We ultimately chose Saso’s upon learning of its founder’s extensive background in Japanese cuisine. Yasuo Saso earned his chef’s license in 1975 in Chiba City, Japan after an apprenticeship in a sushi restaurant. In Japan he learned to prepare traditional Japanese meals as well as more challenging dishes, including blowfish: a meal that, if prepared incorrectly, can kill its ingester.

Saso’s is located on Central Avenue in Albany and has the bland, urban exterior typical of the area, but it does have its own convenient parking lot packed with patrons’ vehicles. Although the outside isn’t much to look at, the interior put all worries aside. A clean, bright, and calm environment greeted us before the waitress did. Hanging lanterns and Japanese artwork created the perfect ambiance for enjoying sushi, but the best part was the open area where we could watch Saso prepare dishes.

When our affable waitress came for our drink order, I asked for tea and was promptly served. What I had expected was ordinary restaurant-grade green tea served at every other eatery I had been to, but I was pleasantly surprised. I had been served a roasted barley tea with a deep rich flavor that conjured up memories of fine French roast coffees.

Since I came seeking sushi, I ultimately ordered the Sushi Box Dinner, containing six California rolls; one each of tuna, salmon, and yellowtail sashimi, and one each of fluke, surf clam, and nigiri sushi. It came with either miso soup or salad; I chose the soup. Others in my group chose similar items, with two members picking a variety of rolls off the a la carte menu.

Although the California rolls and nigiri were nothing to complain about, the sashimi took center stage. The yellowtail was sweet and flavorful and the salmon was firm with delicate flavors bouncing off the tongue, but my favorite had to be the tuna. I could taste the freshness at the first mouthwatering bite, with strong flavors to keep me savoring the fish. The nigiri—individual pieces of fish served over rice—were also delectable. The best of these pieces would have to be the surf clam, which had the richest flavors. However, I didn’t particularly like the shrimp, even though I’m a rabid shrimp eater. It didn’t taste bad, but rather clashed with the other flavors on the plate; the strong shellfish flavor did not compliment the subtler flavors of the fresh fish. The California rolls and the miso soup were both good, but nothing more than what I had expected them to be.

Saso’s Japanese Restaurant also serves more than just sushi; with a large dinner menu sectioned into Appetizers, Rice Bowls, Noodle Bowls (which is subsequently divided into four sections based on the type of noodle), Dinner Specials, and Sushi & Sashimi Dinners. The Sushi & Sashimi Dinners run between $20 and $27, with the other meals running between $15 and $20. A la carte items were a little steep, ranging from $4–8. Sadly, we didn’t have a chance to try the dessert menu, as each of us was substantially full after the large and appetizing dinner.

Although the prices may seem pretty high—the average price of the meal was about $30 plus tip—it was not unreasonable for the quantity and quality of the sushi. A high-price restaurant can’t stay open for 12 years unless it has truly mouth watering entrees, and Saso’s Japanese Noodle House is no different. However, if you are on a budget, many of the other authentic Japanese cuisine were less expensive and looked just as good, but you shouldn’t leave the Capitol District before rewarding yourself with Saso’s delectable sushi and sashimi.