Nama Sushi is a cozy little sushi joint on the St. Clair W. strip. When we first walked in, the first thing to hit us was a pleasing smell of tempura and when we looked at the kitchen, we realized why. Nama's entire kitchen is a little open space at the back of the restaurant by the sushi bar, so all the food is prepared in front of you (if you feel like watching).
Our waiter was having a rough night. He was actually one of the chefs who had to fill in for a sick waitress, but he did a bang up job. He explained his dilemma to us, brought us edamame on the house and, while our food came out a little slowly, was still attentive enough to refill our water. He also got to brag about the fact that he made our salad (Great avocado salad with lettuce, carrot, cucumber, strings of beet and purple cabbage and tangy vinegar dressing - highly recommended). How often do servers get to do that?
We ordered an entirely veggie dinner and it was fresh and delicious with good variety. We really liked the tofu rolls (rolled up Inari wrappers with cucumber) and veggie dragon roll that had still-warm yam tempura topped with ample avocado. Lots of vegetarian choices here and a little more variety than usual.
Atmosphere is very family friendly. Next to us was a set of parents explaining to their eager kids why fish is okay to eat raw but chicken isn't. Nice.
We'll be back to see what it's like when their waitstaff is around.
Vegetarian score: 7.5/10