Imperial Koi

Strip mall sushi restaurants are hit or miss. Sometimes, you’re better off just hitting up the fro-yo place next door, but other times, like my recent visit to Imperial Koi in Greensboro, you’re in for a grand surprise. Located in a nearly vacant complex above Pieworks (a childhood favorite), Imperial Koi’s inconspicuous home doesn’t quite lure you in. The front door is on the second floor and behind the building, but once you arrive at (find) the entrance, the water fountain and garden provide a relaxing, Zen atmosphere. Inside, neon lighting welcomes you to a vivid world of sushi and other Asian flavors.

Kirin Ichiban and Ravenswood Zinfandel were tasty sips while my dining partner and I perused the menu. Much reading is always required at a sushi restaurant; this was no exception. Ample descriptions of elegant yet funky rolls – one I spotted included fried banana! – filled the pages. My dining partner opted for a special roll – always a wise choice, as chefs put a lot of time and preparation into making them extra “special.” Spicy crab, shrimp tempura and cucumber fill a rice roll, topped with eel and avocado, among drizzles of eel sauce. A beautiful purple flower adorned the plate, and I was tempted to put it in my hair, but decided I’d save my guest the embarrassment. (Looking at this photo now, the eel sauce creepily makes this look too much like a spider. I don’t like spiders.)

Though sushi is truly hard to beat, I opted for the Day Boat Seared Scallops. Plump, grilled scallops lay atop a luscious spinach and mushroom risotto, surrounded by what the menu described as “vanilla butternut silk,” - a perfect description. The subtle vanilla flavor enhanced the slight char of the scallops, and the nuttiness took the vegetable risotto to another level. And the silky description is on point. This is a really unique dish; I’ve never experienced anything like it.

At the end of your meal, hot, damp towels are brought to the table. Classy. I could have easily fallen asleep at the table with that draped over my face. You’re also given plastic chopsticks, so you don’t embarrass yourself if you don’t know how to break them properly. Little touches like this up the “swank factor” in a restaurant. Thai dishes, as well as a large selection of Sashimi are offered – I really don’t think you could go wrong with anything you ordered. Greensboro is definitely hiding a gem in Imperial Koi, and it’s definitely worth the confusing parking lot.

Imperial Koi