Low expectations, high serenity. A philosophy possibly first articulated for Midwestern sushi restaurants. This may be a generalization – surely, high-quality sushi bars exist in the Midwest. But Tokyo Grill isn’t one of them. Still, if you’re looking for an economical sushi spot that doesn’t need it to transcend the Midwestern stereotype, this restaurant will meet your needs.
From the outside, it isn’t surprising that Northfield’s only Japanese restaurant was once a Wendy’s, but the redesigned interior has a modern simplicity that allows you to focus on food and company. The tucked-away sushi bar and the dominant table seating makes a statement as to what Tokyo Grill expects from its customers. What customers can expect from Tokyo Grill are the staples, plus some. The ordinary makizushi rolls arrive on unnecessarily large, but visually appealing, rectangular white plates that fool the customer into believing the table is crowded with food.
Unsurprising for a Midwestern restaurant in January, the fish was probably not caught that morning and the vegetables lack precise flavor, but the sushi chefs do well with what they have. The more expensive the sushi, the more artsy the presentation, although it’s difficult to appreciate in lighting that’s meant to be easy on the eyes. If you’re seeking adventure that spicy tuna and salmon rolls cannot give you, look for kinky specials like the “Sexy Jalapeno” or the inexplicably named “Hot Girl Roll”. More often than not the names are more exciting than the ingredient lists, but a notable exception is the “Philadelphia Roll”, for any diners who’ve always wanted to try smoked salmon and cream cheese in their sushi.
Sushi alone, however, may not satiate the average Minnesotan on a budget, and so Tokyo Grill accommodates with an entrée selection that includes Yakiniku & Shrimp, Hibachi Chicken, and New York Steak. But those looking for the most food for the lowest price should skip straight to the bento. The vegetable tempura bento, a strangely Midwestern selection of fried tomato, asparagus, and large broccoli, is easily the best deal of the night. The stack of golden-fried tempura balances neatly over the bento box, which comes with fried rice, two egg rolls, and four pieces of a California roll. Customers vehemently disagree on whether the spicy mayo is must-have or a must-not on the fried rice. If going the bento route, beware that the teriyaki bento options are decidedly less exciting.
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