The Vibe:
Killer sushi, killer vibe. From the moment you walk into Piranha’s there’s a martini fueled buzzing energy.
This undeniably popular Fort Worth sushi hot spot (try getting in on a Saturday night with no reservations) has all the trappings of a trendy eatery but manages to escape with little pretension. Warm colors and slight retro touches keep the place from going overboard with the whole sleek and modern thing.
The seats surrounding the sushi bar give you a peek at the sushi chefs at work and apparently if you hang out there long enough you’ll get a roll named after you (Dr. Fran roll anyone?). The sushi bar seats also give you a primo spot for watching all the beautiful people of the Fort.
Tables are available, but they are crammed in just tight enough to make you nervous that you’ll knock down your food or somebody else’s should you have to get up. Although, honestly, if you have enough martinis this could be the scenario at any restaurant. The close quarters give you a chance to check out what goodies your fellow diners have ordered and you get to overhear juicy gossip… umm not that I’m listening.
The Food:
I’m utterly seduced by their signature rolls. I’ve proclaimed “Marry me! Marry me roll” more than once. The selection of rolls is impressive, as is the creative combination of ingredients. I also love the quirky names for some of the rolls. The Sexy Roll combines coconut shrimp tempura, ginger cream and cilantro topped with avocado, crawfish & mango – it’s like having a coconut oil rubdown while eating tacos on a beach. Yup, that’s sexy.
The rolls manage to combine the familiar with the exotic and it all works. The servers usually are helpful in guiding you if you need recommendations. If you’re new to Piranha’s, there is a learning curve to finding the roll that’s right for you but once you’ve found your roll(s) you’re in for addictive, tasty treats.
I usually supplement my rolls with a few selections of sushi. As a sushi noob I can’t make a whole meal out of just sushi. Eventually I’m sure I’ll be downing conch and eel like nobody’s business (hmmm, is it just me or does that sound naughty). In the meantime I’ve enjoyed Pirhana’s tuna and snapper selections.
Not a fan of the raw stuff? No worries. There are plenty of cooked dishes to choose from. Lightly battered tempura dishes, tempting teriyaki dishes, and several beef options are available for the non-sushi fans.
The Drinks:
The bar area is small and usually crowded with people waiting for their tables. There is a limited wine by the glass selection and a variety of sakes available.
Jump start your evening by trying one of their wryly named signature martini’s, such as the Naughty Asian. Some are a bit too sweet for my taste, but don’t let that stop you from sampling. You can always ask the hottie standing next to you what their favorite drink is if you’re looking for an ice breaker.
The Service:
I find the service hit or miss. On my first few visits I found the servers to be so busy keeping up with other diners that they were neglecting me (say it ain’t so!). This is unfortunate because there have been times where I’d be a prime candidate for an upsell in the form of another glass of wine or another cocktail – if only my server was anywhere to be found.
Then again Piranha’s has some servers that just have “the goods”. They never let you see them sweat, they give great recommendations, and they totally add to your experience. So I can’t diss on the service completely.
The Crowd:
This is why I love Fort Worth – come one, come all, y’all. You’ll see every type of person and age group here. I’ve even seen families here. It’s not exactly family friendly, just not family unfriendly. Likewise, the dress code (not that there is one) is pretty much come as you are (which is why I also love Fort Worth!): dressed up diners mix in easily with the shorts and flip-flopped crowd. On the weekends it skews more on the dress to impress side.
Overall, this is a great place for hanging with a significant other, meeting friends, dining solo (at the sushi bar), or even a for a girls night out (martini sampling anyone?).
Not so much first date or romantic material as it can get loud and hard to hear, but who knows? You could cram in tightly into a table, order a Sexy Roll, and enjoy a few Naughty Asians. You might be in business – but no making out at the tables (I’ve seen this and it ain’t pretty – there’s no room to groove).
Price $$
The signature rolls range from $7.95-$13.95
Entrees range from $9.95-$42.95
Sushi/Sashimi $1.50-$9.95
Lunch Menu $7.95-$13.95
Reservations not required but recommended especially on the weekend
Eat This: Yes, four out of five panthers-grrr…if service were more consistent a five
I Eat This: Marry Me Roll, Crunchy Tuna Roll, Tri-Color Sashimi Roll
Piranha Killer Sushi
335 W. 3rd Street
Fort Worth TX 76102
(817) 348-0200
