Did you know that Corona, California, has a unique blend of sushi spots that serve traditional and fusion rolls despite being far from the ocean? But while the local sushi spots are thriving, many residents here also turn to sushi from markets like Albertsons, Vons, or Stater Bros. Getting sushi from grocery stores’s very convenient and popular, as the quality is similar to that of restaurants. By exploring the strengths of each, you’ll see how they can satisfy your sushi cravings–whether you indulge in a pleasant dining experience with freshly crafted rolls or grab a quick, tasty lunch to-go.
Local Sushi Restaurants:
The criteria are based on three things: quality, experience, and taste.
With its unique rolls and fresh taste, Sushi R91 serves each dish with a touch of creativity. According to Yelp reviews, Sushi R91 is among the top-rated sushi spots in Corona, praised for its innovative rolls and fresh fish. The ambiance is neat and organized, making it a lovely dining experience. One of my absolute favorites is the Salmon Tataki, a California roll topped with fresh salmon and filled with crispy shrimp tempura, finished with spicy mayo and unagi sauce. The sweet and spicy flavors of the sauces perfectly complement the savory salmon and the crispy tempura, creating a harmony of flavors in my mouth. I come here as a regular, and it’s an irresistible dish I can’t get enough of.
Salmon Tataki, Sushi R91
Located right in Dos Lagos, Dada Izakaya and Sushi opened fairly recently in 2024. Still, they offer a stunning authentic Japanese ambiance that sets the mood for a beautiful dining experience. Their diverse menu has options for everyone, ranging from sushi rolls to fried chicken and even carpaccio. During my visit, I tried their Salmon Roll, Salmon Skin Roll, and Eel & Cucumber Roll. The Salmon Roll was incredibly fresh and melted in my mouth like butter. The Salmon Skin Roll stood out with its delightful crunch and rich flavor. My favorite, however, was the Eel and Cucumber Roll. The cucumber snap paired with the savory, tender eel was perfect.
Salmon Roll, Dada Izakaya and Sushi
As another top-rated sushi restaurant in Corona, I expected a lot, and they delivered. The restaurant had a cozy, welcoming vibe with over a dozen pictures on the wall. I ordered a Baked Salmon Roll, Salmon nigiri, and a regular Salmon Roll, and these three were fantastic. The Salmon Roll was also incredibly fresh and buttery, but the Baked Salmon Roll stole the show. It had a wonderful aroma with a delightful hint of charred flavor. The flavors worked well together. Although, I also really enjoyed the Salmon Nigiri. They provided a generous portion of salmon compared to rice, making it well-proportioned. The salmon was super fresh, and I thoroughly enjoyed every bite.
Salmon Nigiri, Marui Sushi
These sushi spots in Corona each offer unique experiences with their standout dishes. I deeply enjoyed the Salmon Tataki from Sushi R91, the Eel and Cucumber Roll from Dada Izakaya and Sushi, and the Baked Salmon Roll from Marui Sushi the most. Across all three restaurants, the fresh ingredients and thoughtful preparation create great sushi experiences worth savoring.
Supermarket Sushi:
This criteria is based on quality, taste, and price.
Albertsons stands out as a favorite for a grocery store sushi place, thanks to its fresh buttery Salmon and Tuna nigiri. However, the portion balance could use improvement, as the 70% rice to 30% salmon ratio detracts from the experience. A better balance would elevate the quality and make it a bit more enjoyable. But again, the fish quality is phenomenal for a grocery store sushi place. The sushi ranges from $7 to $16, depending on the type of roll.
Salmon Lovers
I was pleasantly surprised by Stater Bros. sushi. Their rolls are extremely fresh and well-prepared, featuring classic options like Salmon and Tuna Nigiri. They also manage to get the portion sizes right, offering a good balance of fish and rice. Although I’ve only tried their sushi once, it left a lasting first impression. The sushi ranges from $7 to $15 per package.
Sushi has long been a beloved dish, often associated with upscale restaurants. However, it is now in the aisles of your local grocery store. In Vons, I loved the tuna and salmon nigiri. However, the balance shifted–the rice portions grew while the salmon and tuna portions became almost see-through. Despite this, their sushi is still nostalgic to me, and they do provide generous portions for their rolls. It can bring back the magic if they balance fish and rice more. Like Albertsons, the sushi ranges from $7 to $16.
Salmon Lover (usually has eight pieces, but there are 7 in this picture)
Final Verdict: Which One is Better?
Sushi restaurants offer a different experience than supermarket sushi, but each has a unique appeal. Dine-in sushi provides a more authentic atmosphere, creative ways to plate the sushi, and a wider variety of options, each with its signature dishes. On the other hand, supermarket sushi is a game-changer; as accessible food continues to grow, grocery store sushi will evolve and offer more options in the future. Both have their strengths, showing that sushi can be enjoyed anywhere, whether it’s a special occasion or an easy grab-to-go option.
