There’s no bing at Bada Japanese Restaurant, but plenty of bang for the taste buds.
Located on Janitell Road near Circle Drive, just east of Interstate 25, this is an unassuming but stylish place for sushi and other Japanese specialties. I was surprised to learn it opened about five years ago; even though it was new to me, there seem to be plenty of others who recognize the creative, beautifully plated and tasty rolls crafted by the sushi chefs.
The opportunity to watch the chefs in action was tempting, but we chose to sit at a table instead of along the sushi bar. Even though we couldn’t see their hands in action, their deft movements didn’t escape our attention.
The menu features nearly two dozen House Rolls and 50 Special Rolls. Among the latter are several fried and baked varieties. We sampled the Panda, made with crab mix and spicy tuna with cream cheese. This is fried and topped with eel sauce and a Sriracha-infused mayo. We added a Philly roll ($9) made with smoked salmon, avocado and cream cheese wrapped in rice.
Bada Japanese Restaurant (Located at: 2777 Janitell Rd.) “Panda Roll” Wednesday November 15, 2023. Photo by Jeff Kearney.
The rolls were works of art and tasted even better than they looked. The Panda was large triangle shapes on a bed of crunchy toasted panko. Every plate of sushi we saw go past our table was equally artistic.
Most entrees include a small salad and a bowl of miso soup. We were asked if we wanted forks for the salad, and I have to admit, I needed mine for much of the meal.
Miso soup at Bada Japanese Restaurant.
The menu is extensive, and though I should probably not admit this, I was unfamiliar with many items. Ultimately, this is a good thing. I had never heard of Oyakodon under the Donburi heading. Donburi is a rice bowl and several possible variations are available. I learned another name for Oyakodon is parent-and-child dish because it includes chicken and a tempura-cooked egg. The bowl is packed with pieces of thinly cut, savory and tender chicken. Braised onions and chopped scallions add more flavor and texture.
Bada Japanese Restaurant (Located at: 2777 Janitell Rd.) “Oyako Don” Wednesday November 15, 2023. Photo by Jeff Kearney.
Tempura was the showstopper in the Teriyaki shrimp Bento box ( $21.45). I appreciate the idea of giving each element of the meal its own special place in the red and black wooden box. Skewered, glistening, bronze-coated tail-on shrimp filled one compartment. A scoop of white rice filled another, but it was the tower of tempura that garnered the most attention and was most pleasing to my palate.
Crunchy on the outside, each piece of vegetable from the sweet potato to the broccoli was perfectly cooked without a trace of oil.
Orange and lemon slices were another component of the box, which was a nice way to end the meal.
Bada Japanese Restaurant (Located at: 2777 Janitell Rd.) “Panda Roll with Oyako Don” Wednesday November 15, 2023. Photo by Jeff Kearney.
Service was attentive and most of our questions were answered regarding the dishes with which we were unfamiliar. There are plenty of items many will know, including teriyaki, fried rice, yakisoba and udon. The fun part, though, is having the option to try something new.
The restaurant is well-lit, with a contemporary, subtle Asian décor. The main attraction is the sushi bar, as it should be.
Bada Japanese Restaurant
Japanese cuisine for dining in or carryout
Location: 2777 Janitell Road
Contact: 1-719-424-7269; badajapaneserestaurant.com
Prices: $14.95 to $130
Hours: 4:30-9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday; 4:30-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; closed Monday.
Details: Credit cards accepted. Alcohol. Wi-Fi.
Favorite dishes: Sushi and Bento box.
Other: Gluten-free and vegan options available.