2010 Best of Sacramento Winner - Best Ambiance

Walking through the door of this charming little Japanese restaurant is like entering a woodsy grotto—you step from a crowded parking lot into a dimly lit, snug, cavelike space that’s dominated by a fire-orange tiled wall upon which a waterfall cascades down. In front of the waterfall, like rustic sentries, are bamboo poles that are lit from within, contributing a magical, other-wordly aspect to the ambience. The burbling rush of the waterfall lends a soothing, pleasing undertone to your dining experience at Blue Nami. Tables are composed of dark, knotty wood and the hostess stand is flanked by a gnarled tree trunk woven with fairy lights. Perhaps best known for creative sushi rolls, the restaurant also offers up a fun and interesting selection of appetizers and small plates, including a first-rate mixed tempura, “hoki-poki” salad (tuna, cilantro, cucumber and marinated seaweed) and grilled spicy scallops. The kitchen’s gyoza—pan-fried potstickers—are sensational, with a silken, delicate exterior and flavorful, meaty interior. Entrées range from the more predictable salmon teriyaki and chicken katsu to some dynamic daily specials—don’t miss the “Golden Blue,” a gorgeously presented dish featuring pan-fried shrimp and scallops with whole shiitake mushroom caps and soft-shell crab in a thick, sweet, garlicky sauce. The sushi menu is large, and popular rolls include the “Lady Bug,” with salmon, tuna, crab and asparagus; and the “Flying Tiger,” which introduces cilantro, lemon and cashews into a more traditional combination of deep-fried shrimp and crab. This would be an especially refreshing dining spot on a hot, dry Sacramento afternoon. - Kira O'Donnell

Insider tip: Blue Nami’s bento boxes are an excellent, and inexpensive, lunch option.

Reservations: Recommended on weekends

Payment methods: American Express, MasterCard, Visa

Alcohol: Wine and beer

Corkage fee: $10

Hours: Lunch:
Monday–Sunday: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Dinner:
Monday-Wednesday: 5 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Thursday–Friday: 5 p.m.-1:00 a.m.
All Day:
Saturday: 11:00 a.m.-1:00 a.m.
Sunday: 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.