Mike Gonzalez (Left) talks with Oishii Owner Jr. Solis (Right)

When most people think of the picturesque town of Sandpoint, Idaho skiing and snowboarding come to mind in the Winter season, and boating and beach time for the Summer season. There is boutique shopping along the main street and plenty of places to get your children ice cream. You can add enjoying the Armani Roll or a signature martini to the the all-season list now that Oishii is in town. Oishii, owned by Jr. Solis, is an innovative Latin-Asian Fusion Restaurant that also sports a fun, hip martini bar upstairs called Spar.

WATCH OISHII’S STORY ON OUR YOUTUBE SITE

While it would be easy to think it is the out of towners that frequent Oishii, Solis states it’s the locals that have embraced his vision and cannot get enough of the flavors he is mixing. “The locals supported us through thick & thin. They respect the quality that we can bring to them.” He shares with obvious pride.  Solis went to great lengths to make sure the fish he brings in is as fresh as it can be. Those visiting from out of town have commented that they have been to NoBu in San Diego and that Oishii is on par with this well-known establishment. Solis claims proudly, “It feels good to be considered amongst the greatest.” San Diego is Solis’ favorite place so he purposely infused Oishii with the flair and flavor of that great city. It is the sushi and the unique flavors that make this menu so one  of a      kind.

WATCH JR. SOLIS MAKE AN ARMANI ROLL

So you may be asking yourself: What exactly is Latin-Asian Fusion? We were intrigued by that same question. And while the flavors hybrid together, there is no doubt this is a flavor marriage made in heaven. Solis feels that he is pioneering a new art form with the Latin Flair he brings to his sushi creations and the incredible tacos he has created. These include a ceviche taco, tempura salmon taco, a calamari taco and in a truly inspired twist, Jr. takes Japanese Kobe Beef and using his own marinade makes carne asada with it. This is just a small sample of the wide and varied menu Oishii offers its patrons. While dining in a table nook with bright green walls, it is easy to think you are hanging out in Melrose and not Northern Idaho. It is no wonder the locals are so taken with Oishii; Solis has raised the hospitality game in town and the residents have taken notice. This is about as hip as it gets! 

Jr. puts the finishing touches on an Armani Roll

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After you have enjoyed your meal it is time to head upstairs to Spar, the martini bar where all the party people go to cut loose. I mean who doesn’t like it Hot n’ Dirty? Not many, but that is only one of the multiple martini’s they offer at Spar. With plush couches intended to put it’s patrons right at ease, you can have it any way you like it. From the comfort of said couch you can sip the Pineapple Express, Pink Passion or the aptly named hot drink the Schweitzer. Spar is the perfect combination of upscale noveau and lush comfort. So whether an Oreo, Oatmeal Cookie, Hang 10…or the Hot n’ Dirty is your poison you will have no problem selecting a liquid libation to please all your senses.I could try to describe how good all of this tastes, but what you really need to do is jump in your car, head to Sandpoint and experience Oishii for yourself. It is that good! Oishii means “delicious” in Japanese and in this case it more than lives up to its name.

A view inside The Spar Martini Bar that sits on top of Oishii