Readers Show Love for Saiko Sushi

Readers embraced , the restaurant that won out in .

Saiko Sushi came out ahead late in the voting, after Bistro d’Asia led for most of the week.

According to the restaurant’s Facebook page, Saiko Sushi “features a truly progressive Japanese menu where everything is always fresh,” while being “committed to sourcing sustainable fish and seasonal produce to create a menu that is stylish and unique.”  

Owners Anthony Pascale and Evan Bennett credited their success in the poll to backers from the Island Beer Club, who sent emails urging Saiko lovers to vote, and to military customers. 

The business partners opened their sushi bar on July 5, 2011, in the 100 block of Orange Avenue, near the Ferry Landing, with the goal of having a place for the neighborhood.

Their dream was four years in the making, and only delayed by the recession. They refused to give up.

“We never lost faith,” Pascale said.

Bennett said most of the design – dominated by cut-up chalkboards that reflect the changing menu – was done on their own. His parents even helped build furniture for the eatery.

The restaurant has added homemade ice cream to the menu, and Pascale says the most popular item is Tokyo dirty rice, a variation on fried rice. 

“This is supposed to be the slow time,” Bennett said. “But we just keep getting busier every week.”

Sushi is just the first of several Readers Choices we’re asking Coronado Patch readers to select for the community.

In the coming weeks you will see Top Hike, and Top Place to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. So watch for the polls every Monday and keep voting for your favorites, like Saiko Sushi!