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Japanese RestaurantJapanese Restaurant Near MeMinnesotaHennepin CountyMinneapolisCentral MinneapolisJapanese Restaurant in Nicollet MallSushi Train
Sushi Train ico

Sushi Train

1200 Nicollet Mall STE C3, Minneapolis, MN 55403, USA

4.0
We walked in — N’Sync was blaring and the dudes were super friendly. Our kind of place. Great selection of sushi on the belt and a la carte orders. Thanks, Robert for a great time! - Erica M
Sushi Train Overview Intro Photos Location Reviews

Sushi Train Introduce

For Minnesotans constantly on the lookout for unique and delicious dining experiences, Sushi Train in Minneapolis offers a delightful and interactive take on traditional Japanese cuisine. Situated right on the iconic Nicollet Mall, this restaurant brings the popular "kaiten sushi" (conveyor belt sushi) concept to the Twin Cities, providing a fresh and exciting way to enjoy your favorite rolls and more. It's not just about the food; it's about the fun, engaging atmosphere that makes every visit a memorable one for locals and visitors alike.

Sushi Train has quickly become a beloved spot for many in Minnesota who appreciate both the quality of fresh sushi and the novelty of its serving style. Imagine plates of beautifully crafted sushi, nigiri, and appetizers gracefully gliding past your table on a continuous conveyor belt. This allows diners to pick exactly what catches their eye, ensuring freshness and reducing wait times. For those who might be new to sushi or simply enjoy a wide variety, this format makes exploration easy and enjoyable. It's a culinary adventure that encourages spontaneous choices and provides an immediate feast for both the eyes and the palate.

What truly sets Sushi Train apart for Minnesotans is its commitment to creating a vibrant and welcoming environment. Customer reviews often highlight the friendly staff and the lively atmosphere, sometimes even enhanced by upbeat music, making it "our kind of place." This blend of efficient service and a relaxed, fun vibe makes it an excellent choice for various occasions – from a quick and delicious lunch break during a busy workday on the Mall to a unique date night destination when you "can't decide where to go." The experience is designed to be interactive and engaging, perfect for families, friends, or even solo diners looking for something different.

Beyond the engaging delivery method, Sushi Train prides itself on offering a great selection of sushi. Diners can choose from an array of classic favorites and some unique rolls that might surprise even seasoned sushi enthusiasts. The convenience of color-coded plates makes pricing transparent and easy to understand, allowing you to manage your budget while indulging in a variety of flavors. Each plate is clearly labeled, removing any guesswork and encouraging guests to try new flavors they might not typically order from a traditional menu. This thoughtful approach to the dining experience ensures that Minnesotans can enjoy high-quality sushi in a stress-free and enjoyable manner.

The concept of conveyor belt sushi itself is rooted in efficiency and freshness, with plates typically having a limited time on the belt before they are removed, ensuring that every piece of sushi you choose is at its prime. This dedication to freshness, combined with the entertaining delivery, positions Sushi Train as a standout option for Japanese cuisine in Minneapolis. It’s a testament to how traditional dining can be reimagined to create a thoroughly modern and appealing experience for the local community.

Location and Accessibility

Sushi Train is conveniently located at 1200 Nicollet Mall STE C3, Minneapolis, MN 55403, USA. This prime address places it directly on Nicollet Mall, one of Minneapolis's most iconic and central thoroughfares. The Nicollet Mall is a pedestrian and transit mall, making Sushi Train exceptionally accessible for residents and visitors throughout Minnesota.

For those utilizing public transportation, the Nicollet Mall is a major hub for bus routes and is easily reachable from various parts of Minneapolis and surrounding suburbs. The Metro Transit light rail also has stations within walking distance, further enhancing accessibility. If driving, there are numerous parking ramps and street parking options available in the downtown core, though availability can vary. The central location in downtown Minneapolis makes it a convenient stop for individuals working in the area, enjoying a day of shopping or exploring the city's many attractions. Its position on Nicollet Mall ensures high visibility and ease of navigation, inviting passersby to step in and enjoy a unique dining experience. The vibrant energy of the Nicollet Mall adds to the overall appeal, making a trip to Sushi Train a part of a larger, enjoyable outing in the heart of Minnesota's largest city.

