With multiple locations around the Great Lakes State, Maru is a Michigan chain of Japanese fusion restaurants with unique sushi rolls, shareable plates, craft cocktails, and delectable desserts. Based on my own date nights at Maru, I had to include it on this list of romantic restaurants in Grand Rapids. Not only did I once have a fun first date at this location just down the block from grove in the East Hills neighborhood, but the Kalamazoo location became a favorite for date nights with my husband.

With six locations spread across Michigan, the Grand Rapids location is nestled in the neighborhood of East Grand Rapids located on Cherry Street. Maru Sushi is a perfect blend of traditional cuisine with modern touches that make incredible dishes. Not only is the food stellar, but their happy hour is also just as great with both food and drink specials running Monday through Friday 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm and even on the weekends from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm.

Owner Robert Song and Chef Moon Yang provide some of Grand Rapids’ most delectable sashimi, nigiri, sushi rolls, hibachi, and sake inside of their stylish East Hills location. Every day, the culinary team at Maru buys fresh seafood and combines it with high-grade sushi rice and homemade sauces to create bold and imaginative sushi rolls. The contemporary décor offers up the ideal setting to enjoy your meal and the waitstaff is friendly and attentive.

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (226 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: Japanese, Sushi- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 927 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506-1403- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like:Highest-ranked pizza restaurants in Grand Rapids by diners

This dish at the East Hills eatery is a work of art: tuna, halibut, salmon, octopus, yellowtail, shrimp and conch were intertwined with organic greens, onions, radish, carrots, cucumber, masago (capelin roe), lettuce, garlic ponzu and grapeseed oil. "Each bite lathered inside my mouth like a piece of heaven," Aquino wrote.

Located in the midst of a culinary hotbed on Cherry Street, Maru Sushi holds its own as one of the most innovative, trendy sushi joints in town. The décor is reminiscent of an ultra-hip big city sushi restaurant. The plates mirror modern abstract masterpieces, and Maru works with fresh, local and organic ingredients.

Maru features delicious hand-rolled rolls, specialty rolls, and hibachi cuisine. Maru also has an amazing selection of nonalcoholic and alcoholic drinks, appetizers, and traditional Asian cuisine sides. Grab a seat inside or on the patio, or get your sushi takeout while you are on the go.

Japanese restaurant featuring unique sushi rolls, hibachi eats & cocktails, plus patio seating. Must try dish: Maru’velous Roll: crab, cucumber, avocado topped with spicy tuna, lobster, wasabi tobiko, honey wasabi aioli and eel sauce. Address: 927 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

Japanese fusion restaurant featuring unique sushi rolls, sharing plates & cocktails in stylish surroundings. The Cherry Street location became so popular, the owners had to open a second on Bridge Street to keep up with demand for the best sushi in Grand Rapids.

My favorite vegan options there are the “boogie veggie” roll and the sweet potato tempura roll. This is another restaurant that’s often busy, so you might want to make a reservation before you go. They have restaurants in both Grand Rapids and East Lansing.

They actually have a few locations throughout Michigan in Detroit, East Lansing, Kalamazoo, Midland, Okemos and of course Grand Rapids. I really love their spicy salmon roll and edamame paired with a glass of wine. Also, don’t miss their great happy hour!

Maru features creative sushi rolls and is one of our top choices for sushi in Grand Rapids. Now you can enjoy Maru in two different locations. – Maru on Cherry Street is open for dinner and a great place to grab a creative sushi roll.

Japanese restaurant Maru Sushi features unique sushi rolls and hibachi eats, many of which can be made GF. Servers are knowledgeable and prepared to advise you on the substitutions the kitchen can make to allow you to dine safely.

Maru is the East Grand Rapids restaurant to be for sushi rolls. This restaurant offers creative sushi rolls – Such as the Blue Mango and the Super Mario Roll. They also serve classic favorites that everyone knows and loves.

Raphael Jones has 10 years of experience in restaurant management, including at Maru. He is currently general manager of Buddy’s Pizza, located on 28th Street, a position he is leaving to operate his new restaurant full-time.

Up to 30 new full- and part-time restaurant jobs are on the menu in Grand Rapids' East Hills with the opening of Maru Sushi & Grill, a sushi and Japanese steakhouse under construction at 925 Cherry St. SE.

Favorite restaurants include Bistro Bella Vita, with an inviting Mediterranean menu; Mertens, a brasserie serving up French classics; Maru Sushi; and MDRD (pronounced Madrid), with modern Spanish fare.

Nothing says summer is here than fresh sushi on the patio at Maru. Located on the vibrant Cherry Street, Maru delivers fresh food and great happy hour specials that make this patio a can’t miss stop.

A popular sushi joint with an impressive variety and a vibe that keeps you coming back for more, but be ready to flag down the staff. Great GR sushi spot!