Sushi & Sake

For those in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with a craving for exquisite Japanese cuisine, particularly fresh sushi, Sushi & Sake stands as a notable destination. Nestled on Central Avenue SE, this restaurant offers a culinary journey that promises delightful flavors and a genuine taste of Japan. It’s a place where the art of sushi making is clearly appreciated, bringing a piece of authentic Japanese dining to the heart of New Mexico.

Sushi & Sake has earned a reputation among locals for its commitment to serving fresh, high-quality sushi. While not the cheapest option in town, many patrons find the pricing reasonable given the quality and taste. This balance of quality and value makes it an appealing choice for those who truly appreciate well-prepared Japanese fare. Beyond sushi, the restaurant also delves into Korean specialties, offering a broader Asian culinary experience to its diners. Whether you're a long-time enthusiast of Japanese food or looking to explore new flavors, Sushi & Sake provides a welcoming and satisfying environment for a memorable meal.

Sushi & Sake is conveniently situated at 4214 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108, USA. This address places it squarely within the vibrant Central Avenue corridor, a historic and bustling part of Albuquerque. Its location on Central Avenue makes it highly accessible from various parts of the city, particularly for residents living in the Southeast Heights, Nob Hill, and surrounding areas.

Central Avenue is a major thoroughfare, well-served by public transportation routes, including the city's bus lines, offering an alternative for those who prefer not to drive. For diners arriving by car, the presence of parking options in the vicinity is generally a feature of establishments on Central Ave, though it’s always advisable to confirm specifics upon arrival or for peak dining hours. The restaurant's position in a lively commercial district means it’s surrounded by other shops and businesses, making it a convenient stop as part of a larger outing. This accessibility is a key factor in its appeal to the local Albuquerque community, allowing for easy visits whether for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner.

Sushi & Sake provides a range of dining services to cater to different preferences, ensuring a versatile experience for its patrons.

• Sushi and Sashimi: As its name suggests, a primary focus of Sushi & Sake is its extensive selection of fresh sushi and sashimi. Diners can expect a variety of rolls, nigiri, and sashimi crafted with care, emphasizing fresh ingredients and traditional techniques.
• Japanese Cuisine: Beyond sushi, the restaurant offers a broader menu of Japanese dishes. This includes appetizers like Edamame, Calamari Tempura, and Gyoza. They also feature entrees such as Teriyaki Deluxe Set, various Tempura dishes, and Don Buri (rice bowls).
• Korean Food Selection: A unique offering at Sushi & Sake is its inclusion of Korean specialties. This diversifies the menu significantly, providing options like Bulgogi (marinated sliced tenderloin), Kalbi (marinated beef short ribs), Spicy Chicken, Pork, and Squid, along with traditional Korean sides like Kimchee and Chopchae. They even offer Bibimbap served in steaming stone pots.
• Lunch and Dinner Service: Sushi & Sake serves both lunch and dinner. Lunch hours are generally from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM (Wednesday-Saturday), and dinner service from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM (Monday-Saturday), with varying hours on certain days. It’s always good to check their current operating times.
• Takeout and Delivery: For the convenience of customers, Sushi & Sake offers takeout services, allowing you to enjoy their delicious food at home. They are also listed on delivery platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash, making it easy to have your meal brought directly to you.
• Dine-In Experience: The restaurant provides a comfortable and engaging dine-in atmosphere where guests can enjoy their meals. The decor aims for a fashionable and modern styling, creating a pleasant environment for an evening out.
• Beverage Selection (Sake & More): True to its name, Sushi & Sake offers a selection of sake, a traditional Japanese rice wine, which can be served warm or cold. They also provide other beverage options to complement your meal.

Sushi & Sake distinguishes itself with several key features and highlights that contribute to its appeal among Albuquerque locals:

