Side Dish: True Japanese Sushi at Sasa in Walnut Creek

Start light and finish with a bang.

Rather than opting for those heavy sushi rolls stuffed with avocado and sauced with sweet mayo, order Sasa’s negihama—a tight roll of pristine hamachi and fresh scallion. Combined with Sasa’s fragrant just-sticky rice, it represents the best of true sushi.

Even more delightful is Sasa’s buttery bluefin tuna sashimi, which is sourced from Japan (the best and most expensive tuna in the world, according to owner Philip Yang). Once you’ve had your fill of fish, ask for the ume shiso roll, a palate-cleansing mélange of sweetly fermented plum and shiso leaf, a fuzzy herb with a fresh flavor of mint and pine.

After you’ve finished your main courses, your taste buds will be fully prepared for Sasa’s bananas Foster coconut bread pudding with bourbon pecan ice cream. OMG. That’s the place to get your calories.

1432 N. Main St., Walnut Creek, (925) 210-0188. sasawc.com. Lunch and dinner daily.