Sushi and tempura: a trio of eateries

In Japan, restaurants are specialists: sushi, yakitori, noodles, tempura, more. On Long Island, almost every Japanese eatery covers these and then some. Here are three.

AZUMA
252 Broadway, Greenlawn
631-262-7200, azumasushiasianfusion.com

This eatery is mainly Japanese, with some side trips to Thai and Chinese. Among the satisfying dishes are translucent fluke usuzukuri, broiled yellowtail collar, cold sesame noodles, beef and chicken negimaki, Thai curry seafood soup and an array of familiar and more imaginative sushi rolls.

KOBAN
2016 Merrick Rd., Merrick
516-223-9200, kobansushi.com

Sushi and sashimi are the primary attractions at Koban, a dependably good restaurant. Sample the Spanish mackerel, sweet shrimp, yellowtail and toro. You'll find well-made tempuras and teriyakis, black pepper tuna, deep-fried soft-shell crab with avocado-chili sauce. The bagel roll may be ordered with smoked salmon and cream cheese.

BLUE FISH
828 S. Oyster Bay Rd., Hicksville
516-605-0655, bluefishny.com

Blue Fish's take on Japanese cuisine brings in vivid sushi rolls and dishes such as the tuna pizza and yellowtail jalapeño. Borders have expanded, and plenty of Chinese fare makes it into the Asian-fusion menu, too. It's all prepared with flair, and the eye-catching results taste very good.