We visited Sumo Asian Kitchen in Arden, North Carolina, as a family on a Saturday at around 3:00 p.m. It turned out to be an easy, relaxed meal from beginning to end.
There were a few other diners, but we did not have to wait for a table. The restaurant was quiet and pleasant, and the staff were friendly and attentive without making us feel rushed.
Our food arrived noticeably quickly, which was especially appreciated while dining with children. Sometimes the smallest details make a family meal go smoothly, and Sumo Asian Kitchen got many of those details right.
About Sumo Asian Kitchen in Arden, NC
Sumo Asian Kitchen is located at 330 Rockwood Road, Unit 112, Arden, NC 28704, in the Shops on Rockwood shopping center.
The restaurant offers a broad menu that goes well beyond sushi. According to Explore Asheville , Sumo combines Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Thai culinary influences.
Its official menu includes hibachi, ramen, pho, pad Thai, Japanese curry, Korean bulgogi, rice bowls, bento boxes, sashimi, and numerous specialty rolls.
For families with different food preferences, the menu's variety is a definite advantage. There's plenty to choose from whether you're interested in sushi or prefer a cooked meal.
What We Ordered at Sumo Asian Kitchen
Our family ordered two cucumber-avocado rolls, one California roll, one Tiger Roll, crispy tofu, and vegetable tempura.
This was the right amount of food for two adults and two children. We finished everything and did not have any leftovers.
More importantly, we liked every single item and would happily order the same meal again.
Cucumber-Avocado Rolls
We ordered two cucumber-avocado rolls as part of our sushi selection.
These are a useful choice for diners who prefer sushi without raw fish. Anyone with dietary restrictions should still confirm the ingredients and preparation method before ordering.
California Roll and Tiger Roll
Along with the cucumber-avocado rolls, we chose a California roll and a Tiger Roll.
Together, the four rolls made up the main part of our meal. We enjoyed every one of them.
Sumo offers numerous specialty rolls, so there are plenty of other combinations we'd like to explore on a future visit.
Crispy Tofu and Vegetable Tempura
We also ordered crispy tofu and vegetable tempura.
These cooked appetizers helped round out the meal and gave us more variety alongside the sushi rolls.
We enjoyed both dishes, and there wasn't anything left on the table.
If your family enjoys exploring Asian restaurants in the Asheville area, you may also like our review of Mr. Tea Asian Bistro .
Service and Atmosphere at Sumo Asian Kitchen
We visited on a Saturday at approximately 3:00 p.m. The restaurant had a few other diners, but we were seated right away.
The atmosphere was quiet and pleasant, making it easy for us to enjoy our meal together.
The restaurant appeared well staffed. Everyone was alert and friendly without hovering over us or making us feel rushed.
Our food arrived noticeably quickly, which made the experience even better.
Thoughtful Details for Families
One of the things I appreciated most was how attentive the staff were to the children.
They brought chopsticks for the kids without us having to ask.
The dishes and silverware were very clean, and we were given plenty of napkins.
Those details might seem small, but they help make a family meal much easier.
More Than Sushi: What We'd Like to Try Next
One of Sumo Asian Kitchen's biggest strengths is its extensive menu.
While our first visit focused on sushi and appetizers, we're already looking forward to returning and trying some of the other dishes.
The restaurant serves hibachi, ramen, pho, rice bowls, Japanese curry, Korean bulgogi, and other Asian-inspired meals.
Families with different tastes can easily mix sushi with cooked dishes or noodle meals.
Does Sumo Have Options for Children?
Yes. Sumo has a dedicated kids' menu for children ages 12 and younger.
Choices include hibachi chicken, shrimp or steak, crispy chicken karaage, fried rice, steamed rice, and noodles.
That selection is particularly helpful for children who may not be interested in sushi.
You can see the options on Sumo's current menu .
Convenient to I-26, Asheville, and Lake Lure
Sumo Asian Kitchen is located in the Shops on Rockwood shopping center, just off Interstate 26 near Exit 40 for Airport Road and NC-280.
This makes it a convenient stop for travelers and families exploring the greater Asheville area.
Under normal road and traffic conditions, the restaurant is approximately 12 miles, or around 20 minutes, from downtown Asheville.
From central Lake Lure, the distance is approximately 25 to 30 miles, with an estimated drive of around 40 to 45 minutes.
Travel times can vary depending on your location, traffic, and road closures. Check DriveNC for current conditions.
If you're exploring dining options around Lake Lure, you might also enjoy our La Strada at Lake Lure review .
Would We Go Back to Sumo Asian Kitchen?
Absolutely.
For our family, Sumo Asian Kitchen checked several important boxes: a convenient location, a clean and comfortable dining room, genuinely friendly service, and food that arrived quickly.
The menu offers enough variety that we already have ideas for our next visit.
We enjoyed everything we ordered and will definitely return.
More Family-Friendly Restaurants in Western North Carolina
If you're looking for more family-tested restaurants around Asheville, Lake Lure, and Chimney Rock, explore these FamilyCritic reviews.
Sumo Asian Kitchen Location and Practical Information
Arden, NC 28704
Frequently Asked Questions About Sumo Asian Kitchen
Does Sumo Asian Kitchen have a kids' menu?
Yes. The menu includes a section for children 12 and younger, with hibachi chicken, shrimp or steak, crispy chicken karaage, rice, and noodles. Our kids also received chopsticks automatically, which was a thoughtful touch.
What can someone order if they don't want raw sushi?
There are plenty of alternatives, including hibachi meals, noodle and rice dishes, crispy tofu, vegetable tempura, and cucumber-avocado rolls. Check the restaurant's menu for raw-ingredient warnings and ask the staff if you have dietary concerns.
How much food might a family of four need?
Our family of two adults and two children ordered six menu items, including four sushi rolls and two appetizers. We ate everything and had no leftovers, so that amount worked well for us.
Is Sumo Asian Kitchen open at 3:00 p.m.?
It is on weekends. The posted Saturday hours are noon to 9:30 p.m., and Sunday hours are noon to 9:00 p.m. On weekdays, the restaurant closes between 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. Check the official hours before visiting.
Can you order food ahead?
Yes. Sumo Asian Kitchen offers online ordering through its website. This can be useful for travelers wanting to pick up food before returning to Asheville, Lake Lure, or a nearby hotel.
Is parking available?
Yes. The restaurant is in the Shops on Rockwood shopping center, with a shared surface parking lot outside the businesses.
Sumo Asian Kitchen
330 Rockwood Rd, Unit 112
Arden, NC 28704
Posted hours:
Monday–Friday:
11:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
4:30–9:30 p.m.
Saturday: Noon–9:30 p.m.
Sunday: Noon–9:00 p.m.
Hours may change. Check the official contact page before visiting.
Looking for More Family Dining Around Asheville?
Sumo Asian Kitchen was an enjoyable stop for our family, but there are plenty of other restaurants worth discovering throughout Western North Carolina.
- Try another Asian restaurant in our Mr. Tea Asian Bistro review .
- Explore casual dining near Tanger Outlets in our Apollo Flame review .
- Planning a visit to Lake Lure? Read our La Strada review .
- Discover more family-tested restaurants on FamilyCritic.com.
Reviewed by Family Critic, where we share thoughtful, experience-based restaurant reviews from places our family actually visits.
— Ashley
FamilyCritic.com