Services Offered
  • Conveyor Belt Sushi (Kaiten Sushi): The signature dining experience, where plates of sushi, nigiri, and appetizers rotate on a conveyor belt, allowing diners to pick dishes as they pass by.
  • A La Carte Ordering: In addition to the belt, customers can also order specific items from a menu, ensuring they get exactly what they want, fresh from the kitchen.
  • Dine-In Service: Enjoy the vibrant and engaging atmosphere of the restaurant, perfect for casual meals, family outings, or unique date nights.
  • Takeout/Pickup: Customers can order their favorite sushi and Japanese dishes for pickup, offering a convenient option for enjoying Sushi Train's offerings at home or on the go. Online ordering is available through various platforms.
  • Catering (potential): While not explicitly detailed, many full-service sushi restaurants offer catering options for events. It's advisable to inquire directly with Sushi Train for larger orders or party trays.
  • Diverse Menu Selection: Offers a wide variety of sushi rolls (both raw and cooked), nigiri, sashimi, appetizers (like Gyoza, Edamame, Shrimp Tempura), rice bowls, ramen/udon soups, and desserts.
  • Clear Pricing System: Plates on the conveyor belt are color-coded, making it easy for customers to understand the price of each dish they select.
  • Friendly and Attentive Staff: Customer reviews highlight the "super friendly" staff and "great service."
Features / Highlights
  • Unique Conveyor Belt Dining Experience: This is the standout feature. Plates of sushi and other Japanese dishes move along a conveyor belt, allowing diners to select items directly. This interactive and visually engaging method makes for a fun and efficient dining experience, often cited as a "neat experience."
  • Clear Color-Coded Pricing: Each plate on the belt is color-coded, making it incredibly easy for customers to understand the price of each dish at a glance. This transparency helps diners manage their budget while enjoying a variety of items.
  • Freshness Control: A system is in place (often with RFID chips on plates) to ensure that no plate stays on the conveyor belt for more than a set time (e.g., 30 minutes), guaranteeing the freshness of the sushi being served.
  • Wide Variety of Sushi and Dishes: Sushi Train offers a broad selection beyond just basic rolls. This includes various nigiri, sashimi, classic rolls (like California, Philadelphia), unique signature rolls, cooked rolls (e.g., Volcano Roll, Crazy Cajun Roll), vegetarian options, appetizers (Gyoza, Tempura), rice bowls, and even some Udon/Ramen soups. This ensures there's something for every palate.
  • "Unique Rolls" and New Flavors: As mentioned by customers, Sushi Train features "a few unique rolls which were great to try," allowing patrons to explore "flavors and rolls we've never had before." This encourages discovery and repeat visits.
  • Friendly and Engaging Staff: Reviews consistently highlight the "super friendly" staff and "top-notch" service, contributing significantly to the positive dining atmosphere.
  • Lively and Welcoming Atmosphere: The restaurant is described as having a fun vibe (e.g., "N'Sync was blaring"), making it a comfortable and enjoyable place for various occasions, from casual outings to date nights.
  • Convenient Downtown Minneapolis Location: Situated on Nicollet Mall, it's easily accessible and perfect for those exploring the city center.
Promotions or Special Offers

While specific ongoing promotions (like happy hour deals or daily specials) are best confirmed by contacting Sushi Train directly or checking their official online presence, their core "promotion" is built into their unique business model:

  • Transparent and Affordable Pricing via Color-Coded Plates: The conveyor belt system, with its color-coded plates, inherently offers a form of flexible pricing. This allows diners to control their spending by choosing plates at various price points (e.g., from around $2.55 for yellow plates to $6.95 for purple plates, as noted by customer accounts). This inherent transparency and ability to select based on price acts as a constant value proposition for customers.
  • Online Ordering Discounts: Like many restaurants, Sushi Train frequently participates in promotions offered by third-party delivery and pickup platforms (e.g., DoorDash, Grubhub, Uber Eats). These can include:
    • $0 delivery fees for subscribers (e.g., DashPass members).
    • Percentage-off discounts on orders (e.g., $5 off orders over a certain amount).
    • Buy-one-get-one-free offers on specific items (less common but possible).
    Minnesotans are encouraged to check these apps directly for the most current promotional offers when ordering takeout or delivery.
  • Seasonal or Limited-Time Rolls: Given their emphasis on unique rolls and maintaining freshness, Sushi Train may introduce seasonal or limited-time specialty rolls, which can act as a form of promotion to attract customers looking for new culinary experiences.

For the most up-to-date information on any current special offers, it is always recommended for local Minnesotans to call Sushi Train directly or check their official website or social media pages.

Contact Information

Address: 1200 Nicollet Mall STE C3, Minneapolis, MN 55403, USA

Phone: (612) 259-8488

Mobile Phone: +1 612-259-8488

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Minnesotans, Sushi Train offers a uniquely engaging and highly suitable dining experience that stands out in the Twin Cities’ vibrant food scene. Its distinct conveyor belt system is a major draw, providing an interactive and fun way to enjoy sushi that appeals to all ages. This "kaiten sushi" style eliminates waiting for individual orders to be prepared, allowing diners to simply grab what looks delicious as it glides by, making it perfect for those seeking an efficient yet entertaining meal. The clear color-coded pricing on each plate further enhances the experience, offering transparency and enabling patrons to easily manage their budget while exploring a wide array of options.

Beyond the novelty, Sushi Train delivers on quality and variety. Locals can find everything from classic rolls and fresh nigiri to more unique and innovative creations, ensuring there’s always something new and exciting to try. This focus on offering both traditional favorites and novel flavors caters to both seasoned sushi lovers and those new to Japanese cuisine. The commitment to freshness, with plates having a limited time on the belt, reassures diners that they are enjoying sushi at its prime, a crucial factor for a discerning Minnesota audience.

The friendly and vibrant atmosphere also makes Sushi Train a top choice for locals. Customer reviews consistently highlight the welcoming staff and the lively ambiance, creating a comfortable and enjoyable setting for any occasion. Whether it's a casual lunch, a family outing with kids fascinated by the moving belt, or a "new date night place" as described by a customer, the restaurant’s positive energy makes it a place people genuinely want to return to. Its location right on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis adds to its convenience and appeal, making it easily accessible via public transport or by car, and a perfect stop during a day exploring the city center.

In summary, Sushi Train is more than just a sushi restaurant; it’s an accessible, fun, and delicious culinary adventure ideal for Minnesotans. It combines the thrill of discovery with the comfort of a welcoming environment and the reliability of fresh, clearly priced sushi. For anyone in Minnesota looking for a distinctive and satisfying sushi experience that’s both engaging and high-quality, Sushi Train on Nicollet Mall is an exceptional choice that promises a memorable meal every time.

Sushi Train Photos

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Sushi Train Location

Sushi Train

1200 Nicollet Mall STE C3, Minneapolis, MN 55403, USA

Sushi Train Reviews

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