Japanese fish poetry in Riverhead

Haiku brings to downtown Riverhead something it has long needed: sushi and sashimi. Also tempura, teriyaki and a roster of other Japanese specialties.

In a space with vaulted ceilings and exposed rafters (once home to East Enders Coffee House), I ordered a sushi-sashimi combination for lunch. The plate was beautifully composed, the fish flawless. Service, however, was painfully slow. Blame that on short staffing during the afternoon hours.

The restaurant shares ownership with Hy Ting (a local Chinese mainstay for over three decades) but has no affiliation with Haiku Asian Bistro in Woodbury.

Haiku is at 40 E. Main St., Riverhead, 631-727-7778.

Newsday Photo/Joan Reminick