Hana Japanese Restaurant

SNAPSHOT = great sushi - details below. Owner Tony has not forgotten his first love. After founding Hana, Tony branched out into Ramen - with Itto's first in West Asheville and a second location is 2 doors up from Hana. Great use of space. Service from Brandon was good and service from Alexandrea stood out! Appetizer section has a few variations on Tuna Tataki so selection is not as broad as at first glance. Tuna Tartar was inventive, very fresh and quite tasty. Sashimi was very good as well. We enjoyed the Fire Island and Snow White Rolls Yellowtail Jalapeno was very good - would certainly order it again. It came in the form of Maki Sushi and not sashimi as is standard elsewhere. Might disappoint folks expecting sashimi however. UPDATE = ordered Jalapeno Yellowtail on return visit and found the form of sashimi slices in tasty and delicate ponzu. Folks, if you want great service from a delightful woman, then may I recommend going to Hana and having Alexandrea take care of you? She is just fantastic. She really made a great lunch even better. Lunch with Eden was very nice and I think you will enjoy her. It has been too long since I have been to Hana. Won't be a stranger. Alexandrea, save me a seat and I hope to be there again soon!

My husband and I found this place by mistake. We wanted something other than the usual American fare and was passing this quaint little number. SO glad we decided to stop! They have a special on Mondays: $1 sake. It was served hot just like it should be and was so smooth and delicious! The best sake I've had in a long time. We always ask what the waiters favorite dish is. She suggested the Gorilla roll and I am so glad she did. It was a perfect mixture of textures and flavors: the crunchiness, sweetness of the avocado. Perfect. We also got a spicy yellowtail which was equally amazing! If you want good sushi and sake, I highly recommend this place!

Although they have no problem with sandals and jeans, expect more than your ordinary Tokyo Express type of spot. The lunch menu is very affordable and in typical Asheville style, the portions were huge. The presentation of the food was beautiful and looked as if we needed to be more fancy. The waitress was very friendly and helpful. It is well worth stopping in.