It’s Day 60 of eating at 100 Asian restaurants in Maryland, and this stop took me up to Mount Washington, to a little sushi spot that’s been quietly doing its thing for twenty years. Chiyo Sushi’s run by Linda and her husband, and they were so welcoming that I knew I had to put you guys on.
Here’s the short version: it’s a neighborhood sushi bar you root for, the kind of family-run place that’s still turning out solid maki and nigiri after all this time. My two favorite bites were the seared salmon nigiri and the Geisha roll, and if you’re anywhere near northwest Baltimore, those alone are worth the drive. It’s not flashy, but it’s a comfortable, been-here-forever kind of spot, and that’s exactly the kind of place I love shining a light on!
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What Makes Chiyo Sushi a Standout Japanese Restaurant in Mount Washington
Chiyo’s been a fixture here for two decades, which in restaurant years is basically forever, and that kind of staying power tells you something about how they treat people and how consistent the food is. They’re best known for their maki and sushi, but the menu runs deeper than that, with Japanese classics like age tofu, ebi tempura and salmon teriyaki if you’re not in a raw-fish mood. There’s even a ghost kitchen attached doing donburi rice bowls, plus boba if you want something sweet to sip on. If you’re the type who likes rooting for the little guy, check out Sushi Ya, another sushi hidden gem, tucked away in Owings Mills.
What to Order at Chiyo Sushi
Okay, here’s everything I got and what I’d steer you toward.
Seared Salmon Nigiri
This was my favorite bite of the entire visit. Torching the salmon gives it a smoky, buttery edge that a plain slice just doesn’t have. If you only try one thing here, make it this. An absolute must!
Geisha Roll
My other standout, and the roll I’d tell you to order without thinking twice. It’s one of their signature maki, and it’s one of those rolls that earns a repeat order. I’d get it again in a heartbeat! Pair it with the seared salmon nigiri and you’ve basically got my ideal Chiyo order right there.
Lychee Boba
Chiyo does boba too, so I had to try the lychee. Real talk, it was a little on the sweet side for me, but I still crushed the whole thing, lol. If you’ve got a sweet tooth you’ll be all over it! If you don’t, just know it leans sweet.
I didn’t get to everything, but the menu’s got range if you’re building a bigger order. A few things worth knowing about:
- Donburi rice bowls from the ghost kitchen, like the tekka don (tuna) and sake don (salmon), if you’d rather have a fuss-free bowl than piece together sushi.
- Age tofu and ebi tempura for the table, both classic Japanese starters.
- Salmon teriyaki for anyone in your group who doesn’t do raw fish.
- Vegetarian rolls like cucumber and veggie tempura, so plant-based folks aren’t stuck with edamame.
And if a build-your-own situation is more your speed, Edorrito over in Nottingham does sushi burritos, which is a totally different but fun way to get your fix.
What Is Agedashi Tofu?
If you’ve spotted age tofu (agedashi tofu) on the menu and weren’t sure what it is, here’s the rundown. It’s soft tofu that’s lightly coated and deep-fried until the outside turns delicate and crisp, then set in a warm, savory dashi broth and usually topped with grated daikon, ginger and scallions. It’s a comforting, classic way to start a Japanese meal without anything heavy, and a great pick if raw fish isn’t your thing!
The Vibe and Experience
Chiyo’s a cozy, unpretentious neighborhood spot, not a scene. You come here for good sushi and warm, personal service, not for a big flashy dining room. Linda and her husband run it with real warmth, and that hospitality’s honestly half the reason to go. It works as an easy weeknight dinner or a low-key date night, and the Mount Washington Village location makes it a natural pairing with the rest of the block. If you’re doing a Japanese food crawl around Baltimore, tack on Ejji Ramen in Harbor East for round two.
Good to Know
- Location: 📍 1619 Sulgrave Ave, Baltimore, MD 21209, in Mount Washington Village.
- Hours: open Tuesday through Sunday, closed Mondays, with weekend service starting earlier (3PM) on Saturday and Sunday. I went in the evening, so call ahead at (410) 466-1000 if you’re aiming for a specific time.
- Price: moderate, and a solid value for the quality you’re getting.
- Reservations: walk-ins are fine, but it’s worth a quick call during busy weekend hours. Book by phone at (410) 466-1000.
- Parking: there’s a small lot plus street parking nearby, though both can fill up, so give yourself a minute.
- Takeout and delivery: takeout’s available, and they’re on DoorDash if you’d rather stay in.
- Order online or browse the full menu at their website.
Would I Go Back to Chiyo Sushi?
Chiyo’s not trying to be the fanciest sushi in Baltimore, and it doesn’t need to be. It’s a warm, family-run neighborhood spot with genuinely good nigiri and rolls, and that seared salmon nigiri alone would pull me back. If you live anywhere around Mount Washington or northwest Baltimore, this belongs in your regular rotation. For a big special-occasion sushi splurge I’d point you somewhere pricier, but for honest, comforting, been-here-forever sushi made by people who actually care, Chiyo’s a keeper!
Have you guys been to Chiyo yet? LMK in the comments, Nomsters, and if you’ve got a Mount Washington sushi order you swear by, put me on. Save this one for the next time you’re up in the neighborhood, and send it to your sushi-loving friend while you’re at it.