Chin is one of those places that I'm always shocked to find half-empty when I get there. With so many incredibly mediocre, overrated sushi restaurants in the Richmond constantly packed, slightly out-of-the-way but fantastic Chin seems to get short-changed. Hopefully with enough glowing reviews they'll start getting the attention they deserve.\r
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Chin's interior is austere and understated and generally comfortable, although we've been there on cold nights and the interior has been a little too chilly for our taste. Service is extremely friendly and attentive, and the owner himself gets involved in making sure everyone is happy.\r
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The food is for the most part far from traditional sushi, and while their good variety of nigiri and sashimi are all well cut and fresh they aren't the reason we go there. From soups to small plates to sushi rolls to entrees, their dishes are all innovative, creative with flavors and ingredients, and most importantly delicious. \r
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Their small plates range from interesting takes on traditional japanese appetizers to totally new blends of Japanese and other cuisines, such as the warm chow fun-wrapped rolls. Their sushi rolls, while a bit pricey, are large, filling, and feature an incredible array of flavors and textures. Sauce isn't used nearly as heavily as other fusion sushi restaurants, instead used in small drizzles to accentuate already taste-packed rolls. They don't have a wide variety of entrees, but the ones they do have are all tremendous, so non-sushi eaters in your group will come away satisfied. Finally, they have a large variety of Japanese style ice cream for dessert.\r
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The main downsides of the restaurant are the expense, which while no worse than other fusion sushi restaurants in the city is still in the range of $25-$35 per person total, perhaps too prohibitive to eat there as frequently as we'd like to, and parking, which can be a nightmare (take a bus!). Overall, though, you can't go wrong with Chin.
Pros: all food is excellent, nice ambience and service
Cons: not cheap, parking is difficult in the area
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