Sushi Showdown in Milan
I adore all of the little Italian cafes as much as the next guy, but after a road trip through northern Italy, we’re craving something a bit different. Luckily, Milan is a haven for great food with tons of options.
We decided to walk around to explore a couple of neighborhoods, and my bride stumbled upon Sushi B. I already had reservations elsewhere, but it would have absorbed too much time to venture out, so we felt canceled those and opted for a sushi lunch! We already had reservations in place for a sushi dinner at Nobu but decided that it would be incredibly fun to have a head-to-head comparison with two of the best-rated restaurants in Milan!
What better idea than to spend the day dining on excellent Japanese cuisine in a battle format?
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Sushi B
Contender #1
(See their: Website, Instagram, Twitter) Via Fiori Chiari, 1, 20121 Milano
Service
We were immediately greeted with a warm welcome. The service was absolutely phenomenal and incredibly attentive.
Wine
The wine selection was excellent and ranged from affordable to quite expensive. So many amazing options to choose from!
Pre-Course
Okra and Fish Sample, “Teppanyaki” Roasted Octopus and Potatoes with Mentaiko and Jalapeño Mayo
Main
Sushi and Sashimi Sampler, Black Code “Saikyo maki,” Yellowtail Tartare. Wow! Incredible!
Desserts
Two Seasonal Desserts. Both paired with Dessert Wine.
Nobu
Contender #2
(See their: Website, Instagram) Via Gastone Pisoni, 1, 20121 Milano
Service
Surprisingly average plus an awkward greeting. When I provided my name for the reservation, she repeated it and then giggled to the hostess next to her. Super weird.
Wine
The wine selection was excellent and ranged from affordable to quite expensive. So many amazing options to choose from!
Pre-Course
Breaded Branzino and Carrot complimentary sample, Rock Shrimp Tempura with Sauce Trio.
Main
Wagyu Beef Giappone Style, Black Cod with Miso, Salmon e Avocado Inside Out Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll. So delicious!
Desserts
Bento Chocolate Box, Chocolate Cube. Both paired with Dessert Wines.
The Winner…
Sushi B
In the end, it was reasonably easy to select the victor. While both are excellent restaurants, and beautiful in their styling, there were a few factors that led to the selection.
I could say positive notes to each dish we ordered, and I would recommend each of them, but the food and experience were overall better at Sushi B. Both Cod dishes were very good, but the Sushi B's dish had a better texture. The service was also better at Sushi B as it had the feel of Michelin vs. Chain. Finally, it also won the price battle at 227€ to 282€. We spent more than needed and ordered wine that was a little pricier but it was necessary for the competition (or that's what I'm telling myself!)
It's only a matter of time before Michelin awards Sushi B with a star(s) as the food, service, and experience was clearly meeting the level.
