Sushi Dinner at TOWA SUSHI, Calgary, Alberta

2116 4 Street SW

Calgary, AB

(403) 245-8585

Having recently moved to Calgary I have been excited to experience some of the city's restaurants, I've heard this city holds some true culinary treasures. That's why I was so excited to go to TOWA SUSHI restaurant that has come highly recommended.

I must admit that having recently been to Japan and experienced Japanese fresh and delicious sushi I have a hard time enjoying generic sushi. Towa did not disappoint.

The restaurant is quite small and quaint with warm light and smiling faces of patrons enjoying their every bite. Tables are near each other providing for a communal atmosphere. There are also bar tables, for more casual dining or for sushi on the go, very reminiscent of eateries in Japan. From the moment you walk in you feel welcome and at home.

The bustling staff is gracious and very hospitable not to mention very good at all other things that sometimes are lacking in many other restaurants in this city ... such as service.

I'm happy to say that I enjoyed dinner with 5 other people, I say that not only because the company was fabulous but the dishes come in very generous portions and it was wonderful to enjoy and try a large number of them while sharing them with friends.

One of the biggest surprises of the night came at the beginning of the dinner as an appetizer, agedashi tofu, deep fried tofu served in tempura sauce garnished with daikon radish and fresh ginger. Most things that are lightly battered are tasty (if prepared correctly) but this tofu was sweet and melt-in-your-mouth delectable. I would love to know what brand of tofu was used. The batter was crisp and light, perfectly complemented by the tempura sauce that it floated in.

Other dishes included the 'towa tempura' consisting of shrimp, broccoli, and yam. 'Black and white roll' made with salmon, 'calamari roll' with deep fried calamari, cucumber, lettuce and mustard, 'caterpillar roll' with fresh water eel, 'fire cracker roll' made with jalapeno tempura, sour cream and smoked salmon, 'scallop tempura roll', 'unagi roll' made with sweet omelet, avocado and fresh water eel. There might have been a few more but they were eaten too quickly...

Being pregnant, I could only indulge in eating non-raw sushi. For anyone who knows me, they know it is difficult for me to eat sushi and not eat raw fish however my fellow companions said it was perfect. For those of us who choose not to eat raw fish the other pieces more than made up for missing out on the raw pieces. First of all, all the pieces were incredibly fresh, not only the ingredients but it was obvious that they were all prepared freshly after we placed our order. In addition each order was beautifully presented. The menu is very unique and creative, it carries many different sushi combinations with native ingredients to Japan such as toro and many ingredients that are more common such as shrimp and squid. TOWA offers many culinary choices from common to unique and for someone who is not able to eat 'raw' foods there were plenty of alternatives.

Overall the eating experience at TOWA was incredible, the food was ingenious and delectable and well priced, not over priced. Service was prompt and diligent and the atmosphere felt like being a part of a big Asian family. I'm looking forward to going back and trying some other items of the menu. TOWA is a true culinary gem in the heart of Calgary. Sorry no pictures, I didn't bring my camera. For a quick peek inside the restaurant click here.