Noku Bistro And Sushi - South Bend

For the main course, I opted for sushi rolls wrapped in thinly sliced beef with green onions on a bed of scallions, drizzled with what I assume is homemade teriyaki sauce. The beef was so tender that it yielded effortlessly to my chopsticks, and the vegetables were cooked to perfection with just the right amount of crunch. The scallions maintained their crispness while soaking up the delicious sauce pooling at the bottom of the plate. The sauce was the highlight of the dish—a comforting blend reminiscent of something made in a mother’s kitchen, clearly refined and passed down through generations, improving with each iteration. Its consistency was perfect, clinging to the beef while being thin enough to be absorbed by the rice and onions. If this sauce wasn't made in-house, I would happily buy a lifetime supply from the manufacturer. My companion ordered the beef and broccoli in brown gravy. The beef was incredibly tender, and the broccoli was the freshest I’ve experienced in any restaurant I’ve reviewed. It was steamed to perfection, retaining its crunch, while the brown sauce was superb. The subtle blend of simple seasonings allowed the broccoli to shine while complementing its flavor beautifully. To round off our meal, we chose the snow mountain roll, which, in my opinion, surpasses every other sushi place in South Bend and Mishawaka. The outer layer was perfectly chilled, while the hot tempura shrimp, complete with its head, added a delightful touch. The rice coating was thin yet packed with generous amounts of fish and other fillings. Throughout the evening, both the manager, Makyiyo, and our server, Jevonte, checked in to ensure that our experience was exceptional, asking about the quality of our food and service. The staff here genuinely care about their roles and the quality of their offerings—setting them apart from other establishments. Additionally, the water served was crystal clear and left no aftertaste, unlike most city water. My guest and I were thrilled with our choice to dine at this new establishment, and we plan to return. Personally, I intend to host all my client and business dinners here, as the value offered far exceeds that of most other places in the area. We also learned that this is a unique, non-franchise restaurant, which I wholeheartedly support. We need more unique gems like this and fewer generic franchise eateries. To further attest to the deliciousness of the food at Noku, the flavors of every dish were perfectly balanced, making it feel as though my soul transcended my body to high-five God for the gift of Noku to our world.

I had a fantastic late lunch experience! Everything was freshly made to order. Our server, Makyo, was exceptionally friendly and attentive, and her recommendations were spot on. From the appetizer to the hibachi and every sushi roll, everything was beautifully presented and delicious. My wife also ordered a wonderful lychee smoothie. We will definitely return!

I ordered the lunch special teriyaki tofu bento box, which came with white rice, miso soup, California rolls, and fried shrimp shumai for $11. I had checked online before going, and it mentioned that the meal included a salad, but I didn’t receive one, and I can’t quite remember the details from the menu when I ordered at the restaurant. The miso soup was a bit bland, so I added some soy sauce to boost the flavor. Everything else I tried was delicious! The tofu had a lovely crispy outer layer and a soft interior, served atop a bed of onions, although I wished there were a few more vegetables included. The bento box also had California rolls and fried shrimp shumai, which I would have preferred to be vegetarian options since I can’t eat those (they were for my husband). I really enjoyed the decor, and the restaurant was pleasantly not too busy for a Tuesday lunch; there was no wait at all. I found the prices to be very reasonable, and the staff was friendly! I would definitely come back for a casual lunch at this affordable place.

Absolutely delicious, wonderfully friendly service, great experience! This was our first visit, we will be back! Update it has stayed just as good in visits and ordering for delivery. Recommend very much as a local eatery!

Sad to see that Family Christian closed. But, prices were high, and sales were few and far between. Sad to see the store location still sitting empty. On a side note: would love to see parking lots cleaned by a street sweeper. South Bend could use some spiffing up.