The Vibe
Eating at the Tokyo Cafe is like an reuniting with an old friend that’s had a makeover.  Tokyo Cafe has shed some of it’s former geisha chic aesthetic and added a few modern highlights.  Shojhi screened simplicity surrounds the natural wood sushi bar and makes for a casual vibe.

“Regulars” keep the atmosphere friendly if not gregarious – this is a good sign because nothing’s worse than getting a makeover that no one will appreciate.  The crowd ranges from college students on up.  Part of the charm is that there’s none of the sleek flash that you see in all the other trendy sushi spots in town.

The Food
The food also got the makeover treatment.  I’m told there’s a new sushi chef on board that’s busting out some creative new dishes.

I still consider myself a sushi neophyte so I had my lovely friend Adry, a Tokyo Cafe regular, guided me on my choices.  We chose the Bento Box and the Crunchy roll.

The bento box selections provided a good sampling and my sushi was excellent.  Adry’s sushi was topped with spicy sauce and it left me wishing I had ordered mine with the flavorful dabs of red sauce as well.  The crunchy roll was an easy choice because I’ll pretty much eat anything wrapped in panko crumbs.  The roll itself was a good mix of textures and flavors but the sauce could’ve used a bit more punch.  There’s a large selection of intriguing rolls to choose from.

The peach tower desert seemed too good to pass up.  This tower of power layered creamy marscarpone in between fried wontons and was surrounded by luscious peaches and blueberries.  It was heavenly but a heavy follow up to the crisp flavors of the sushi.

The Service
The service is quite friendly.  The hostess had the mostest and was full of smiles and friendly banter.  Our waiter, though a cute kid, needed to brush up on some waitronly basics.  Basic number one includes appetizers come before entrees and it’s bad if the customer has to remind you repeatedly.  The kid’s “aw shucks attitude” makes it hard to get super snarky, so I will cut him a break (this time!).

Overall
I have to admit I’d let this little “off the bricks” place fade into the background over the past few years.  With the recharged menu it is definitely a contender for a night out.  The prices are reasonable and though it can get loud it’s still easy to find a quiet corner.  If you haven’t been in a while or have never been it’s worth a shot.  There were many tempting dinner choices, not just sushi, and I can’t wait for an excuse to go back.

Price $ or $$
Sushi $2.50 – $12.00
Bowls start at $5.95
Entrees $7.95 – $16.00

Eat This:  Yes, three out of five panko-encrusted panthers.  This place has that classic casual Fort Worthy feel and they back it up with a solid menu.

I Eat This: Sushi Bento Box with Spicy Sauce.

Tokyo Cafe
5121 Pershing Ave
Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 737-8568

Monday – Thursday  11Am – 9PM
Friday-Saturday 11AM – 10PM

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