Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey

Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey sits along North Palm Canyon Drive, just north of downtown Palm Springs. The front door opens straight into a single-level dining room: one side anchored by a sushi bar with counter seating, the rest filled out with tables set close but not crowded. Regulars often head for the bar if they’re solo or want to watch the chefs at work. The menu covers the bases for a modern sushi spot, but with a few twists. Sushi and sashimi are cut to order – salmon, tuna, yellowtail, and a rotating list of other fish. An omakase option lets the chef lead, usually running through nine courses and finishing with dessert. Small plates show up early: spicy tuna tortillas, tostadas, bao, octopus, and the occasional off-menu bite if the kitchen’s feeling creative. Hot dishes lean classic, like Hamachi Kama (grilled yellowtail collar) and miso soup with a handful of enoki mushrooms. Drinks play a big role here. The whiskey list stretches long, with plenty of Japanese bottles and a few specialties like Japanese plum whiskey that sometimes gets poured for the curious. The bar also turns out cocktails and keeps champagne on hand. Atmosphere stays relaxed – nothing flashy in the design, just simple lines and a comfortable setup. Most nights bring a steady background of conversation and the occasional burst of laughter. The space handles both special occasions and casual dinners without feeling stiff. Reservations are smart, especially for groups or weekends, but the bar usually has a seat open for walk-ins. For birthdays or celebrations, the kitchen sometimes sends out a small extra, but it’s low-key. Dessert might be a madeleine with sweet cream or something similar to close things out. The place runs on a steady rhythm – efficient, familiar, and always anchored by the bar and the open prep behind it.