Rolling with the sushi

by: Anna Frost

Raw fish abounds at Siren Sushi Bar. An obvious statement for an establishment with “sushi” in the name, perhaps, but in this case the new Oak Bluffs restaurant finds creative ways to show off this key component.

Case in point: sushi pizza. This colorful appetizer looks as intriguing as it sounds. A thick layer of spicy tuna is spread across a crisp tortilla, then topped with thin slices of avocado. To finish, spicy mayonnaise and eel sauce are drizzled on top of the whole concoction. The flavor is similar to a decked-out spicy tuna roll, minus the rice and seaweed. To be sure, it is an unexpected delivery, and worth a try.

Siren continues this theme with a mix of the familiar and inventive. The menu features a wide-range of sashimi, as well as the usual suspects under the maki section. For those looking for a plain ol’ salmon, tuna, California, rainbow or Philadelphia roll – Siren has them all, plus more. For those looking for something more adventurous, the chef’s special rolls should be right up their alley.

Each chef’s special roll is a colorful array of fish, pleasing the eye as well as the palate. While they do utilize the crab mix that is common filler for the inside of sushi rolls, spicy tuna and lobster salad also make a prominent appearance in the rolls. Two standouts above the rest however, are the Beauty and the Beast roll and the Candy roll.

The Beauty and the Beast roll, aptly named for the dual slivers of bright pink salmon and pale white yellowtail laid on top of the roll. Inside, a medley spicy tuna, avocado and tempura chips add more flavor and texture to this exquisite dish.

Packed spicy tuna atop the Candy roll sets this roll apart visually. Shrimp tempura with avocado inside then raise the bar with the sweet seafood and fruit. Overall, it truly is a treat.

The bright dishes full of sushi appear gem-like against the background of glossy wood tables and the restaurant’s large bar. Though the restaurant is set-up in the basement below the Lampost, it feels spacious and even luxurious. The bar takes this a step further by adding in a full selection of liquor, as well as a generous number of beers on top and an excellent offering of hot or cold sake.

Check out Siren before the season ends – the restaurant plans to stay open partially into the fall, so there is still time to catch a bite.