Torpedo Sushi Opens on Grand Ave

photo: Christina Mitchell

Torpedo Sushi, which according to Oakland North is the city’s first sustainable seafood restaurant, just opened yesterday. A torpedo is a “handheld, uncut sushi roll stuffed fat with fresh ingredients and bursting with California-inspired flavors.” It’s almost burrito-sized, ya’ll.  Chef/owner Luis Sanchez worked for over 14 years in Boston restaurants and even owned a sushi restaurant before relocating to the Bay Area. He wanted to “combine his love for classic sushi with quality seafood and farm fresh produce to create an exciting, new sushi roll.” When I stopped by during the soft opening, there were three torpedoes on the menu: Hot Tail (Albacore Tuna, Chives, Carrots, Avocado, Radish, Lemon Zest, Sesame Seeds, Spicy Sambal Aioli, $10.50), California Roll (Crab Mix, Lemon Zest, Avocado, Lotus Chips, Jalapeno, Cilantro, Green Apple, $8.50) and Vegetarian (Shitake Mushroom, Carrots, Peanuts, Mint, Pickled Turnip, Zucchini, Green Apple, Sweet Potato Fries, Carrot, Ginger, Miso Sauce, $7.50). I asked the cashier for a recommendation and he said the California Roll was a “home run.” The combination of textures was interesting, especially the crispy lotus chips and the crunchy green apple. It was definitely a new sushi experience, but I was NOT expecting the taste of imitation crab. I guess that’s what they mean by “Crab Mix.” The online menu lists the Cali Roll with “Fresh Citrusy Dungeness Crab Salad” so I’m guessing it would be worth the extra $2. They were passing around tastes of the Hot Tail, which was fresh and very lemony. That’s what the guy sitting next to me ordered and he was happy because the Torpedo filled him up in a way that traditional sushi never did. Torpedo Sushi is now open for lunch, with plans to add dinner next week, and catering, wine and sake by the end of the month.

25 Grand Ave, Oakland

510-228-4111

Mon – Fri, 11am – 3pm

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Christina Mitchell

Christina is the founder of East Bay Dish. Her writing has also been featured in East Bay Express, Berkeleyside, Oakland Magazine and Edible East Bay.

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