Restaurants come and go in the downtown Modesto scene, but Raw Sushi Bistro seems to be making an impression on locals since its establishment on I Street just eight months ago.

Raw Sushi Bistro, the sister restaurant of a successful location in Stockton for eight years, is an adventurous sushi lover’s dream. A trendy setting that features high-backed leather booths and a glossy bar backdrop with dozens of bottles, eating at Raw is a  culinary and aesthetic experience.

“We’re not the traditional sushi restaurant in that we are a little more exotic and fusion. We’re about presentation and we make it bold. Our food is very precise tasting,” said Tim Le, manager of Raw.

Customers at Raw can expect fresh, premium quality fish from an experienced staff, led by a chef with more than 25 years in the sushi industry. True to its name, the fresh sashimi, or raw fish, is what draws many locals into the restaurant’s door but its the diverse menu and upbeat environment that keeps them coming back for more.

“As far as sushi rolls go, we are more of a create-your-own-roll and don’t go by the traditional expectations. We want to cater to the customer’s expectation,” said Le.

Raw also keeps on top of trends with their number one best selling item, the Dante Inferno Roll, which is bursting with fresh tuna and seared salmon, tempura jalapenos and more. For more items and information, Raw Sushi Bistro is open Monday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and only 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays.