Even the simplest sushi menu can seem daunting if you have limited familiarity with the cuisine. Especially with how many misconceptions and assumptions there are about sushi. At its core, the term sushi refers to the vinegared rice that is often seasoned with some salt and sugar, and not raw fish. The breadth of flavors and styles of sushi has expanded as the traditional Japanese dish has made its way to new shores.

In America, many think of sushi as a cut roll, such as a California Roll or Spicy Tuna Roll and often assume that all rolls are made with raw fish. In reality, that same California Roll is a perfect example, as the fish used is traditionally imitation crab. This makes it a perfect gateway for someone trying to explore sushi who is a little nervous about branching out to raw fish right away. We’d also recommend Shrimp Tempura Rolls, as the crunch and sweetness is very flavorful without being too fishy or bold texturally for a beginner. Another fantastic cooked option is eel, which has a bold sweet and savory taste. We recommend an Eel Avocado Roll or even a Dragon Roll.

If you are ready to try raw fish there are plenty of places to start. Items like scallops are incredibly mild and have a very similar taste raw to when they are seared properly. We’d recommend the Spicy Scallop Shots, which have a robust, slightly spicy flavor. Tuna is another great option for a beginner. With a mild taste and a steak-like texture, it’s a delightfully pleasing fish.

If you are looking to be a little more adventurous and try something unique Hinode Sushi offers some fantastic items. The Roll on Fire mixes cooked lobster and cooked steak to create the ultimate blend of surf and turf. George’s Roll, on the other hand, comes with a wide array of flavors layered neatly which will let you discover which fishes you enjoy the most.

Beyond rolled sushi, there is always the more traditional nigiri, which is sushi rice with a thin topping (often fish). If you want to get the full flavor of the fish but aren’t willing to jump all the way to sashimi this is a perfect next step. The Sushi Selection or Sashimi Selection are fantastic ways to try a little bit of a wide variety of fish. At the end of the day what matters is that you enjoy what you are eating. There are tons of options no matter what you want your experience to be. Check out our full menu.