at work.
• Outdoor Seating: When the weather permits, Hikari has outdoor seating available. This is a great option for a casual meal. The outdoor area is also pet-friendly, as dogs are allowed.
• Catering: For events or larger gatherings, the restaurant also offers catering services, bringing their unique hand roll concept to your special occasion.

Features and Highlights

Hikari Hand Roll Bar stands out for several reasons, from its unique food concept to its welcoming atmosphere. Here are some of the key highlights:

• Fast Service: The restaurant is known for its quick service, making it a great choice for a fast and healthy meal during a lunch break or a quick bite before an event.
• Omakase Experience: For a truly special and personalized meal, the Omakase experience is highly recommended. Customers have praised Chef Jason, noting his decades of experience and ability to provide a dining experience comparable to top chefs in major culinary cities like LA and Tokyo. The Omakase menu is a multi-course meal, often featuring the freshest ingredients available.
• High-Quality Ingredients: A core feature is the unwavering commitment to ingredient quality. Reviews consistently mention the freshness of the fish, particularly the seared salmon belly, which one customer likened to "melted butter."
• Specialty Hand Rolls: The menu’s focus on hand rolls allows for a perfect balance of rice, filling, and crisp seaweed in every bite. This is a departure from the traditional sliced rolls and a unique experience in itself. The restaurant's menu also includes more conventional special rolls, like the Hikari Roll and the Rainbow Roll, to cater to a variety of preferences.
• Casual and Trendy Atmosphere: The vibe at Hikari is laid-back and stylish, attracting a diverse crowd of locals and families. The bar setting is great for solo diners and couples.
• Welcoming to All: The restaurant prides itself on being a transgender safespace and an LGBTQ+ friendly establishment, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity that is highly valued by its patrons.

Contact Information

To place an order or get more information about the restaurant, you can contact Hikari Hand Roll Bar using the following details:

Address: 2819 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408, USA

Phone: (612) 345-4136

What is worth choosing

The star of the show at Hikari Hand Roll Bar is, without a doubt, the hand roll. The menu offers a wide variety of choices, from classic options like Salmon and Spicy Tuna to more specialized selections like Spicy Scallop and Ikura. The hand rolls are fresh and simple, allowing the quality of the ingredients to shine. The seared salmon belly is a must-try for any salmon lover, as one customer described it as tasting like "melted butter." For those who are feeling more adventurous or want a curated experience, the Omakase is highly recommended. The chance to have a master sushi chef like Jason create a unique menu for you, often featuring the freshest ingredients of the day, is a rare opportunity in the Twin Cities. One reviewer noted that this experience is comparable to top-tier sushi restaurants in major metropolitan areas, making it a fantastic value for the quality you receive.

Beyond the hand rolls, the "Special Rolls" menu offers larger, more elaborate options for those who prefer a different kind of sushi experience. The Hikari Roll and Dragon Roll are great choices to try. For those who enjoy a variety of flavors and textures, the special rolls provide an excellent way to explore the chef’s creativity. The restaurant’s small plates menu, though not extensive, provides quick and delicious options to complement your meal. Additionally, the bar offers a selection of healthy options and a quick bite menu, making it versatile for different needs. The overall atmosphere and fast, friendly service enhance the dining experience. While the menu may seem focused, the high quality of each item ensures that every choice is a good one. Whether you are a solo diner at the bar or with a small group, Hikari Hand Roll Bar provides a fresh, modern, and delicious take on sushi that is perfect for any day of the week.

Hikari Hand Roll Bar

2819 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408, USA