Does Salt Lake City really need another Japanese restaurant? Apparently we do if the name on the door is DoJo. Inspired by the name itself, a dojo is actually any place where one practices a pathway that leads to enlightenment, or more specifically, that leads to living in the present. And presently, one of the best new restaurants can be found between a Homewood Suites and Iggy’s in downtown Salt Lake next to Pioneer Park.
Behind the sushi bar, DoJo has some well-versed chops. Kirk Terashima, the former sushi chef at Tsunami, is a co-owner along with Kelly Shiatoni and is offering up sushi choices that go far beyond the typical. A few of the standout rolls include the White Dragon ($13.95) made with tempura yam, seaweed salad, cilantro and avocado inside, topped with albacore, onion ponzu and white truffle oil or the Guchi Roll ($13.95) with spicy tuna, avocado and tempura green onion inside, topped with wagyu beef (from Snake River Farms), tobiko and garlic ponzu. But those wanting the usual will also find the Mars and Las Vegas available as well. The rolls are very generously sized for the price. Maki, nigiri, sashimi and combination plates round out the sushi menu.
Beyond sushi, lunch diners will also find bento boxes for $9.95 or less, donburi and katsu. Other favorites include the pork belly sliders and the ramen noodles. Nightly fish specials are posted on the website.
DoJo offers a selection of drink and food specials Monday through Thursday to entice the after work/traveler/club crowds.
It appears that DoJo may give Takashi a run for its money for the high-end Japanese staples and excellent atmosphere inside. Why not give it a try and let me know if you agree by leaving a comment.
801-328-3333
423 W. 300 South, Ste 150
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
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