As vegans, one thing we miss is the artful and tasty delights of sushi as most sushi restaurants tend to have one or two items we can eat. Sure an avocado roll is good, but it would be nice to get something with some texture and umami flavoring to kick things up a notch!
Welcome to Norfolk, home of PETA
The fact that PETA is based out of Norfolk Virginia blows the minds of most people who live in Norfolk. There are not a lot of vegan options in the town that is home to one of the most prominent animal rights groups in the world.
Fortunately for us, we have the best friends in the world and, vegan or not, they are looking out for us and recommending places like Kotobuki. They are a sushi bar with an entire vegan sushi menu! WTF? OMG! Our friend Meredith took us here for dinner one night and it was awesome.
Vegan sushi, really?
For the uninitiated vegan sushi involved mock fish like salmon that is then used in place of actual fish. This gives a similar taste and texture to fish sushi just without the ethical and environmental issues which vegans try to avoid. If you are open minded and want to learn more about why vegans don’t eat fish check out these articles:
Vegan sushi is very good
Hugged Rolled Salmon and Seaweed
Vegan salmon and avocado wrapped in soy wrapper; covered with seaweed salad and sesame seeds, 8 pieces.
Peta Roll
Seaweed salad, inari tofu, fried tofu, and steamed carrots rolled inside, 6 pieces.
“Japanese Room” seating
One cool feature of the restaurant, besides having vegan sushi, is that they have raised the floor around a section of tables. This gives the effect of a traditional Japanese kotatsu table which is low to the floor. Fortunately for us inflexible westerners Kotobuki has simply raised the floor around the table giving you space to put your legs underneath without having to get all origami. Some raise the roof at Kotobuki they raise the floor!
Tasty Adult Beverages
Another cool feature are the super awesome adult beverages:
Red Dragon
Ty-Ku Sake, vodka, pomegranate juice, lemon juice and agave nectar.
Asian Sangria
Ty-Ku Sake, fresh seasonal fruits, and a splash of agave nectar.
Saketini
Ty-Ku Sake, vodka, sliced cucumber.
Sake Sunrise
Ty-Ku Sake, orange juice, a splash of champagne.
Ty-Ku Cosmo
Ty-Ku Sake, vodka, cranberry juice.
Directions and Info
721 W 21st St
Norfolk, VA 23517
757-628-1025
Website
Lot parking is available in the back, and street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood.
Hours of operation:
Monday – Thursday
Lunch 11:00 am – 2:30 pm
Dinner 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Friday – Saturday
Lunch 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Dinner 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
CLOSED ON SUNDAYS
Here it is, your moment of Zen…
