When finding myself in Newcastle City Centre on a Wednesday late afternoon in the rain, a big plate of sushi was the one thing I knew would lift my spirits.
St Sushi on Westgate Road has a huge selection of sushi, tempura, and noodles dishes, so I headed there for around 5:45pm last Wednesday (May 10) and the restaurant was half-full when I arrived.
I’d visited the restaurant before, but not since the pandemic, so I was definitely due another visit, and it didn’t disappoint.
I ordered a large glass of Chardonnay (£5.50) while I looked over the menu. I could have easily ordered enough to feed an army, but this wasn’t my first rodeo when it came to accidently over-ordering Japanese food. Rice and protein are filling, so this time I just went for a chicken teriyaki bento box (£14) and a side of California maki rolls (£6).
St Sushi, Westgate Road, Newcastle. Picture: Aja Dodd, Newsquest (Image: Aja Dodd, Newsquest)
Read more: Eating Out Review: We tried Darlington’s newest Asian-fusion restaurant
Read more: Eating Out Review: We tried Darlington’s newest Pasta shop – but are we impressed?
Read more: REVIEW: Lunch at Darlington’s Syrian cafe, Falafel Fella, gets the thumbs up from us
The bento box came with teriyaki chicken, two pieces of salmon nigiri, two pieces of salmon sashimi, two small vegetable maki rolls, salad, sushi rice, and a garnish of pickled vegetables.
The teriyaki sauce was delicious, and the portion of chicken was generous. The pieces of chicken were a little fatty, but overall, l really enjoyed it. The salmon nigiri and salmon sashimi were fresh and delicate, I only wish I had more sashimi.
The California maki rolls were very nice, but most certainly not bite size, as I discovered when trying my best to elegantly eat a whole piece.
There were four pieces in total, and, determined to eat the second one with more sophistication than the first attempt, I decided to try and cut it in half with my chopstick. This is of course, not the done thing, and the roll completely collapsed.
Chicken teriyaki bento box from St Sushi in Newcastle. Picture: Aja Dodd, Newsquest (Image: Aja Dodd, Newsquest)
Read more: REVIEW: A taste of Thailand at Andaman Home Café in Darlington with ‘good clean food’
The rolls contained avocado, crab, tofu, cucumber, and nori, with salmon roe coating the rice on the outside. They looked magnificent and tasted great, even if they were difficult to eat!
I had sat down at my table with the intention of ordering dessert as well, but as I was so determined to polish off my sushi, I nearly had to ask a waiter to roll me down the street like a barrel towards the train station.
My bill came to £25.50 which I thought, for an excellent sushi main, a side, and a glass of wine, was pretty acceptable for a city centre.
California maki rolls. Picture: Aja Dodd, Newsquest (Image: Aja Dodd, Newsquest)
To get more stories direct to your email basket go here.
Service was friendly, and efficient, and I didn’t feel rushed to quickly finish my wine after paying the bill.
Ratings (out of ten) Food quality: 9; Surroundings: 8; Value: 8, Service: 7.5.
Closed on Mondays, Tuesday-Thursday 5pm-10pm, Friday-Saturday 12pm-10:30pm, and Sundays 12-9pm.
St Sushi is located on 88-93 Westgate Road in Newcastle City Centre.