Feb 15

Feb 15 Bonsai Sushi on Carnival Panorama

In my opinion, Bonsai Sushi is the most underrated restaurant on Carnival ships. On our recent Carnival Panorama sailing, we dined at Bonsai Sushi two different evenings. And, we did the same when we sailed on Carnival Vista in 2017. The restaurant is conveniently located right in the middle of the ship (Deck 5 Midship) across from Alchemy Bar. We never found Bonsai to be overcrowded and have never had to wait for a table. Reservations are not needed to dine here and they are open for lunch and dinner.

Bonsai Sushi has an àala carte menu and the prices are very reasonable. The à la carte menu is perfect for those times when you are a little hungry, but don’t want a four-course meal, or when you need to get in and out in a hurry. Service has always been very efficient and the wait staff are always very pleasant.

The edamame with sea salt and togarashi makes a great appetizer (below) for only $2 and is enough for two people to share. However, the next time we visit Bonsai and order the edamame, we will ask them to leave off the togarashi (spicy powder).

We were hoping for Sapporo beer, but instead we had the Kirin Light (regular Kirin also available) and found it to be an acceptable Japanese beer alternative to Sapporo.

On our first visit, Rickee ordered the Shrimp Tempura (below) with tempura vegetables and dipping sauce. We were surprised to see five large, lightly battered and delicately-fried shrimp for only $7.

My favorite is the Spicy Tuna Roll (below). This may be the best bargain on the ship, or in the world of sushi. You get eight large pieces for only $5! I have had Spicy Tuna Roll on at least a dozen different cruise lines (including Crystal) and Bonsai Sushi has the best. I love the very thin layer of rice-filled fresh spicy tuna topped with a small dollop of spicy mayo and potato straws. A delicious bargain!

On our second visit, we were not very hungry, so we decided to each have one of the Noodle Bowls ($7 ea). We both chose the Udon noodles. I ordered mine with chicken and mushrooms and Rickee ordered hers with egg. The rich vegetable broth was brimming with delicious and toothsome Udon noodles and the selected ingredients. Both were served piping hot and were delicious.

*Udon Noodle Bowl with Chicken & Mushrooms*

Of course, there are many other choices available at Bonsai Sushi, and I am confident that they are equally as delicious. Double-click on the menu above to see the entire selection. The friendly, service-oriented Bonsai Sushi chefs and waitstaff make dining here are real joy.