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As the years have passed, sushi has become a huge fad around the world. Originating in Japan as an everyday meal, like a hamburger to Americans, the sushi tradition has traveled the distances and made a big footmark on Southwest Florida. When I think of sushi, as this may be with others, the first restaurant that comes to mind is Blu Sushi. But there are other places in the area that serve good Japanese food. It’s time to expand your horizons and get a taste of Origami!

Located on the corner of South Cleveland Ave., Origami is tucked away in a small shopping plaza across from the Bell Tower Shops. The restaurant looks tiny and not of much from the outside, but once you enter the front door your perception immediately changes. You are greeted by a gorgeous waterfall mirror and the small bar to your left is the perfect place to enjoy sips of sake and avoid those everyday huge bar swith loud televisions blaring. You are given the choice to sit at a regular table, a hibachi grill, or the sushi bar where you can see the chef in action. We decided to sit at the sushi bar. Sitting at the bar is always my first choice because the service is the quickest and it is always fun to watch the chef’s talent and perhaps get a recommendation on his favorite roll. The blue carpets and mirrors all over the walls provide depth and style to the restaurant: the same depth and style seem to be the theme in the menu as well. The drink menu consists of the usual sake choices, a full bar, and a small wine list that has a few good options.

Origami’s menu is extremely diverse with not only the choice of sushi but also includes steak, shrimp, and chicken hibachi, delicious appetizers such as the clear soup, a simple dish that combines great flavors of broth, scallions and mushrooms. And if you’re feeling brave enough you might even try their marinated baby octopus, that is exactly how it sounds, small octopus served in a bowl with a red, sweet and spicy marinade. Just close your eyes and chew this delicacy: the taste is interesting and definitely worth trying!

The sushi menu is phenomenal, offering raw and cooked rolls, sushi and sashimi, all with clever names like Godzilla and Cool Hawaii, or the basics like California. Try the Scooby Doo and you’ll fall in love. Made with chopped crabmeat, spicy mayo and cream cheese, then surrounded by fresh salmon, baked and topped with spicy mayo and eel sauce, this amazing roll is served hot out of the oven, and every bite will melt in your mouth.

Not in the mood for sushi? No problem! The hibachi grill choices are a nice change if someone in the dinner party doesn’t enjoy raw fish. The steak hibachi is marinated in teriyaki sauce and served over rice with veggies to compliment the meat. Also their appetizer salad is tastier than the usual green leaf option because it is jazzed up with either their ginger or sesame dressing. Try both dressings on the salad and your taste buds will be screaming for more! Most sushi rolls range from about $8-$14, and the hibachi menu price range is around $20-$25. The food may not be the cheapest, but the quality is well worth it.

If you are still hungry after gorging on sashimi and rolls, you won’t be disappointed by the dessert list. One of my favorites is the fried cheesecake, not the healthiest choice but absolutely to die for. If you want to continue with the Japanese theme, try their chocolate sushi rolls: they are beautiful to look at and also incredibly yummy.

With its calm and relaxing atmosphere, Origami is a nice little place to escape for lunch or dinner. Changing up the scene from the usual meals that take place at loud restaurants and bars, Origami will let you relax and enjoy your food to the fullest. The quality of the food will definitely have you walking through the doors of Origami over and over again.