85 Asian Fusion in Oklahoma City: Elevated Small Plates and Sushi in Upscale Casual Setting

85 Asian Fusion is a full-service restaurant specializing in sushi, sashimi, and pan-Asian small plates, positioned between casual neighborhood sushi spots and high-end omakase venues. The kitchen focuses on Japanese technique with international ingredients, and the bar stocks Japanese whiskeys, sake, and house cocktails. It operates as a sit-down establishment in a modest-sized dining room with counter and table seating, serving both the after-work drinks crowd and dinner parties.

What 85 Asian Fusion actually is

The restaurant combines a sushi counter with a full kitchen producing hot and cold Asian fusion dishes. The sushi offerings include traditional nigiri and rolls as well as house specials that layer Japanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian flavors. The "fusion" element appears mainly in appetizers and entrées rather than the sushi menu itself, with dishes like miso-glazed short ribs or Thai curry-based preparations sharing menu space with straightforward sashimi platters. This dual structure means a customer can order strictly traditional Japanese or venture into cross-regional experimentation depending on their preference.

Menu and pricing

Sushi rolls range from $6 to $16 per roll, with signature rolls falling between $12 and $16. Sashimi platters start at $18 for a small assortment and climb to $45 for a large presentation. Appetizers, including gyoza, edamame, and tempura items, run $7 to $12. Entrées (seared tuna, glazed short ribs, curry dishes) are priced from $14 to $24. Sake by the glass ranges from $8 to $15, with beer under $6 and cocktails at $9 to $12. Happy hour pricing, when available, typically reduces appetizers and select drinks by 20 to 30 percent; confirm current hours with the restaurant before visiting, as promotional timing changes seasonally.

How it compares to other Oklahoma City Asian fusion options

85 Asian Fusion differs from Mikado Sushi, another Oklahoma City sushi-focused restaurant, primarily in menu breadth and bar culture. Mikado emphasizes traditional Japanese technique with a narrower, deeper sushi selection and less developed cocktail programming; choose Mikado if you want sushi to be your sole focus and prefer a quieter, more traditional setting. 85 Asian Fusion appeals more to diners seeking variety within a single meal and a stronger social atmosphere, with its larger bar and fusion appetizer menu. Against casual Asian chains like Benihana, 85 Asian Fusion offers higher ingredient quality and more refined plating at comparable or slightly higher price points, without the theatrical tableside cooking. For customers wanting budget-friendly Asian food, local Vietnamese and Thai restaurants around NW 36th Street offer comparable small plates at lower cost, but without sushi or the same level of craft in cocktail preparation.

Who it suits and who it does not suit

This restaurant works well for date nights, small business dinners, and groups of four to six wanting to share multiple dishes and drinks. The counter seating accommodates solo diners or pairs interested in watching the sushi preparation up close. It suits customers comfortable with price points typical of urban sushi restaurants and willing to ask servers for guidance on dishes that are not immediately familiar. The fusion elements attract adventurous eaters; traditionalists seeking pure omakase experience or comprehensive Japanese kaiseki will find other venues better aligned. Families with very young children can dine here but will find the atmosphere and menu less tailored to them than to adult crowds.

What the first visit involves

Upon arrival, staff seat you at table or counter depending on availability and preference. Ask about any seasonal specials not listed on the menu, as these often represent the kitchen's strongest work. If you are unsure about fusion dishes, server descriptions tend to be straightforward; ordering a combination of one traditional roll, one signature roll, and one appetizer gives a broad sense of the kitchen's range. The pace of service allows unhurried eating; expect a full meal with drinks to take 60 to 90 minutes.

Hours, parking, and logistics

85 Asian Fusion operates seven days a week; specific opening and closing times vary by day and may shift seasonally, so confirm before your first visit. Parking is available in a shared lot adjacent to the restaurant, with street parking also available in the surrounding area. The restaurant accepts walk-ins and reservations, with reservations recommended on Friday and Saturday evenings. It is located in an easily accessible shopping area with multiple nearby retailers, making it simple to combine a meal with other errands.

The restaurant sustains its position in Oklahoma City's dining landscape by maintaining consistent sushi quality while offering enough menu variety to justify repeat visits and to accommodate diverse party preferences in a single evening.