Wasabi. West End: 8550 Pontchartrain Blvd. 504-267-3263.
The Marigny location doesn’t seem right for a sushi bar, but it works. It’s an old store built in an antique Creole style from the early 1800s, with few windows and a blindingly saturated exterior color scheme. Inside, the two rooms have been adapted well. The sushi bar is in the rear, brighter room, but tables are in both. The front room sports a bigger, older bar than we’re used to seeing in a Japanese place; it’s a popular hangout. Jazz plays on the sound system. The Lakeview restaurant is bigger and sports a spacious, modern main dining room and another large bar. It has a light touch of suburban decor.
Even if you have a standard sushi order, ask about everything on the specials board. These really are special. For example, they seem to have fresh sea scallops more often than in other sushi bars. The selection of sake is very good.
The service, particularly in the Marigny location, always seems a little short-handed. I have never seen a big crowd in the West End, and maybe that’s why.