• Super Fresh Sushi: A consistent highlight from customer reviews is the freshness of their sushi. One reviewer explicitly stated, "Loved all of their sushi. Super fresh." This commitment to fresh ingredients is paramount for a sushi restaurant and is clearly appreciated by patrons.
• Reasonable Pricing for Quality: While acknowledged as "not super cheap," customers find the pricing "reasonable" for the quality provided. This indicates a good value proposition, where diners feel they are getting excellent fresh food that justifies the cost, rather than overpaying for an inferior product.
• Diverse Japanese & Korean Menu: Beyond standard sushi offerings, the restaurant's extensive menu includes a variety of traditional Japanese dishes and a notable selection of Korean specialties. This broad culinary range allows diners to explore different Asian flavors under one roof, from classic rolls to savory Korean BBQ dishes like Bulgogi and Kalbi, and even unique items like their "Amigo roll" with New Mexico green chile.
• Inventive Specialty Rolls: Sushi & Sake is noted for its "delicious and inventive panoply of pretty maki rolls." This includes unique creations like the "Mango Tango" roll with tempura shrimp and mango, a "pizza roll" (California roll with baked salmon), and a distinctive "Green Chile Roll" featuring New Mexico green chile stuffed with crab meat. These creative interpretations cater to adventurous palates and local tastes.
• Welcoming and Enjoyable Atmosphere: Customers report a "great experience all around from the atmosphere to the food." The modern styling of the venue contributes to a pleasant dining environment, making it suitable for various occasions.
• Passion for Food: The establishment's website highlights that "management and employees of Sushi & Sake thoroughly enjoy seeing the delight on diners' faces after tasting their first bite of delicious sushi." This passion for their craft and dedication to customer satisfaction is evident in the dining experience.
• Large Group Friendly: The restaurant opens its doors to large groups, making it a suitable venue for gatherings and celebrations.

While specific, regularly advertised promotions for Sushi & Sake are not extensively detailed in the provided information, a common practice among Japanese restaurants, especially those offering both sushi and sake, includes certain types of deals. Based on general industry trends and some indirect mentions:

• Lunch Specials: Many Japanese restaurants offer special pricing or combo deals during lunch hours, providing a more economical way to enjoy their menu items. It is advisable for locals to inquire about any specific lunch deals.
• Happy Hour: Given the "Sake" in their name, it's possible they might offer happy hour specials on sake, beer, or select appetizers, which is a common promotion in similar establishments. Customers often look for these deals for a more casual and budget-friendly experience.
• Takeout/Delivery Discounts: Some restaurants offer discounts for direct takeout orders or promotions through delivery platforms, such as a first-time order discount.
• Special Occasion Offers: While not explicitly stated, restaurants often have small gestures or special menu items for birthdays or anniversaries, which could be inquired about directly.
• Bento Box Deals: The mention of "Bento Box" on their menu often implies a good value combination meal, especially popular during lunch.

For the most current and accurate information on any promotions or special offers, local residents are encouraged to directly contact Sushi & Sake via phone or check their official website or social media presence, as promotions can change frequently.

To experience the fresh flavors of Sushi & Sake, or for any inquiries, you can reach them at:

Address: 4214 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108, USA

Phone: (505) 797-8000

Feel free to call during their operating hours to make a reservation, place a takeout order, or ask any questions about their menu and services.

For the discerning residents of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Sushi & Sake stands out as a highly suitable dining option for several compelling reasons, perfectly aligning with local tastes and preferences.

Firstly, its unwavering commitment to "super fresh" sushi is a significant draw. In a landlocked state like New Mexico, access to high-quality, fresh seafood can be a priority for sushi lovers. Sushi & Sake consistently delivers on this front, ensuring a delightful and authentic sushi experience that meets the expectations of even the most discerning local palates. The fact that customers find the pricing "reasonable" for this level of freshness further solidifies its value proposition within the local market.

Secondly, the restaurant's diverse menu, which extends beyond traditional Japanese offerings to include Korean specialties, provides a unique advantage. This variety caters to a broader range of culinary interests within the Albuquerque community, allowing families or groups with different preferences to find something they love. From classic sushi rolls and Japanese entrees to savory Korean BBQ and spicy dishes, Sushi & Sake offers a comprehensive Asian dining experience that many locals appreciate for its breadth and flavor. The inventive specialty rolls, like the Green Chile Roll, also demonstrate a thoughtful nod to New Mexican flavors, creating a unique fusion that resonates with the local populace.

Furthermore, its accessible location on Central Ave SE ensures ease of access for a significant portion of Albuquerque’s population. Being on a main thoroughfare with potential public transportation links and parking options makes it a convenient choice for both planned meals and spontaneous outings. This geographical advantage helps integrate it into the daily lives of residents, making it a natural choice when craving Japanese or Korean cuisine.

While one review did mention a perceived issue with staffing, the overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding the freshness of the food and the overall experience suggests that any such issues are likely isolated or temporary. The general sentiment points towards a restaurant that strives for customer satisfaction and delivers on its promise of quality. For locals seeking a reliable source of fresh, flavorful, and reasonably priced Japanese and Korean food in a pleasant setting, Sushi & Sake offers a compelling and suitable choice that continues to earn its place as a beloved community eatery in Albuquerque.

Sushi & Sake

4214 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108, USA