Dining Out: Izumi Japanese Cuisine (Kokomo, IN)

 

Attractive signage right when you walk in

Exterior: 4/5

This is the view you get if you don't want to go out in the parking lot for a picture

Izumi is situated off of the bustling part of Markland in Kokomo in the plaza across from Walmart. (I've never understood why there isn't more stuff there; it seems like a prime location.) We chose to eat there because we'd been to Family Farm & Home and this was one of two restaurants within walking distance of that store. The outside is strip mall-y, but they've done nice work creating an attractive, eye-catching sign that helps them stand out in the line of storefronts. 

Ambience: 4/5

Immersive atmosphere

Fun things to look at!

Even the tables had attractive kitsch

This restaurant has done a lot with a small space. The walls and even the ceilings are decorated with themed decor so that you feel swept up in the vibe, but in a quiet, relaxing way. It wasn't crowded when we were there on a Sunday at lunchtime, but even if it was the seating is a line of booths that are all against the same wall so I don't think there would be chaos or hubbub. Everything feels calm and fun.

Variety: 4/5

I loved all the cool stuff you could top your ramen bowl with

Char Siu Bun

Beef Fried Ramen

As a sushi/ramen/rice bowl join, Izumi specializes in sushi, ramen, and rice bowls. You're going to find your favorite staples from this corner of the culinary world here. They also offer a nice assortment of beverages, from teas to fruity things to boba. The most interesting dishes are the various varieties of ramen, so search that part of the menu if you're into novelty.

Quality:

Seaweed Salad

Clear Soup

Shrimp Tempura Bento Box

You should know going in that this place is a little pricier than your average Kokomo out-to-lunch experience. That said, you're getting some good stuff for your money. My bento box had a ton of food in it, and my partner was able to get three meals out of his ramen noodles if you count the leftovers he took home. They put a priority on presentation here that's nice - check out what they did with my shrimp and onion rings above. We all enjoyed our food, although I had a ramen bowl there in the past that I thought was a unflavorful. Maybe they were just having a bad day then.

Kid-Friendly: 4/5

Reasonable kids' menu

Always love it when we get kiddo chopsticks

I'm normally able to gauge what a restaurant is like for picky children because I have a very picky child. That metric gets messed up at sushi joints, though, because for whatever reason the 5YO that usually prefers chicken and fries to anything else really enjoys sushi and seaweed salad. He was happy as a clam eating off of the regular menu. The 1YO was similarly happy sharing Daddy's noodles with him. But objectively, the kids' menu looked like a great chance for a kid to branch out of they wanted or stick with the ol' reliable if that was their preference.

Would Eat Again?: Green Light

Izumi feels undersung to me. It doesn't have the ostentatious presence that one of the other sushi places in town does, and it offers more variety than some of the quick-grab sushi and ramen options, so it's kind of just sitting there doing its own thing over there by Walmart. I'd recommend giving it a try. It's a solid place to sit and chat and enjoy tasty stuff.