Review of Fancy Sushi Japanese Grill and Sushi Bar in Fernandina Beach, Florida

Fancy Sushi Japanese Grill and Sushi Bar is the newest Asian flavor in Florida's Fernandina Beach. The sushi restaurant opened in May 2007 and my taste buds had the pleasure of tasting the restaurant's menu during a June trip to Amelia Island.

Amelia Island has a terrific mix of independently-owned restaurants each with an eclectic feel. They range from outdoor cafes under jasmine canopies in historic Fernandina Beach to seafood shacks with gobs of personality. Fancy Sushi, located in "younger" Fernandina Beach, complements Amelia Island's restaurant mix with its intimate dining area and sushi bar.

As a solo traveler, dining alone is something I've grown accustomed to, but I really miss the human interaction around the table. Fancy Sushi's seating around the sushi bar fulfilled my need for human interaction. I always love watching sushi chefs and the guys at Fancy Sushi are friendly and talented.

My brain told me to start dinner with Edamame ($3.95) but my stomach dictated I begin with Vegetable Tempura ($4.55). Huge slices of eggplant, carrot and onion were served alongside a mushroom, cauliflower and broccoli. The tempura batter was perfectly light yet crunchy. Portions of the veggies sat for a while yet the tempura coating didn't get soggy.

Fancy Sushi serves up some fancy sushi rolls such as the Ginza with deep fried spicy tuna rolled in rice and nori (nori is a sheet of thin, dried seaweed) then topped with spicy crab, fish egg and scallions served with a house special sauce ($9.95). There's also the Fancy Sushi Roll with salmon and cheese rolled in rice and nori then topped with avocado, spicy tuna, fish egg and radish ($11.95).

Having had tempura, my stomach wasn't feeling fancy so I opted for the tame Yellowtail Roll, yellowtail wrapped in rice and nori ($4.25) and Tokyo Roll, shrimp and crab wrapped in rice and nori (5.25). Oishi des! (Japanese for "delicious.")

Fancy Sushi goes beyond sushi and sashimi ($1.95 to $2.50 per piece). Hibachi grilled entrees with chicken ($12.95), shrimp ($15.95) and filet mignon ($18.95) are served with noodles and vegetables. Katsu pork ($12.95), chicken ($12.95) and salmon ($14.95) are served with hibachi vegetables. Teriyaki tofu ($12.95) and red snapper ($13.95) are options along with udon noodles with chicken ($10.95) and shrimp ($12.95) served with soup and salad.

Wish I saved room for dessert. Amelia Island's newest sushi restaurant serves Green Tea Ice Cream and Red Bean Ice Cream ($2.50) and Tempura Ice Cream and Fried Banana ($3.95).

Sodas, iced tea and hot green tea are available along with wine ($4.85 to $7.95), hot and cold sake ($4.25 to $4.95) and domestic and imported beer ($4.75).

Fancy Sushi's staff was extremely friendly and personable. They made sure I enjoyed my meal and I watched as they chitchatted with the other restaurant patrons. Every single front of the house employee greeted patrons as they entered and thanked them when they left, which is done in Japan.

Lighting in the restaurant is muted but not too dark to read. It sets a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Decor is minimal and replicates a Japanese sushi restaurant. Bright red lanterns hang outside, a curtain picturing a sumo wrestler covers the kitchen entrance and wooden screens are paneled with white rice paper. The dining area seats 48 with about a dozen seats around the sushi bar.

Amelia Island offers many excellent dining options. Fancy Sushi Japanese Grill and Sushi Bar is Fernandina Beach's sure thing for service, food quality and atmosphere.

Fancy Sushi Japanese Grill and Sushi Bar
1478 Sadler Road
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Tel: (904) 261-9855
Hours of Operation:
Mondays through Thursdays: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday: Noon to 10 p.m.
Available for dining in or take out for lunch or dinner.
Cash, American Express, Master Card and Visa are accepted.

Author's note: Information was correct upon submission date.

Planning a trip to Japan? You may be interested in this article on How to Use a Japanese Toilet.

Hungry for more Florida sushi? Visit Sumo Sabi Rolls & Bowls: Revolutionizing Sushi in Tallahassee