Narumi Japanese Sushi Restaurant (La Mesa)

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog and Kirk, Ed(from Yuma) and Cathy usually post about memorable meals here.  Today, Kirk is exhausted, Ed(from Yuma) is recharging and Cathy has the energy to write a post.  Here it is. 

Narumi is the new name of Shizuoka, which underwent new ownership about a year ago, after being a three decade mainstay in La Mesa.  IMG_1209The front windows are now unadorned, bringing more natural light into the small dining area.

IMG_3337A small (three seat) sushi bar area has been added.  The lacy plastic tablecloths are gone. There are boards advertising special items and prices; many are rolls.  

IMG_1192The standard bowl of miso soup begins each meal.IMG_1196Mixed tempura appetizer ($5.95) is still a favorite, properly fried/crispy and not greasy.  It can be a meal.IMG_4177Chicken Karrage ($4.95) is made with a light batter, is properly fried and the chicken is moist and flavorful.

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Being a creature of habit, I've had multiple orders the same 'Daily Special' ($7.95) of teriyaki chicken..you can choose a tempura shrimp or spicy tuna roll as well as edamame or fries.  The teriyaki is very good (not sweet) and the char grilled chicken is always moist and has that good charred taste. IMG_3342Another fallback order I have here is the Seafood Salad ($9.95).  The salad mix, topped with crispy burdock has cucumber and avocado added in.  Shrimp, salmon, tuna and at least one other fish are part of the seafood toppings. The sesame based dressing is just right. IMG_4179The chicken yakisoba special lunch ($7.95) is served with soup, salad and potstickers and always is satisfying' the noodles have that 'wok hay' flavor.IMG_4185The chicken curry ($7.95) is very good and comforting, especially on cold days.

 The new owners honored the previous owners by keeping many of the same things: hours, lunch specials (and even the Shizuoka name for about nine months).  Some menu items are gone (I loved the mackerel bento lunch here) and the addition of many pages of rolls and sushi items to the menu seems to have brought in new customers, many picking up to go items. Change happens and in this case, it is subtle and remains tasty.  

Narumi 9118 Fletcher Parkway La Mesa 91942 (619)461-1151 Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Dinner Mon-Thurs 5:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Fri Sat Dinner 5:00-10:00 Closed Sunday