Another Restaurant That Serves Burrito-Sized Sushi Is Coming

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The group behind Chi-Cha Lounge, Guarapo, and Maté is getting into the business of burrito-sized sushi rolls. They'll open Rolls By U with customizable "ritos" as well as regular-sized rolls and bowls by the middle of next week at 1731 Wilson Blvd. in Arlington.

Rolls By U follows Buredo, another oversized sushi roll joint that opened near Franklin Park in July. But Director of Operations Farees Salim claims the idea for Rolls By U actually predates Buredo and that they've had a lease for the concept for nearly two years. 

Still, to differentiate itself from the competition, Rolls By U will allow guests to customize their dishes."There's a lot of allergies. There's a lot of restrictions on what people eat. So they can come there and create their own rolls," Salim says.

For bowls and "ritos," patrons can decide between white rice, brown rice, or quinoa and a selection of greens as the base. Rolls also have a choice of rice as well as soy paper or seaweed paper. From there, people can pick one or two proteins from a list of nearly a dozen options, including tuna, salmon, grilled chicken, tofu, shrimp, and crab mix. Additional stuffings include everything from ginger guacamole to mango to jalapeno. The dishes are topped off with sauces like sweet teriyaki or sriracha aioli and crunchies like wonton crisps and sauteed shallots. For salads, dressings range from truffle balsamic to sesame soy-vinaigrette.

The restaurant will also have a number of "signature" rolls and ritos, including one with yellowfin tuna, lotus chips, cucumber, romaine lettuce, ginger guacamole, roasted corn, tobiko, and wasabi aioli. Prices will range from $7 to $8 for rolls, $10 for ritos, and $11 for bowls.

Unlike Buredo which has a single communal table in its tiny space, Rolls By U aims to not just cater to a to-go crowd. The high-ceilinged restaurant has 48 seats each with their own USB ports. Beer, wine, sake, and Champagne will also be available.

Rolls By U, 1731 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; tryrolls.com

Photo from Taste of DC by Jessica Sidman