Sushi Kotobuki

Overview

It is no easy decision to name something the best of them all, but with the case of Kotobuki we're feeling confident that they top the list. Serving up some of the best Japanese sushi in Brisbane, with their bowls not far behind, Kotobuki haters are only those who haven't tried it.

Situated on Lytton Road in the unsuspecting suburb of East Brisbane and tucked down an alleyway behind a couple of other food stores, chances are the first thing you will see is the queue. Fortunately it moves fast, and besides, this gives you time to peruse the menu.

Kotobuki is in the basket with Little Greek Taverna – cheap, cheerful, no fuss, great staff, good vibe. The venue is nothing special, which actually adds to the charm. Staff are warm, welcoming and somehow attentive for such a busy venue. Tables are cleared, fresh chopsticks are brought out and even chilled water is provided.

Sushi at Kotobuki is all made-to-order – guaranteeing delicious freshness. Don't walk past the Crunch Chicken ($8) this fusion double roll is filled with a generous serve of (usually warm) fresh crumbed chicken and thinly sliced cabbage, seaweed on the inside, rice on the outside and like icing on the cake, it is dressed with a tempura crumb and served with a sweet soy.

If you're feeling more adventurous than chicken, try the Lion King ($9). Also a fusion double roll, this crab stick, avocado and cucumber filled morsel is topped with fresh salmon, kewpie mayo and cheese sauce before being taken to with a flambe torch. Smokey heaven.

While the double roll fusion sushi has all the glitz and glam, Kotobuki's menu is stacked with plenty of choice and the more friends you take, the more you can try. Sushi makes up half of the extensive menu with everything from traditional cone-shaped hand rolls (temaki), to uramaki, norimaki, nigiri, ships and hosomaki varieties all well under the $5 mark.

As for sides, you can't go wrong the grilled gyoza, yakitori chicken skewers or seaweed salad. Kotobuki are also BYO so take your wine and enjoy a feast. Pro tip: call up and order ahead if you're in a rush.