China Lights - Oriental Cuisine

My review of China Lights Restaurant is my 3rd of three reviews for Mongolian BBQ/Chinese buffets.  While China Lights does not offer a Mongolian BBQ, I am including it in the series because of it's vast buffet.

There is a menu at China Lights, but I have never looked at it.  There is no need to look at a menu when there is such a large buffet with such a huge selection.  There is sushi, kimchi, soup, seafood, and all of the Chinese dishes you would expect in this buffet.  It is vast, and all encompassing.  If you don't see something that appeals to you, just wait!  The staff is constantly bringing out new dishes and refreshing the selection.  They even have a decent selection of desserts...including soft serve ice cream!

I am not suggesting that China Lights offers the best versions of the dishes offered in their buffet, but I have not been disappointed by any of their offerings.  Sometimes quantity and selection is important.  When you are in this situation, go to China Lights!

China Lights:

Address - 9220 Old Seward Hwy, Anchorage and 12110 Business Blvd, Eagle River

Phone - 907.522.5888 (Anchorage) and 907.694.8060 (Eagle River)

Website - www.chinalightsak.com

Overall Recommendation:  I have only ever been to the Anchorage location, but I have to say that it is the best buffet featuring Chinese, Japanese, and Korean dishes.  You can't find a larger selection and variety than China Lights.

Sushi Ya

I got started on sushi relatively late in life, but I am fast gastro-learner, and I have come to love nearly every roll or style of sushi I have tried.  A couple of years ago some friends of mine introduced me to Sushi Ya and it is by far my favorite sushi restaurant in Anchorage.

The Nigiri sushi at Sushi Ya rivals rivals that I have had anywhere.  I have had the salmon, salmon roe, yellowtail, yellowfin tuna, bluefin tuna, eel, giant clam, shrimp, squid, octopus, and even sea urchin.  It is all great.  But what sets Sushi Ya apart is their rolls.

Their menu is chock full of the most artful and flavorful sushi rolls I have had.  From the basic rainbow and california rolls, to the more impressive boyfriend roll, the spicy dynamite roll, etc.  I have had around 10 different rolls over the years, and they are all worth trying.

In my mind, it is hard to be too disappointed with any of the sushi restaurants in Anchorage, but I would recommend getting over to Sushi Ya if you want the best.

Sushi Ya:

Address - 1111 E Dimond Blvd, Anchorage

Phone - 907.522.2244

Reservations - I have never needed any, but on a Friday or Saturday night, it might be a good idea to call ahead.

Overall Recommendation: There are many very good sushi restaurants in Anchorage, but Sushi Ya is my favorite.  It is the right size, has a friendly wait staff, and most of all, the sashimi and sushi rolls are amazing.