Billinghurst 2163 (between Juncal & French), Barrio Norte / Recoleta

[Phone number: 4825-3050. Also has another location in Recoleta at Ayacucho 1208 - phone number : 4823-3900]

Maybe you’ve heard that sushi is one of the city’s culinary specialties, but in case no one told you: don’t leave Buenos Aires without indulging in an expertly-prepared sushi feast at one of the many great sushi restaurants in town. For a sushi restaurant that won’t put too much of a dent in your wallet, has a cozy atmosphere with incredibly attentive service, and serves up some of the best lobster, shrimp, and avocado rolls, head to Maki Sushi in Barrio Norte or Recoleta. It’s a great place to have a light meal before an evening of drinks and dancing with friends, or you could come here for a fun and casual date.

[Note from Alan: I'm especially glad that we have Rachel on board to do this sushi review, because I never would have been able to review any sushi bars in Buenos Aires, an important part of the dining scene here - I'm allergic to fish! ]

Mouthwatering plates of sushi served in style

Maki Sushi is a relatively small restaurant, and very popular, so you should make a reservation ahead of time if you will be with a party of three or more persons. As you sit down to an attractively arranged table of chopsticks and sushi plates, you will be presented with a small portion of seafood and vegetable salad which should tide you over as you peruse the extensive menu. You may want to start the meal with a small pitcher of sake, which can be served warm or cold.

In addition to the sushi standards, Maki Sushi offers other Japanese culinary delights such as seared pork steak served over risotto with a cilantro and lime chutney, Japanese dumplings, steak served with a miso sauce, and stir-fried vegetables with your choice of chicken, beef, or shellfish. The best option for groups with large appetites is to choose one of their huge sushi platters, which are intended to be for three, four, or five people, and offer a selection of rolls such as California, lobster, spicy shrimp, crab, salmon, and sashimi.

Depending on how many rolls you want per person, it will end up being about $25 pesos per belly. If you want to order individual portions, five rolls will run you an extra $15 pesos.

Experience “Japan-tine” culture in Buenos Aires

When the sushi arrives, dig in happily to the perfectly sticky rice, succulent seaweed rolls, tender salmon and shrimp, and luscious cream cheese and avocado, all complimented by spices and sesame seeds, and served with wasabi, ginger, and soy sauce. If you look around at the modern, Japanese décor and have a hard time remembering that you are in South America, think of it this way: in a multi-cultural city like Buenos Aires, it is a pleasure to be able to enjoy international cuisine within the relaxed, social environment of the city.

The truth is that Buenos Aires has a pretty substantial Japanese immigrant population, so by eating at a sushi restaurant you are actually experiencing modern porteño culture.

Make sure you try the incomparable Rainbow Roll, which boasts salmon, avocado, cream cheese, cucumber and kanikama, all inside a rice ball and topped with a halved shrimp. Muy rico!

Sweet endings, wherever you are

If you enjoy a light sushi meal with a sweet finish, Maki Sushi has one particularly attractive and delicious dessert: the equilibrio de chocolate – a mold of hardened chocolate filled with gooey chocolate sauce. Indulge in this divinity with a little sake wine, and enjoy the quiet and warm atmosphere of the restaurant.

Of course, Maki Sushi also delivers, because as you might have read, in Buenos Aires EVERYONE delivers. Don’t forget to get sake delivered with your sushi, so you can have an authentic Buenos Aires sushi experience right there, wherever you are staying. They also offer Japanese beers as well.

As I said before, unless you are a vegetarian, it is a must that you try sushi in Buenos Aires. Sushi bars are a great way to sample fish and seafood dishes here, since these food items are pretty overpriced in most restaurants and supermarkets in the city.

[Photo credit: urbanlegend]

Maki Sushi: The Verdict

• Service: (5/5) The servers at Maki Sushi are attentive and much quicker than most restaurants in Buenos Aires. They will explain the menu to you (though don’t expect English translations) and help you decide what to order. The sushi didn’t take longer than expected to arrive; it was just about thirty minutes. They even let us pay with a combination of credit cards and cash.
• Food: (4/5) Every sushi roll was expertly prepared and the food presentation was attractive enough to please even a group of French diners. The main dishes are just as delicious and colorful, with meats cooked just past medium rare and barely seared. And the pre-meal seafood salad is a nice touch.
• Atmosphere: (3/5) With bright, contrasting, modern colors like red and black, Maki Sushi has an overall sophisticated look that provides a warm, cozy dining experience in Recoleta or Barrio Norte.
• Value: (4/5) Considering that sushi is usually a more expensive dining choice, you will find that at Maki Sushi you pay about $35 pesos per person for a great meal, including some sake and another drink.

Buenos Aires Argentina Guide Special Tip

Take advantage of the thrill of having Maki Sushi, Japanese beers, and sake delivered directly to your apartment, hotel or hostel, so you can have an authentic Buenos Aires sushi experience in the comfort of your own abode. It is also worth noting that renowned Buenos Aires food critic Saltshaker (AKA Dan) is a fan of Maki Sushi’s delivery.