Is the New Active Sushi Nothing But Yesterday’s News? [Review]
It might seem like forever since Cape Town’s oh-so-famous Active Sushi closed its doors with intentions to move to new premises. We waited and waited and then it happened, they opened doors in the tiniest spot in the history of ever on Bree Street. But, we were assured that the new spot was just a temporary solution and that the full-sized restaurant was indeed coming. So we waited … again. Now, almost more than a year later the new Active Sushi restaurant has finally opened its doors (praise be to the sushi gods) but was the wait worth it? Crystal went to check out the new Active Sushi on Hudson Street, de Waterkant to see if the eatery is still worth the splurge or nothing but yesterday’s news.
Walking into the new Active Sushi for the first time a month ago was like seeing an old friend. An old friend who was once a little bit round on the edges but had now slimmed down and buffed up. Yes, the wait was worth it. The new Active Sushi is modern, sophisticated and a million times more comfy than its old self. Gone are the old plastic white tables and in its place are minimalist wooden tables, comfy booth seating and two extra large ‘big group’ tables. A massive, wooden sun mural on the back wall and subtle, elegant touches of wood on the pillars, bar area and sushi bar all help to bring a little bit of warmth to what might otherwise be just one big room. I love the new look and the new seating options.
Along with the new look comes a new menu to please both returning and new customers. The new drinks menu offers a wide range of drinks to suit every taste including a range of local wines, a range of imported beers, signature cocktails, coffees, lattes and hot chocolates. My friends and I tried some of their Japanese beers which were great but at R69 a bottle, if you’re not a beer connoisseur, you’re better off ordering a bottle or glass of wine. Other interesting things to try on the drinks menu include The Wham (double shot espresso, butter, coconut oil and steamed milk – R26), The Granny Flo (Stoney Ginger Beer and Ice Cream – R30), and The Naked Leafmans signature beer cocktail (a mixture of Leafmans berry beer with lime, basil, pickled ginger and rum – R55).
From The Wham on the drinks menu, you might have realised that Banters are indeed welcomed with open arms at the new Active Sushi. But the new and improved sushi menu also offers a wide range of new things for dinners. Including Banting sushi and deep-fried delights. Of course, the menu also includes all your old favourites like hand rolls, California rolls and the like. I’m not a Banter so I skipped the Banting sushi but I did try the new deep-fried varieties namely the Prawn Tempura (served with sweet chilli dipping sauce – R45) and the deep-fried Salmon Maki (salmon, rice, seaweed, tempura batter, and Active’s signature sauce – R45). The Salmon Maki is a must-try and a real revelation for sushi lovers who want to try something a little different.
The new Active Sushi is a great mix of new and old and while the spot has some new items on the menu they are still offering the famous all-you-can-eat special for R139 per person with unlimited Sashimi and their lunch-time specials with platters at affordable prices.
Visit then new Active Sushi at the Mirage Building, 32 Hudson Street de Waterkant.
