Chef Jason Zheng
Although only opened for two months, Coco Sushi Lounge & Bar already carries a vibe reminiscent of the neighborhood bar from the beloved 80s sitcom “Cheers.” Here, on any given night, Coco is bustling. You’ll find friends meeting up at the bar for drinks or families enjoying dinner at the intimate booths tucked inside — all with a sense of familiarity, comfort and ease — as if they’ve been coming here for years.
Perhaps the sense of belonging is attributed to the attentiveness and hospitality of Chef and Co-owner Jason Zheng, along with his wife Tina Wang, or possibly the loyal fan base built in by three successful eateries, Yakitori Sake House, Saiko-i Sushi Lounge & Hibachi and Koi Japanese Cuisine & Sushi Lounge.
One taste of the food and hypothesizing won’t matter, you’ll just want to keep coming back to continue enjoying the extraordinary cuisine.
We started out with Saketini (cucumber vodka and premium sake), a refreshing cocktail which makes its way to many happy patrons. Rum lovers will want to sample the Pineapple Mojito, the traditional blend of rum, lime juice, soda water, simple syrup and muddled mint with a topical twist of pineapple juice added in.
WAHOO SUSHI WITH SPICY TUNA AND SCALLION
From there, choices become difficult, as every item on the menu sounds tantalizingly good. One quick glance and dishes like Chu Chu Lobster (Maine lobster, tuna and guacamole served with a mango coconut sauce) or Spicy Tuna Pizza, with guacamole, tomatoes, onion, cilantro and a drizzle of spicy mayo and eel sauce stand out. Signature rolls like Ultimate Seabass (shrimp tempura, asparagus, jalapeño and avocado wrapped with soy paper and topped with miso seabass and eel sauce brim with elevated elegance and buttery flavor. Raw rolls like the Sexy Lady, a unique, riceless presentation featuring spicy tuna and tempura flakes delicately wrapped in avocado then topped with tuna, salmon, white fish, crispy rice and mango salsa are featured in Zheng’s other restaurants and embraced with equal enthusiasm at Coco.
SEXY LADY ROLL
The expansive menu is divided into multiple categories, showcasing the diverse and talented reach of Zheng and Head Sushi Chef Chef Jason Liu. Sushi options include the Chef’s Choice Omakase or a traditional nigiri and sashimi selections along with a “cool tastings” section which present like tapa-style bites. The Spicy Tuna Biscuit was one of these selections and featured crispy rice topped with spicy tuna, jalapeño and caviar. For extra flavor, eel sauce and wasabi mayo are drizzled atop. A salmon lover at heart, I ordered the Salmon Sashimi New Style, which came with fresh Asian pear, dry miso powder, sea salt and truffle oil, creating a layered balance of sweet, savory and umami flavor.
PEKING DUCK
“Hot Tastings” include Korean Seafood Pancake, expanding one’s love for pancakes into the savory realm. Shrimps, scallops, calamari, onion, scallion and mushroom are incorporated into a flavorful batter that is then cooked and served with garlic sauce.
While seafood dishes are plentiful, there are delectable options for those preferring land-based protein. From the A5 Wagyu Tataki (served with pickled daikon, dry miso, caviar and ume soy) to the Wagyu Beef Gyoza, a pan-seared homemade dumpling served with a ginger dipping sauce, starters for meat lovers abound. Diners can indulge in Short Rib Ramen, Tokyo-style Chicken With Honey Soy Glaze or a marvelous Peking Duck.
Vegetarians aren’t neglected, either. Savor the Spring Roll, Veggie Rainbow Roll (cucumber, avocado, asparagus, seaweed salad, oshinko and kampyo, topped with Japanese tofu skin) and a variety of noodle favorites like Yaki Udon, thick Japanese noodles stir-fried with mushroom, onion, scallion and a special sauce to leave happy and full.
Between the ambiance, expert care and creative and fresh fare, there’s really no going wrong at Coco Sushi Lounge & Bar. Before you know it, you’ll become a regular patron greeting the staff by first name as this delightful restaurant inevitably will become your new home.
Coco Sushi Lounge & Bar is located at 25 N.E. 2nd Ave. Suite #208, Delray Beach. For more information, call 561-908-2557 or visit cocodelray.com.