After a couple weeks of marvelous pizza, pasta, cheese and cured meats… we need something else. Often, we head down Via della Mercede to an elegant yet welcoming sushi restaurant that feels like an old friend, Hamaesi. That’s where we found ourselves recently for dinner.

It did not disappoint on any element. As always, the service was excellent — thoughtful and observant but never hovering. The interior is delightfully quiet and calming, with a minimalist decor. People from all over Rome regard this long-standing restaurant highly. I always love coming here, not just when I need a break from Roman cuisine but also for the high quality experience it provides.

We started out with a complimentary amuse bouche, a bit of crunchy fried chicken tidbits. While we appreciated it, it was quickly surpassed by the other selections of the evening.

Next was a tremendous tofu dish, so good that Laura was reluctant to share. We’ll be ordering two of these the next time!

After that, a very light and delicate tempura.

The next dish really stole the show, and was an unexpected treat — a barbecued eggplant that was soft, creamy, and oh-so-savory.

Obviously we wanted sushi, too! As always, it was fresh and well made.

For dessert, we had a Japanese pancake, which I liked very much for its on-the-spot level of sweetness and texture (Laura was less enthusiastic).

I always look forward to the wonderful pasta, pizza, and other wonderful foods in Rome. Heck, I sometimes dream about it. But after a few weeks — and sometimes days — of nothing but Italian cuisine, my system cries out for something else. When yours does too, you really can’t go wrong at Hamasei.