A relative newcomer to the Napa dining scene, quietly tucked into the midst of an aging Jefferson Street strip mall, has captured the palates of the city's sushi diners.
That's what you told us with your comments, poll votes and reviews in this week's .
Your winner
, which in the Grapeyard shopping plaza, earned a glowing five-star review from , who wrote Monday:
The owner is always there and she's very accommodating when you have a special request. The sushi chef knows MANY more rolls and items than you see on the menu. We just go sit at the sushi (bar) and let him make us various things based on how we feel that day. Darn..they are closed on Monday because this is making me want to go for a visit!
Sushi Haku also received raves in the comments section of our contest article:
"So good so fresh," wrote Matt Jackson, while Patti S. described the restaurant as follows: "Intimate, friendly, family run dining experience. Sashimi dishes fresh, delicious and works of art. Extensive sushi menu. My husband and I are regulars, and always treated like honored guests." Wrote Barry Needleman, "Staff is fantastic and the fish is always fresh." Congratulations, Sushi Haku!
Runners-up also praised
In our poll, Sushi Haku received fewer votes than longtime local favorite , whose fans were also vocal in the comments section:
"I have never had a bad experience at Sushi Mambo."
"I know they serve fresh fish and take great pride in what they do. I enjoy sitting at their counter and visiting with the chefs."
But none of these votes and comments was backed up with a star review on Sushi Mambo's business listing, and reviews are a required component outweighing poll results in judging the Readers' Choice contest.
Still, you can consider Sushi Mambo highly recommended—and unlike Sushi Haku, it's open Mondays.
While downtown newcomer received relatively few poll votes, it scored a five-star review from Cathy Gumina Odom for its "Excellent food, drinks and service," along with a number of positive comments from other Napa Patch readers:
"Eiko's quality and high standards of food and service are superb."
"Great food, great atmosphere and the service was exceptional. I predict it will enjoy a long life serving customers downtown."
Reader Diana Lyons may have summed it up best:
"You really can't go wrong with all three of those."
Thank you to everyone who took part in this week's contest! Next Monday a 5 a.m., we will shift our attention from fish to roses as we seek to discover Napa's finest florist.
Here are the nominees; as always, if you see we've missed something, please let us know in the comments and we will add it:
, , , , , , .
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