Kanpai Sushi and Sake Bar

Conveniently located down the street from Newport Market. Photo by The Source Weekly.

Kanpai to Kanpai! Here you'll find the best sushi in Bend, as enthusiastically endorsed by locals for 12 years running in The Source Weekly. Although menus lack any mention of gluten free, the waitstaff is knowledgeable and accommodating. They keep the tamari flowing, make note of any level of gluten sensitivity on your order and will gladly ask the chef for dish modifications if possible.

My husband and I visit often. Most recently we went with some friends. We started with edamame and cucumber salad. Next, we tried a luscious special consisting of hamachi, blood orange, pungent habanero and a sprinkling of sesame seeds.

Hamachi, blood orange and habanero, a marriage made in Kanpai's kitchen.

Following were what have become our favorite rolls. First, the Smiling Buddha, a medley of albacore, cucumber, avocado, crunchy kaiware, tobiko, cilantro and jalapeno sauce which gave just the right amount of kick for a coward like me, where the taste is enhanced, not overpowered.

The Smiling Buddha, mouthwatering melange with a spicy pop.

Next, we had the Kanpai roll featuring ingredients so fresh and pure it's almost a palate cleanser -- a cocktail of tuna, yellowtail and crab wrapped in cucumber skin and topped with a trompe l'œil of tasty mango vinaigrette you'd swear was a glistening egg yolk.

Cucumber wrap with mango topping. Tell me those are not egg yolks!

In fact, scrumptious works of art are what you'll find here at every turn. All the fish is so fresh, it melts in your mouth. A plateful of sashimi or nigiri instantly makes you a believer.

Chef Justin Cook's goal has always been to hook the freshest fish possible. His fresh-catch approach and personal relationship with fish-mongers all over the country and world are indisputable. Kanpai is a testament to longevity too, a rarity in the restaurant business. It opened in 2005 and is still hoppin' today.

Part of this is owed to the restaurant's embrace of community. With its modern-casual and welcoming atmosphere, it's a place locals come back to again and again. Don't let its easy-going vibe fool you, though. From owner/chef to waitstaff, these folks know and love their stuff, and they make somebody who requires GF feel a part of the family.

Open Tues.-Sat. 5pm-9pm, reservations recommended.

990 NW Newport Ave., Bend, OR 97701

541-388-4636

kanpaibend.com