Walking into a great Japanese restaurant and looking at an extensive sushi menu can be exciting, but deciding how to build the perfect meal can sometimes feel overwhelming. With so many options—from delicate slices of raw fish to bold, fiery special rolls—how do you create a meal that flows naturally from start to finish?

At Sushi Ari Japanese Restaurant in Puyallup, WA, we believe that dining should be an enjoyable experience. To help you get the most out of your next visit, here is our quick guide on how to perfectly pair Nigiri, Sashimi, and Special Rolls like a pro.

1. Start Light with Fresh Sashimi

Sashimi consists of pure, thinly sliced fresh fish served without rice. Because it is unadorned, sashimi showcases the clean, natural flavor and velvety texture of high-grade seafood.

• Pro Tip: Begin your meal with lighter fish like Tai (Red Snapper) or Ika (Squid), then move on to richer flavors like Maguro (Tuna) or Sake (Salmon).

• Sushi Ari Recommendation: Try our Deluxe Sashimi ($37.95) for a curated selection of 10 premium pieces.

2. Savor the Balance of Nigiri

Nigiri features a slice of fresh fish laid over a hand-pressed bed of warm, seasoned sushi rice. The rice adds structure and subtle sweetness that highlights the fish.

• Pro Tip: Dip the fish side (not the rice side) lightly into soy sauce to avoid breaking the rice ball and over-salting your bite.

• Sushi Ari Recommendation: Pair traditional Hamachi (Yellowtail) or Unagi (Grilled Eel) with our Regular Sushi Set ($23.95) featuring 7 pieces of hand-selected nigiri.

3. Finish with Bold, Handcrafted Special Rolls

After enjoying the pure flavors of sashimi and nigiri, it’s time for the grand finale: Chef Jackie’s Specialty Rolls. These rolls blend multiple seafoods, creamy avocado, crispy tempura, and house sauces into dynamic flavor explosions.

• Pro Tip: Balance a spicy roll with a savory or creamy option so your palate stays refreshed.

• Sushi Ari Recommendation: Combine the savory, fiery notes of the Rainbow Roll ($14.00) or Dragon Roll ($15.00) with Chef Jackie’s famous Puyallup Tower ($19.00).

Complete Your Dining Experience at Sushi Ari

Whether you are a seasoned sushi enthusiast or exploring Japanese cuisine for the first time, our team at Sushi Ari is always ready to welcome you with fresh ingredients, expert craftsmanship, and genuine hospitality.

Visit us in Puyallup or order your favorites for pickup online today!

• Address: 206 39th Ave SW, Puyallup, WA 98373

• Phone: (253) 446-2900