There are plenty of great restaurants in Rehoboth, and Sushi is certainly among the best to be had. But if you haven’t tried or even heard of “Japonica” on Rehoboth Avenue you are certainly missing some of the best Sushi in Rehoboth and definitely the best priced for the quality, creativity, and quantity of food in the Rehoboth area.

I had stayed away from this restaurant since I am a huge fan of other sushi restaurants in the area, even though it had been recommended to me by several very qualified Sashimi connoisseurs. But finally on Saturday night when I couldn’t find a place to park, couldn’t get a seat even at the bar at other restaurants, I went to this incredible restaurant on the far end of Rehoboth Avenue. Keep in mind that Rehoboth Avenue has always been known for some great food on that end of the Avenue, but the food is usually French fries, pizza and salt water taffy.

When you step into “Japonica” you will be surprised I think, as I was that the atmosphere is very comfortable, pretty, and kind of cozy. I sat down at the Sushi bar and was greeted by two very sweet young Sushi chefs, and the cutest little waitress, who looked just like a little “Dora the Explorer”. I asked a couple of locals next to me what they would recommend, and they named numerous rolls, but also informed me that the Sashimi was very fresh and extremely tasty.

I started with their hot sake, which was some of the best sake I have ever had. Then I ordered the avocado salad. It was not your normal avocado salad, because it didn’t have lettuce in it. It was thin slices of very fresh avocado served over a seaweed salad with a wonderful ginger dressing. It was to die for, and I really have never liked seaweed salad before. Then I followed this with the “Dynamite Philadelphia Roll”, which is a sushi roll of fresh salmon with a special sauce, topped off with a thin slice of jalapeño pepper. I was impressed with the fact that they served ponzu sauce at no extra cost. And the fresh wasabi, the real stuff, only cost an extra dollar. I followed this with a few pieces of smoked eel sushi. I then had a very nice banana tempura with ice cream.

I would have to rate this restaurant as a 9 ½ on a scale of ten. The service was superb, the fish was very fresh, and the flavors were incredible. I am sure you are wondering why I rated them with only a 9 ½ instead of a ten if it was as great as I say, well I am a real pain about cloth napkins and they used, nicer, paper ones. I also thought the banana tempura needed just a little more flavor, maybe some cinnamon. So all in all it was a great find, and it would be well worth your time to check them out, because you just might find that you can have Sushi two times a week like your doctor suggest without breaking the bank, my complete meal was just under $30.00. NO KIDDING.

Japonica Restaurant
23 Rehoboth Avenue
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
302-227-3116
japonicarestaurant.com