Miyabi 9 Review

In the city of Des Moines there are plenty of things to find yourself engaged in to keep your weekend or vacation busy, out and about, and exciting. If you time things right, you could find themselves lost in the arts festival or the state fair. But just barely hidden within the city can you find some of the best fine dining experiences, like Miyabi 9.

Miyabi 9, a Japanese sushi and seafood restaurant located at 512 E. Grand Avenue may be small in size, but offers some of the best seafood here in Des Moines. My first steps into the tiny restaurant felt like stepping into another world. The interior may look shabby, although it truly does say that they are more focussed on tastes as opposed to looks.

The low level lighting and monotone walls create this mood lighting for the enjoyment of the customers. However this mood lighting is disrupted by the large fluorescent light behind the sushi bar, needed to prepare the food. The smells of fresh fish and dry rice do push away some, but keeping an open mind can open new worlds.

Their presentation of their meals is phenomenal. A large wooden "boat" about half the size of the small cafe table was brought out with steps on two sides, each with two or three rolls or sashimi. Leaves and ginger were placed all around the boat along with a couple dolups of wasabi at the top.

I always start with a California roll and move my way into the sashimi. I had tried their Unagi (Eel), Tako (Octopus), and their Sake (Salmon). The eel and octopus are both chewy, but that's just how they are. The eel is much more tender on the inside after taking a few bites, and the tastes just might shock you.

The salmon is tender and fresh, far better than a can, but seriously it's like they caught it that day. The rice underneath and in between it all was cooked to perfection, it stuck together, didn't fall apart and was not hot which causes conflicting flavors when combined with the fresh seafood. The ginger and wasabi are a dare for some but a must have for others. Be weary of both for they are strong in this restaurant.

All in all the meal filled me up, but I eat less than the average person. If you love well prepared and fresh sushi, but you live in Des Moines, check out Miyabi 9.