by Diane Alter
The summer season in Martha’s Vineyard brings a spirit of renewal, as well as fresh starts. Familiar and favorite establishments reopen, while new ones precipitously pop-up. New to the island this summer is Mikado Asian Bistro, a sushi restaurant known for its modern interpretation of classic dishes and its unwavering resolve to only use the highest quality and freshest ingredients.
Without question, the Vineyard is becoming an island of sushi connoisseurs able to discuss and distinguish between ho-hum and fantastic dishes. Already, island chatter is that there is nothing ho-hum about Mikado.
“My brother and I have been working on the island for several years manning the Sushi Bar at Oak Bluffs’ Sand Bar & Grille,” Mikado owner Kevin Yu told This Week on MV. “We recognized that the Vineyard needed my type of restaurant and we are excited for our grand opening on July 8.”
Mikado is a casual dining establishment, but the food is grand and unlike anything you will find in an ordinary sushi
place. Mikado takes sushi seriously. Menu offerings are eye catching and palate pleasers. The restaurant’s welcoming décor is Asian-themed, which adds to the bistro’s authenticity.
Kevin and his family own and run two very successful restaurants in Connecticut that are also called Mikado Asian Bistro. The familial crew knows exactly what customers want, how to deliver it and how to stay relevant.
Like its two sister establishments, MV’s Mikado Asian Bistro will feature Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Singapore
inspired dishes fashioned by head chef Mou Chen. A classic sushi chef, Mou is equal parts artist. Mou is always exploring, creating and shaping game-changing cuisine. This daring sushi chef continues to push boundaries, borrowing ideas from an eclectic range of cultures and ingredients.
“Mou has been a cook since he was 15 years old,” Kevin explained. ‘We grew up together in China. He brings flair and
finesse to everything that leaves the kitchen.”
When possible, Mikado sources all of its produce locally. “And our fish comes right from my brother’s fishing charter
boat in Oak Bluffs. It does not get fresher than that,” Kevin added.
What makes Mikado particularly unique is that customers can bring in their own fresh fish and Chef Mou will prepare it. Guests can request a special preparation or let Mou work his reputational magic at his own discretion.
Kevin said he is looking forward to earning the same stellar reputation and loyal following that his family’s Connecticut-based restaurants have garnered.
“Everybody knows our name in Connecticut,” Kevin said. “We are located near a popular college and parents, students and faculty are always coming in again and again. Already, some Connecticut locals have stopped by to say hello and ask when we will be open. It’s exciting.”
Mikado Asian Bistro fills a sushi void on the island. The restaurant is trendy but unpretentious. It serves the basics
with a twist—and it doesn’t miss a beat.
Mikado’s Vineyard Haven address is 76 Main Street. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The restaurant is in the process of
obtaining a liquor license, so for now it is BYOB.
MORE INFORMATION
Main Street
Vineyard Haven
(508) 338-7096
