Searching for Sushi in Cowtown

Kansas City is known to many as Cowtown or the BBQ Capital of the World. With more than 100 barbeque restaurants, eating barbeque in this city is a way of life passed on from generation to generation.

While BBQ will forever be the staple cuisine of this city, there is a new kid on the block in the KC area. This cuisine has substituted ribs, burnt ends and BBQ sauce with rice, fish, and wasabi. Thats right were talking about Sushi Japanese restaurant. While its safe to say that you cant find 100 sushi restaurants in KC, it cant be ignored that raw sea critters and spicy tuna are satisfying more Kansas Citians than ever before.

Sushi in Kansas City has hit the ground running with more and more restaurants popping up around the metro area. But unlike mouth-watering BBQ, there seems to be a definite love/hate relationship towards the rice covered raw seafood. On one side of the table are the addicted raw-fish advocates who cant get enough of the bite sized delights. On the other side are those who simply believe that food should not be eaten "half-alive." Regardless where your taste buds stand for these rolled culinary creations, you cant help but try Sushi at least once. As I always say, once you try a California Roll youll keep coming back for more. Before you know it, your sushiphobia will disappear!

We went around in search of some finger-lickin good sushi in Kansas City, and this is what we came up with:

Best Happy Hour Sushi: Kona Grill

This Plaza favorite not only has great sushi and a variety of American dishes, but its also a great spot for grabbing a drink or two. When it comes to their rolls, take your time to look the menu over because they offer a diverse assortment of sashimi and rolls. The Volcano Roll is sure to bring you back time and again. A note to the wise, impatient and hungry you may want to make reservations unless you enjoy waiting 90 minutes to be seated for dinner. Theres a lot of traffic at this restaurant, especially on the weekends.

Best Sushi Rolls: Sushi House & Juns

If youre looking for some excellent Sushi in a great setting then dont miss out on Sushi House in Town Center. The Spicy Temptation Roll is sure to tempt your taste buds and the Tropical Roll is anything but Midwest. A full bar and menu of teriyaki, noodles, tempura, and bento boxes is also offered for lunch and dinner. If you want private dining that is relaxed, take off your shoes and try out one of Sushi Houses private rooms. This place has such amazing sushi that you actually forget youre eating in a strip mall in Leawood.

Another great place for delicious rolls is Juns Japanese in Prarie Village. Enjoy tempting tempura, sukiyaki, sashimi or hamachi. Order a bit of sake to wash everything down, and youre all set.

Best Sushi for Beginners: Nara

If youre a little weary about diving into the depths of sushi, then Nara is a great choice. At Nara, theres an assortment of menu items, ranging from Wakko Noodles to Lemon Grass Chicken to the Kobe Burger. Sushi beginners can try the Philadelphia Roll anything with cream cheese is automatically a good thing! Aside from the diverse menu, the bar and outdoor seating make dining at Nara a great night out.

Best Place for a Sushi/Steakhouse Compromise: Ichiban

Not quite sure if you want sushi or steak? Well dont worry you can have both at Ichiban in Westport. Ichiban Steakhouse and Sushi Bar serves up great entertainment right before your eyes no matter what you order. But if it is Sushi that you are craving, try the Plaza Roll and the Casper Roll both excellent choices, you wont be disappointed.

Best Cheap n Good Sushi: Friends Sushi & Bento Box

If youre craving good sushi but on a tight budget, then try Friends Sushi & Bento Box, especially on Monday night. The sushi is just $1 per piece and select rolls just $3.99.

Best Neighborhood Sushi: Domo

If youre looking for some Einstein bagels, then youve come to the wrong place because you will now find Domo in this Brookside location. Perhaps their Philadelphia Roll will satisfy your cream cheese cravings. If youre looking for a wide assortment of traditional nigiri and exotic maki rolls then you should definitely try Domo out.

Best Date Sushi: Matsu

This great restaurant located in trendy Westport is just the place to have a quaint and relaxed sushi meal for two. The truly adventurous leave their culinary fate in the hands of the Sushi chef by selecting the Matsu special. The chef chooses a sample of raw and cooked sushi, sashimi and rolls. What are you craving? You better be ready for salmon, tuna, crab, caviar, snapper, eel or alligator!