Restaurants

Beloved Pinecrest Staple Sushi Rock Closes After 20 Years

Beloved Pinecrest staple Sushi Rock has closed after two decades, marking the end of an era at Suniland Shopping Center.
Beloved Pinecrest staple Sushi Rock has closed after two decades, marking the end of an era at Suniland Shopping Center for area residents.

Sushi Rock photo

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Sushi Rock, the longstanding Japanese and sushi restaurant in Suniland, appears to have quietly closed after more than two decades on South Dixie Highway in Pinecrest.

The restaurant at 11293 S. Dixie Hwy. in Pinecrest has been listed as permanently closed across multiple platforms, and its online ordering portal now displays the business as closed, accompanied by a message stating that online ordering is temporarily unavailable. The exact date the dining room stopped serving customers is unclear, although the closure appears to have occurred sometime earlier this year.

Sushi Rock debuted in the early 2000s, and for residents of Pinecrest and Kendall, it served as a consistent go-to spot for casual sushi dinners, takeout orders, and group meals before or after errands in the Suniland area.

Folks loved ordering the “Spicy Tuna Lover” roll at Sushi Rock in Pinecrest

Sushi Rock photo

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Two Decades of Spicy Tuna Rolls and Chicken Teriyaki

Sushi Rock built its reputation on a large menu that mixed Japanese and Thai influences. Alongside standard nigiri and sashimi, the restaurant offered an extensive list of makimono rolls, ranging from the classic tekka and California rolls to more elaborate specialty sushi rolls that were popular among area teens, young adults, and families alike, such as the “Spicy Tuna Lover,” “Spicy Salmon Lover,” “Hot and Spicy Hamachi,” and, of course, the “Dragon” roll. The “Spicy Tuna Dragon” roll was also a fan favorite.

The kitchen served far more than sushi. Regulars ordered Pad Thai, yakisoba noodles, fried rice, chicken katsu, teriyaki salmon, shrimp tempura, and mixed seafood combinations. Vegetarian guests had options such as vegetable rolls, tofu dishes, and stir-fried mixed vegetables. Combination plates and large sushi boats made it a popular choice for families and larger groups. The menu featured sushi and sashimi combos, multiroll sets, and shared boats for two to four people.

Sushi Rock at Suniland Plaza in Pinecrest had funky musical decor and mood lighting

Sushi Rock photo

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A Longtime Pinecrest Favorite Goes Dark

Unlike other sushi chains with visible ownership and expansion stories, Sushi Rock kept a low profile. What diners did know was the restaurant’s reputation for consistency, friendly service, and a broad selection that made it easy to satisfy mixed tastes. Oh, and of course, it featured funky musical decor, including a hanging electric guitar and a few vinyl records scattered along the walls.

The restaurant was a go-to spot in the neighborhood for lunches, weeknight dinners, quick takeout orders, and office gatherings. Its wide menu and affordable pricing helped it remain a reliable option for more than two decades.

There has been no formal public announcement regarding the closure on social media or elsewhere. For now, the familiar Suniland storefront has gone dark, marking the end of one of the area’s longest-running and only sushi options.

Sushi Rock. 11293 S. Dixie Hwy., Pinecrest. Now closed.

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