RIO LINDA, CA (MPG) – For residents of the Rio Linda area, a craving for sushi used to mean having to make a 15-to-20-minute drive to neighboring cities. Now, since Ginza Sushi and Grill opened two months ago, locals can enjoy fresh and quality Japanese food without having to go too far.

The new sushi restaurant is located between Elkhorn and Rio Linda Boulevard, in the same shopping plaza as Food 4 Less. Walking inside, the modern décor with elements of Japanese designs gives the restaurant a classy, yet relaxing atmosphere. It is a great spot to grab a quick bite for lunch or for a nice dinner.

There are happy hour specials every day, starting when the restaurant opens at 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Deals during this time include the sushi bar with $5 rolls such as the California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Ocean Crunch, Bomb Roll and Super-Hot Roll. Items such as chicken karage (Japanese fried chicken), gyozas, sesame chicken and teriyaki, katsu and tonkatsu (fried pork) are also $5 between those hours.

Here is a chief’s special roll, called the “Building Roll,” which has panko-fried grilled eel, cucumber and avocado topped with a crab meat mix, microgreens and house sauce.

If it is your birthday, Ginza Sushi and Grill offers a 15% discount on your meal (must show valid identification for verification).

Cooks Efrain and Joel work alongside owner and chief Sean Mi. They said that so far, business has been doing good for the restaurant since it opened its doors.

“It has been really good for us since we opened two months ago,” Efrain said. “Our specialty is Japanese cuisine, with a focus on sushi…We have a great variety of plates such as ramen, entrees like chicken teriyaki, chief’s special plates of sashimi, raw fish, nigiri.”

Chief Mi got started in the sushi industry ten years ago and had accumulated a lot of experience managing a restaurant having previously ran two. His business partner and head of the kitchen, Jhonny, has more than ten years of catering entrepreneurship experience.

 

Ginza Sushi and Grill owner and chief Sean Mi got started in the sushi industry ten years ago, stating that when he first got into the industry he was, “deeply attracted to the craft.” 

“When we investigated the Rio Linda community, we were surprised to find that although there were many fast-food restaurants here, there was a lack of a formal Japanese restaurant. This discovery made us very excited,” said Mi. “We want to bring the most authentic and delicious sushi experience to the residents of Rio Linda at the most affordable price.”

Mi also explained how the opening of this restaurant is not just a business venture, but a “special gift we want to bring to this community, so that everyone can enjoy the exquisite taste of high-end Japanese food at an affordable price.” 

The restaurant was featured by the Rio Linda Chamber of Commerce’s monthly newsletter for April, stating that it is “a perfect blend of great food, great prices and comfort.”

Residents that have stopped by for a meal enjoyed the service and ambiance of Ginza Sushi and Grill.

“We enjoyed a nice dinner with perfect service and delicious food” said Sacramento resident Adriana De la Cruz. “We had the stuffed mushrooms, Jackpot Roll, Mini Diamond Roll and White Dragon. All were amazing! Prices are affordable, and I love the dining room.”

 

Walking inside, the modern décor with elements of Japanese designs gives the restaurant a classy, yet relaxing atmosphere. It is a great spot to grab a quick bite for lunch or for a nice dinner.

De la Cruz shared that she has dined at and ordered take out from Ginza Sushi and Grill at least eight or nine times already. The restaurant is only a five-minute drive from her residence in the Robla neighborhood, located just outside of Rio Linda.

Chief Mi emphasized that whether you are new to Japanese food or a seasoned sushi lover, their menu has a wide range of options for beginner and advanced tastes.

“Whether it’s the dishes produced at the sushi bar or in the kitchen, we strive to make every customer leave satisfied,” said Mi. “After all, our philosophy is ‘Easy for beginners to get started, so that experts can enjoy it!’”