Esoji Japanese Restaurant - Very Good Sushi in Prescott, AZ?Esoji is located on Gurley (the Main Drag in Prescott) just a couple of blocks west of the Courthouse square. That puts this Japanese restaurant pretty much in the center of the action when it comes to dining in Prescott. After a pleasant stroll from another local watering hole, where we had before dinner drinks, we arrived at the unassuming store front  that is
the home to Esoji. Maddy, our young and enthusiastic server greeted us - as did the 2 Sushi Chefs behind the counter and the Sushi Chef in training. We felt wanted. Esoji is not a large place - there are 7 or so booths that can seat 4-6 (1 of which appears to be permanently occupied by family) and 1 large booth that can probably handle up to 10 or so. The granite Sushi bar can seat around 10 for Sushi and the show. The 2 Chefs are friendly and talkative as well as being extremely good at their trade - they do put on quite a show. Maddy took our orders - pot stickers, Miso soup, and Sonomono to start and whole bunch of Sushi, rolls and  various
items from the specials menu.We had Maguro Akami (Tuna), Hamaguri (clam), Sake (Salmon), Shiromi (white fish), Ebi (shrimp), a ninja jalapeno roll ( I have no idea), and several other rolls that escape me at the moment. The Miso soup was delicious. The Gyoza (pot stickers) were very good - but really garlicky, which is kind of unusual in a Japanese restaurant where delicate flavors rule. Let's face it sushi is all about the freshness of the fish and how well it is presented on the plate. If the fish is fresh and the sushi rice is well prepared- viola' - good sushi. On the other hand if the fish is not fresh ..... yuck! Esoji's fish was fresh - without a hint of fishiness about it. The sushi rice was, I thought, well prepared , although one of our dinner guests thought that it was just a little sticky. The presentations were very good . Beautifully done, with just enough embellishment to be interesting, but not enough to distract from the dish. This was very good Sushi  - you really should try it! If you are among the
many
Americans that just can't handle the idea of eating raw fish - try a
Maguro Akami, it's tuna - it's not fishy and the flavor is mild - it
may just win you over at first bite. If you can't handle tuna - try a California roll - it's really not sushi at all but it tastes pretty good, or try one of many creative vegetable only rolls, team either of these up with a vegetable tempura and you are all set. Wash everything down with a Japanese beer like Kirin or Ashai or try one of the numerous premium sakes with names like "Thousand Year Happiness " & "Soaring Cloud". While our group of 4 sat in one of the booths I encourage you to try the sushi bar. By the time we left, 
the place was packed and the people at the sushi bar were having a
great time whooping it up with the chef.Esoji is a little bit pricey but you can eat reasonably if you are just a little bit careful. Order a couple of rolls at around $7 to $10 and a 2 or 3 sushi for around $5 - chase it all with 22oz Kirin beer and the two of you are out around $50.00. Certainly not cheap but not outrageous either. We had a really nice time at Esoji. The food was very good the service was just fine. When we return we will sit at the bar and maybe even try Omakase - Chef's choice. I really can't wait!
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