There’s a new sushi place in town, folks!

Sora Teriyaki & Sushi recently opened its doors at 448 E. College Ave., inside the Oliv Hetzel apartment building. The Japanese-style restaurant features a wide range of dishes, including appetizers, cooked and raw sushi, and teriyaki bowls.

Our staff ventured over to try the spot and give their reviews!

Emily Bonavita: California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll & Philly Roll

At first, when I saw that they were putting a sushi restaurant right across from my apartment, I was so excited. However, I was left a little disappointed. I kept it very simple with my order, getting a California roll, a spicy tuna roll, and a Philly roll.

The rolls were pretty cheap, which was a nice change from Tadashi. However, they were very bland and did not have much flavor. Overall, my experience was pretty good, and they were giving out free fountain drinks, which was a nice surprise!

Cooper Cazares: Chesapeake Lump Crab Roll

If you know me, you know I’m a sucker for crab. I don’t care where I am, crab is my ride or die. And as a Chesapeake, Virginia native, I felt it was my responsibility to try the Chesapeake Lump Crab Roll when I was tasked to try Sora for the first time.

The cooked roll consisted of crab, cucumber, and avocado, with Old Bay seasoned over top. I thought it was OK. It wasn’t anything to brag about, but the Old Bay on top did remind me of home, so it gets a boost. I’d give the roll a solid 6/10 as it didn’t blow me away, but I wouldn’t mind going back if I had the craving. 

Madison Sosnowski: Chicken Teriyaki Bowl & Garden Salad With Ginger Dressing

I’m not really into sushi, but I’m absolutely obsessed with chicken teriyaki and always love a good ginger dressing, so I was really looking forward to this. However, to put it bluntly, I was extremely disappointed. Not only was the chicken bland, but everything had little to no flavor.

Personally, it’s not a place I would want to go again. Maybe if I liked sushi more, I would be more interested, but overall, I would rate it a 4/10. The salad tasted like ice, and the ginger dressing tasted like water. It just wasn’t for me, but it’s nice to know that if I ever want to try it again, it’s an easy option.

Oscar Orellana: Beef Teriyaki Bowl & California Roll

I love teriyaki bowls as much as the next guy, but I feel like this missed the mark for me just a hair. It just didn’t have that signature teriyaki flavor or smell that I’ve come to know and love. However, it wasn’t a bad bowl. I liked the steamed vegetables and the meat, while not as much teriyaki-like as I enjoy, it was still good. You also can’t mess up white rice to tie it all together.

Would I go back? Probably. I’d steer clear of the sushi, though. That California roll was not the best. But the bowls are worth a try.

Malea Nadeo: Chicken Teriyaki Bowl

My review isn’t anything particularly surprising, much like my experience at Sora. Located beneath Oliv Hetzel, the restaurant offers a range of options, from teriyaki bowls and sushi to appetizers like soups and salad. Anyone can review sushi, so I settled on ordering a teriyaki bowl. At $9.99, I chose chicken, white rice, and steamed vegetables for my bowl.

Within my first bite, I could tell that it was lacking some flavor. For being labeled “teriyaki,” I expected a bit more, well, teriyaki. Unfortunately, the sauce was barely noticeable, leaving the bowl pretty bland overall.

My friend ordered a side of edamame, which also fell short. It didn’t have any salt on it, and still lacked flavor. I’d rate my experience a solid 6.5/10. The portions were great, prices were reasonable, but the lack of flavor held it back.

One redeeming quality? The soda fountain carries Coke products.

Ally Eaton: Chicken Teriyaki Roll, Spicy Shrimp Tempura Roll & Spring Roll

A new sushi restaurant underneath your apartment building is a dangerous game, let me tell you. I love sushi, so I was super stoked when Sora finally finished construction. I found both of my rolls to be very good and something a little different, as well as reasonably priced. The spring roll was also delicious and filled with a variety of steamed vegetables.

I thought the menu featured a very wide array of options, and you simply can’t beat sushi three steps from your door. I will definitely be back to Sora and am looking forward to trying more of the options!

CJ Gill: Spicy Salmon Roll, Spicy Crab Roll & Spring Roll

I’ve now gone to Sora twice since it opened a few weeks ago, and I confidently say it doesn’t disappoint. The first time I went, I got a spicy salmon and a spicy crab roll. Both rolls were delicious and reasonably priced. 

I also got two spring rolls with my dinner, and they might have been the best part of the meal. Altogether, it was less than $20, and I heard the teriyaki bowls are good if that’s what you like. I’ve got no complaints about the newest sushi spot in State College.