Even on a slow stroll at a banana slugs pace you might miss this tiny little sushi joint in Los Gatos. I’ve been wanting to check this place out for the last couple of months mostly because of its minuscule size. It only seats eight at a time. The place was full when we walked up but the wait was short as the sushi chef/owner kicked a couple out when he noticed us looking in. As soon as I walked in I almost turned around due to the strong fishy smell lingering in the air, but I was determined to give this place a chance, due mostly to my love of all restaurants/bars cozy and tiny. After examining the menu, John and I decided on splitting three rolls: the Volcano roll (tuna, scallion, tobiko, Japanese fire sauce), Pat’s Homerun roll (eel, macadamia nuts, “special sauce”) and my old standby the Spicy Salmon roll (Spicy Salmon is not on the menu, but you can ask to have salmon substituted in a spicy tuna roll) ($21 total). While I watched the chef whip up some pending orders, I could tell he’s been doing this for a while. He throws a roll together in about two seconds flat and palms all six pieces of the sliced roll in one hand as he throws it on your plate. We quickly received our rolls before I had a chance to forget what I ordered (common occurence) and it was almost exactly what I pictured it to be. All of the rolls were good. Not fantastic and not bad. Not the best ever but then again not as bad as the initial smell led me to believe it would be. When all was said and done, we were out of there in what seemed like 20 minutes if not less. Give it a shot if you’re in the area.
John: Overall, I enjoy SOTR for its fast service and tasty rolls. The establishment is BYOB, which we did not know (and seemed to be the only ones who didn’t). If you bring your own sake they will give you a bucket of ice, sake decanter, and cups.
