Written by Fourth Estate Lifestyle Reporter by Kyra Wiseman

If you are new to the world of sushi and are a little hesitant about the concept of eating raw fish, there are often several rolls that are cooked or have no fish in them.

For beginners, I recommend trying inari nigiri. It  is sushi rice stuffed into a sweet, fried tofu pouch. Also, look for items with tempura. Tempura is a method of deep-frying, and some rolls include ingredients that are cooked this way.

Before you go to the sushi joint of your choice, however, make sure you check what time they are open. With the preparation needed to keep the fish safe to eat, most sushi restaurants are only open for lunch until 2:30 p.m. and for dinner after 5 p.m. on weekdays. Some restaurants have different hours on weekends. It is always a good idea to see if they will be open when you plan to go.

Todai Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Buffet
11717 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax

Located in Fair Oaks Mall, Todai is the place to go for insatiable appetites. The buffet has four different sections available for whatever strikes your fancy: sushi, hot food, noodles and desserts. It is the perfect place to stop for lunch while shopping. At $16.95 for a weekday lunch and with the prices only rising from there, Todai can be fairly pricy—but, boy, is it worth it.

Tsunami Sushi
13039 Fair Lakes Shopping Center, Fairfax

Tsunami Sushi is nestled between the Toys R’ Us and the Target at Fair Lakes Center off the Gunston Go-Bus. During the week, they have an all-you-can-eat sushi buffet for lunch at only $12.99. I highly recommend the Yo-Yo roll. Smoked salmon, cream cheese and cucumber rolled up and topped with slices of kiwi may not be the most traditional or healthy choice, but it is definitely a delicious one.

Sushi Prince
10256 Main St, Fairfax

This little Japanese restaurant can be found off the Green CUE Bus line in the same shopping center as TJ Maxx. During lunch, they offer several different specials to take advantage of. You can get one of their bento boxes or noodles with a side of sushi. The eel nigiri here is the best I’ve ever had. Get there early or call ahead to reserve a table, as they can get full very quickly.

Arigato Sushi
11199 A Lee Highway, Fairfax

Arigato Sushi is right next to the Walmart off of the Gold CUE bus line. If you are coming from the Fairfax campus, take the Gold 1. The salmon sashimi here is utterly fantastic and the service is polite and quick. If you are after a late lunch or early dinner, drop by during the week between 3 and 5 pm for their early bird special; 15 percent off the total price! If you are relying on the CUE bus to get here, do not go on a Sunday. On Sundays, the opening hour of the restaurant and the last bus back to campus are unfortunately at the same time.

Blue Ocean
9440 Main St, Fairfax

Blue Ocean is a little hard to spot, as it is in the corner of a shopping center off the Green CUE bus line. Once you get inside, however, be prepared for some excellent food and friendly service. Blue Ocean’s a la carte sushi prices cannot be beat, and they offer a number of other Japanese dishes too. I enjoyed their six piece sweet potato tempura roll for only $3.75.

(Photo by Amy Rose)